At a glance the quick version
4.5-6.5 lb (2.0-2.9 kg); ARBA maximum 6.5 lb; UK weight 5.5-6.5 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, soft, glossy flyback coat on a compact body
A short, rounded rabbit whose back rises in a smooth half-circle over the hips. Its short, soft coat has a rich sheen that early breeders likened to mink.24
Personality what they are like
A calm, playful and affectionate rabbit that settles happily into family life and is known as a good fit for households with children of any age. With patience it can also be litter trained.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs regular time outside its enclosure each day to stretch its legs, explore and enjoy some daylight.25
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly with a slicker brush, and about twice a week during the spring moult.2
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 or cage works only as a base alongside a large run or daily free-roam time. Use solid flooring with soft bedding, spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly.52
Food basics what goes in the bowl
At least 70 percent hay, plus leafy greens, vegetables, a measured amount of pellets, a little fruit and fresh water at all times.25
Company who they like around
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises they should not live alone; a compatible, neutered rabbit companion plus regular gentle time with people suits them best. Havanas bond readily with their families.52
The story where it all began
The Havana first appeared in the Netherlands in 1898 and took its name from its rich brown colour, which reminded people of Havana cigars. It reached the United States around 1916, where it was first known as the Standard Havana and admired for its mink-like fur.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from the chocolate coat's likeness to the colour of Havana cigars.2
- 2
Early breeders prized its fur for having a mink-like quality.4
- 3
The Havana helped create several other breeds, including the Fee de Marbourg, Perlfee and Gris Perle de Hal.1
- 4
It was also one of the two breeds crossed to make the Lilac rabbit.6
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised; compact breed with a 6.5 lb maximum; varieties Chocolate, Black, Blue, Broken and Lilac; ARBA lists 1916 for the breed's US beginnings, when it was known as the Standard Havana. National club: Havana Rabbit Club.4
- ARBA
- Recognised in five colour types.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Listed as a BRC breed with a UK weight of 5.5-6.5 lb.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Havana 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
Lilac Rabbit
Mini Rex
DutchLike 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.
- Havana rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight, colours, ARBA colours, descendant breeds
- Havana Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, body, coat, temperament, grooming, housing, diet, name origin
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for ARBA/BRC recognition overview, weight range
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for ARBA recognition, maximum weight, varieties, national club
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space guidance, companionship, general care
- Lilac rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Havana as an ancestor of the Lilac
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.