Cinnamon Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Cinnamon, The All-Purpose Rabbit
From United States; developed in Missoula, Montana, from 1962 by the Houseman family.1
At a glance the quick version
8.5-11 lb; ARBA maximum 11 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, easy-care commercial coat
A medium-length commercial rabbit with hips a bit deeper and wider than the shoulders and upright ears. The coat is a warm rust or ground-cinnamon colour with grey ticking along the back, smoky sides, a darker belly and an orange undercolour.12
Personality what they are like
An easy-going, relaxed rabbit that is generally well mannered and likes getting attention from its people.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Give it daily time out of the enclosure to run, explore and play.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only a weekly brush, increased to about twice a week while it moults.1
Home where they are happiest
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch alone is not enough and should be combined with a large run or daily free-roam time.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly hay or grass, with leafy greens, a small portion of pellets and fresh water at all times.3
Company who they like around
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion, plus calm, regular time with people.3
The story where it all began
The breed began when the Houseman children crossed a Chinchilla doe with a New Zealand buck, then mixed in Checkered Giant and Californian lines. Pairing two of the russet youngsters gave a litter in which most kits had the new auburn coat, and the family named the colour Cinnamon. ARBA recognised the breed in 1972.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It began as a children's project: Belle and Fred Houseman bred the first ones in Montana.1
- 2
When two of the early russet rabbits were mated, about 70 percent of the litter carried the new cinnamon colour.1
- 3
Fans call it 'the All-Purpose Rabbit' because it suits show, meat, fur and pet homes alike.1
- 4
Its colour includes rusty-coloured spots on the face, feet and hind legs.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 1972 after being presented at several conventions from 1969. Single cinnamon variety, maximum weight 11 lb. National club: Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association.1
- ARBA
- Listed with recognition year 1972 and maximum weight 11 lb as a commercial breed.2
- British Rabbit Council
- Not recognised by the BRC.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cinnamon Rabbit. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
You might also like
New Zealand Rabbit
Californian Rabbit
Champagne d'Argent
ThriantaLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
The breed atlas is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show ads. If it helped you, a small tip keeps the research going. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Cinnamon rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, body, coat, temperament, lifespan, grooming, fun facts
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition year, maximum weight, commercial type
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space guidance, companionship, general care
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.