How difficult is it to keep Californian Rabbit?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the lifespan of Californian Rabbit?

The average lifespan of Californian Rabbit is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Californian Rabbit get?

Californian Rabbit typically reaches 40-50cm / 3.5-5kg as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Californian Rabbit?

Californian Rabbit feeds on: Timothy hay, rabbit pellets, leafy greens. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Californian Rabbit?

The price of Californian Rabbit varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Californian Rabbit

Beginner

Oryctolagus 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. 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. Common health concerns include sore hocks, dental malocclusion, and GI stasis.

Lifespan of the Californian Rabbit

The Californian Rabbit lives 5-8 years.

Lifespan is 5–8 years.

Size of the Californian Rabbit

The Californian Rabbit grows to 40-50cm / 3.5-5kg.

Adults measure 40–50 cm and weigh 3.5–5 kg.

Temperature & humidity for the Californian Rabbit

Optimal temperature is 15–25 °C; they are sensitive to heat and humidity.

Basic Info

Origin

United States (California)

Lifespan

5-8 years

Care Specifications

Pair

Sources: RWAF Rabbit companionship

Morphs (Varieties)

ARBA-recognized Californian is a single variety (Standard). White body with Himalayan points (colored nose/ears/feet/tail) is a breed-fixed characteristic.

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: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

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 / Ministry of the Environment Specified Alien Species List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.