Californian Rabbit
Californian Rabbit Pet Profile
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8-11 pounds (3.5-5 kg) |
| Fur | Medium length, coarse |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Personality | Good-natured, full of energy |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Suitable for | Beginners and experienced owners |
| Origin | USA |
| Indoor | Yes |
| Outdoor | Yes |
| Special characteristics | Black fur markings |
| Similar breeds | New Zealand, Chinchilla rabbit |
Characteristics
How lovely are these little guys? Californian Rabbits, or California Whites, are easy to spot thanks to the cute markings that are similar like those on Siamese or Burmese cats. These cute little cottontails are completely white apart from the dark markings on their noses, ears and paws. Californians are not a dwarf breed, so you’re looking at a pretty big bunny. But they have very sweet, loving characters. They are especially even-tempered, docile and calm, even bordering on shy.
Personality
The California White is no couch potato. They have plenty of energy and just want to run around a lot. So they need a large run to spend several hours in each day. Although they need to move around a lot, these bunnies are docile so very well suited to beginners. Californian rabbits may be a little reserved at first. But you can quickly win their hearts with patience, love and respect.
Health and Care
Californians are known for shedding a lot in spring. To make sure the fur doesn’t end up all over your home if your rabbits live indoors, you should regularly groom their coats with a pet hairbrush. This means loose hair is caught on the brush instead of falling out onto the floor.
Appearance
Head
Their foreheads are quite broad and their necks are almost invisible. Their ears are around 2-5 inches (11-12.5 cm) long, V-shaped but rounded at the top. Their eyes are red.
Paws
Their paws are large.
Fur
Californians have fur that is around one inch (3 cm) long, nice and dense but quite wiry.
Color
The California White has markings on its nose, ears and paws. The color of these markings is intense and can be black, blue, gray-blue or havanna or chocolate (brown). Otherwise, their fur is pure white with no other patches or spots.
History and Origin
The California White has existed since 1923 and was bred in - you guessed it - California, USA. To create them, Himalayan Rabbits were bred with Chinchilla Rabbits. The offspring then mated with New Zealands. At the time, the Californian was bred not for its looks, but its meat.
