At a glance the quick version
UK breed page gives 2.26-3.17 kg (5-7 lb); another guide gives 7-9 lb (about 3.2-4.1 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
glossy, dense roll-back normal fur about 2.5 cm long
A neat, compact rabbit with a gently arched back, a head a little longer than it is wide, and upright ears about 10 cm long. The short, glossy coat has few guard hairs and springs back into place when stroked the wrong way.21
Personality what they are like
A calm, friendly and intelligent rabbit with a steady nature. It tends to suit families and can be taught to use a litter tray and come when called.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily exercise in a safe, roomy space outside its hutch.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to keep; a regular brush, more often while moulting, keeps it glossy. Outdoor housing must be weatherproof and roomy.2
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets. Fruit and starchy vegetables are for occasional treats only.32
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.3
The story where it all began
British breeders Chas Banfield and C. Pope developed the Siberian around 1930, aiming for an even, single-colour pelt for the fur industry. Lilac was the last colour added, created by Ron Crowther in 1946, and after fur demand faded the breed carried on as a show and pet rabbit.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite the name, the breed was created in Britain, not Siberia.1
- 2
The lilac colour was the final one developed, by Ron Crowther in 1946.1
- 3
Its 'roll-back' coat springs back into place when you stroke it from tail to head.2
- 4
It should not be confused with an old, long-vanished Angora type that was also once called 'Siberian'.2
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed, supported by the National Siberian Rabbit Club.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siberian 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.
- Fur & Feather: Siberian furandfeather.co.ukused for origin, breeders, colours, lilac history, weight, club
- PetGuide: Siberian Rabbit petguide.comused for body, coat, weight, temperament, care, fun facts
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.