At a glance the quick version
Bucks 5.5-7.5 lb, does 6-8 lb (Wikipedia); ARBA maximum 8 lb; PetGuide gives 6-8 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, soft normal-fur coat on a compact, medium body
A sturdy, medium-sized rabbit with broad hindquarters and a gently rising back line. Its soft, short coat is an even pinkish dove-grey, and its eyes are a matching soft tone.123
Personality what they are like
A quiet, friendly and gentle rabbit that likes to explore and enjoys a good petting session; many are happy to settle on a lap. Its easygoing nature makes it a pleasant family companion.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs regular time out of its enclosure to explore indoor or outdoor spaces, with toys such as cardboard boxes and chews to keep it busy.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly to keep the coat soft, increasing to twice a week during its two moults each year.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. Being a medium-sized breed, it needs a fairly roomy base enclosure.42
Food basics what goes in the bowl
About 70 percent quality grass hay such as timothy or orchard grass, plus fibre-rich leafy greens, vegetables, a measured amount of pellets, little sugary fruit, and fresh water at all times.24
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. Lilacs bond well with families and enjoy human attention.42
The story where it all began
Lilac rabbits were produced in several places in the early 1900s: H. Onslow of Cambridge showed them in London in 1913, and Mabel Illingworth bred them from Blue Imperials and Havanas. In 1917 a larger strain was made in Gouda, Holland, and in 1922 Cambridge professor R.C. Punnett created the Cambridge Blue. Exports to the US began in 1922 and an American breed club was formed in 1944.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
One early strain was bred by Cambridge geneticist R.C. Punnett, of Punnett square fame, and was called the Cambridge Blue.1
- 2
The Dutch strain from Gouda was known as the Gouda or Gowenaar.1
- 3
ARBA classes it as a standard breed, meaning it is shown in a single colour.3
- 4
Lilac litters are fairly small, averaging four to six kits.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised; medium-sized standard breed shown in one colour only; maximum weight 8 lb. Imported to the US in 1922. National club: National Lilac Rabbit Breeders Association.3
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised.1
- The Livestock Conservancy
- On the Conservation Priority List in the 'Watch' category.5
How many Listed as 'Watch' by The Livestock Conservancy, a category defined as fewer than 2,000 estimated worldwide and fewer than 200 annual US registrations.51
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lilac 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
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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.
- Lilac rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, history, recognition, weight by sex, coat, temperament, litter size, conservation status
- Lilac Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, body, coat, temperament, grooming, housing, diet
- 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
- Conservation Priority List - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for Watch status and category thresholds
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.