Source: Wikimedia Commons
Californian Rabbit
BeginnerOryctolagus cuniculus
Medium-sized rabbit with distinctive black markings on ears, nose, feet, and tail against a white body. Docile and easy to care for.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
40-50cm / 3.5-5kg
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Timothy hay, rabbit pellets, leafy greens
About
The Californian rabbit is a large breed developed in the United States in the 1920s–30s by George West in California, through crosses between the Himalayan and Standard Chinchilla breeds with New Zealand White rabbits. Adults measure 40–50 cm and weigh 3.5–5 kg. Their coat is white with dark (typically black or very dark brown) color restricted to the nose, ears, feet, and tail—a pattern similar to the Himalayan rabbit but on a larger, more muscular frame. Originally developed as a commercial meat and fur breed, Californian rabbits are valued in the pet world for their calm, docile temperament and ease of handling. Housing must be spacious with daily free-roaming exercise. Their large size demands ample high-quality hay and appropriate pellet portions. Optimal temperature is 15–25 °C; they are sensitive to heat and humidity. Common health concerns include sore hocks, dental malocclusion, and GI stasis. Lifespan is 5–10 years.
Basic Info
Origin
United States (California)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
40-50cm / 3.5-5kg
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Timothy hay, rabbit pellets, leafy greens
Care Guide
Housing
Spacious cage or pen. Ensure daily exercise time
Care Specifications
Pair
Sources: RWAF Rabbit companionship
Morphs (Varieties)
ARBA 公認 Californian は単一 variety(Standard)。白体に himalayan ポイント(鼻/耳/足/尾が有色)が品種固定特徴。
Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.
Standard (Himalayan-pointed)
Sources: ARBA Recognized Breeds and Varieties
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices / 環境省 特定外来生物一覧
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Californian Rabbit Listings
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