Californian Rabbit

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense normal-fur coat on a solid commercial body

A well-muscled, rounded rabbit with full shoulders and hindquarters, built along the lines of a classic meat-and-fur breed. The fur is short, thick and slightly coarse to the touch, giving a plush feel. The body is snow white, while the nose, ears, feet and tail carry dark 'points', and the eyes are pink. The points tend to come in darker when the rabbit lives somewhere cool.132

Personality what they are like

Usually calm and good-natured. A young Californian may be a little reserved at first, but with regular, gentle handling it tends to become friendly, playful and keen on attention. It is a people-oriented rabbit that does not enjoy being left on its own for long stretches.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active, curious breed that should get plenty of time outside its enclosure every day; Animal Corner suggests at least three hours of free-roaming time daily to hop, explore and play.235

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush about once a week or every two weeks. During heavier moults step this up to two or three sessions a week. Rabbits should not be bathed.32

Home where they are happiest

Can live indoors or in a sheltered outdoor hutch protected from wind and rain on three sides, with soft bedding that is spot-cleaned daily and changed weekly. The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can move, play, hide and exercise; a smaller hutch or pen only works as a base alongside a large run or daily free-roam time.325

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should make up around 70 percent or more of the diet, available at all times. Top this up with a measured amount of pellets, daily fresh leafy greens and vegetables, a little fruit as an occasional treat, and constant fresh water.325

Company who they like around

Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises that they should not live alone; a compatible rabbit companion plus daily interaction with people suits this sociable breed best.52

The story where it all began

George S. West of Lynwood, California, began work on the breed in 1923, aiming for a rabbit that combined good meat qualities with a valuable pelt. He first crossed a Himalayan with Standard Chinchilla rabbits, which after several years produced a small chinchilla-coloured buck. That buck was then bred to New Zealand Whites to add size and body, and the Himalayan line supplied the striking dark points. The new breed was first exhibited in 1928 and was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1939. It went on to become one of the most widely kept commercial rabbits in the world, and in Britain the BRC later standardised it in four point colours.123

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA

Recognised in 1939. One variety only: white body with dark points. Maximum senior weight 10.5 lb. Described by ARBA as a competitive commercial breed valued for both meat and pelt. National breed club: National Californian Rabbit Specialty Club (nationalcrsc.org).4

ARBA

Recognition year 1939 confirmed by secondary sources.1

British Rabbit Council

Recognised with four point colours (normal/black, chocolate, blue and lilac); desired weight 9.5 lb (4.3 kg), minimum 7.5 lb (3.4 kg), as summarised on Wikipedia.1