Californian Rabbit

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.

Timothy hay, rabbit pellets, leafy greens