At a glance the quick version
ARBA senior weight 5-6 lb (2.3-2.7 kg) with a 6 lb maximum; BRC 2-2.75 kg; PetGuide gives 4-6 lb overall. Range covers all sources.
Coat and looks how to spot one
soft, dense, medium-length rollback coat on a compact body
A short, chunky little rabbit with a rounded, barrel-like body, short sturdy legs, a short head and neck, and upright ears. The fur is soft, thick and of medium length, rolling slowly back into place when brushed against the grain. Its whole body is one even, fiery orange-red with no other markings.12
Personality what they are like
A mild, friendly and inquisitive rabbit that tends to enjoy attention. Its gentle manner and handy size make it a good family companion, and regular handling and new experiences help it stay confident.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderately active; needs daily time outside its enclosure to explore and play, plus things to investigate.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush about every two weeks with a slicker brush, or weekly while moulting. Avoid bathing; a quick look at the ears every few weeks is a good habit.2
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Comfortable both indoors and outdoors with suitable shelter.24
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.24
Company who they like around
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.4
The story where it all began
Mr H. Andreae, a Dutch teacher and admirer of the royal House of Orange, began breeding an all-orange rabbit in 1938 using breeds such as Havana and tortoiseshell Papillon types, and the Thrianta joined the Dutch standard in 1940. After the war the small population was refreshed with the closely related German Sachsengold, and the breed later travelled to England in the early 1980s and to the United States in the 1990s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name is pronounced roughly 'tree-ON-tuh'.1
- 2
The breed was created as a tribute to the Dutch royal House of Orange, which is why its colour is a vivid orange-red.2
- 3
Its colour is often likened to the coat of an Irish Setter.1
- 4
ARBA describes it as the first new breed its Standards Committee approved since 1988.3
- 5
After the Second World War, rare Sachsengold rabbits from Germany were brought in and crossed with the Thrianta to help both breeds continue.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised as a single-colour orange-red breed with a 6 lb maximum; ARBA states it was the first new breed passed by its Standards Committee since 1988. ARBA and PetGuide give 2005; Wikipedia gives 2006. National club: American Thrianta Rabbit Breeders Association.3
- ARBA
- Recognition year given as 2006, with a senior weight of 5-6 lb.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised after the breed reached England in the early 1980s; BRC standard weight 2-2.75 kg.1
- Dutch standard
- Admitted on 1 May 1940.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thrianta. 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.
- Thrianta - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, pronunciation, ARBA/BRC weights, body and coat, colour
- Thrianta Rabbit Breed Information - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, weight, temperament, care, founding breeds
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition, maximum weight, colour, first new breed since 1988
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet and companionship guidance
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.