A Californian Rabbit Pet Guide

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A Californian rabbit is a California white. They are gaining popularity among rabbit owners. These bunnies have a superb temperament. Plus dark or black markings set them apart from other white varieties. They make wonderful family pets and show rabbits. They can live contentedly both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather, and they are very simple to care for.

Continue reading if you want to find out more about the Californian breed and determine whether it’s the ideal pet for you.

californian rabbit
californian rabbit

The Californian Rabbit’s History

Californian rabbits are distinctive among white rabbits due to their pigmentation, which includes dark markings on their feet, noses, and ears.

A Ch gene, also called the Himalayan gene, is the source of Californians’ distinctive coloration. The darker the tips of the ears, nose, and feet, the colder the environment they live in.

Although alternative coloring is okay in the UK, this is the sole standard that is okay according to the breed standard in the US. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) first acknowledged the Californian in 1939.

Related post: The Floppy Eared Bunny Breeds

Race Origin

Breeder George West created this breed in California in 1923. He aimed to produce a breed with a thick coat and the “ideal” amount of meat. After five years of breeding, he eventually produced a little male with chinchilla coloring by mating typical Chinchilla rabbits with Himalayan white rabbits.

In order to boost its size, he crossed this male with several New Zealand white rabbits, and viola, the Californian. Two of these rabbits were with some Southern Californian breeders who worked to improve the breed.

Californian Rabbit Characteristics

A well-known breed that is constantly rising in popularity, especially as a pet, is the Californian rabbit. These rabbits typically have litter sizes of 6 to 8 kits and cost around $40, though they can cost more if you’re wanting to buy a bunny for a show.

Appearance of a Californian Rabbit

These huge bunnies typically weigh between 8 and 11 lbs. usually weigh more than dollars. They have a robust build with full shoulders and hindquarters when they have a commercial body type. They have upright, medium-length, and fairly large ears.

Coat

The dense, medium-length coat of the Californian is characteristic. Petting them will feel better to them than to you because their fur is less silky than some breeds’ and frequently feels very coarse. Although we will go into more detail about it later, they do not require a lot of maintenance and do not shed a lot.

 

Color

The Californian Rabbit stands out due to its coloration. They must have dark patterns on their ears, nose, feet, and tail despite being a white breed.

The darkest shade of brown or nearly black should be for these markings. They ought to have pink eyes, similar to albino rabbits.

 

The temperament of a Californian Rabbit

Despite being frequently used as a meat rabbit, the temperament of the Californian Rabbit is one of the key reasons it is becoming more and more popular as a pet.

Although they can be timid and reserved at first, these bunnies are calm and kind, and with the right socialization, they will thrive in any family household. In fact, once they get to know you, these bunnies become very gregarious and dislike being alone in their hutch.

The Californian can get bored, naughty, and occasionally violent when left alone and restricted to their hutch. They will be content as long as they get to spend time with their owners.

They are a lively breed that enjoys playing with toys, especially if you are around to play with them! They’ll also be content to cuddle up with you when the time is perfect.

Always be considerate of your Californian neighbors’ personal space, especially if they are new to your house. They may attempt to bite if they are afraid.

The Lifespan of a Californian Rabbit

Californians live between five and ten years on average.

californian rabbit
californian rabbit

Health Issues

The Californian rabbit does not have any breed-specific health problems, although they are susceptible to conditions that affect all rabbits. These primary issues are here below.

Malocclusion

This is when the top and lower teeth are out of place, preventing your rabbit’s teeth from becoming worn down by normal eating. It’s crucial to have regular dental exams. Make sure your rabbit eats a lot of hay as well.

GI Stasis

This potentially fatal disorder causes the digestive system to slow down or cease functioning altogether. Lethargy, loss of appetite, and little or no fecal pellets are symptoms. If discovered quickly, it can heal.

 

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