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Breed Characteristics

Pet Suitability

1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic

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New Zealand rabbit

Origin

New Zealand rabbits are a breed of rabbit, which despite the name, are American in origin. The New Zealand breed emerged here in America. There’s a story that they came from imported wild rabbits of New Zealand, but that is very likely a myth. The much more plausible theory is that fawn Flemish Giants were crossed to Belgian Hares, and eventually the New Zealand Red appeared around 1910. Whites were developed independently, probably by W.S. Preshaw of Rippon, California. He bred Angoras with white Americans and Flemish Giants to obtain a white rabbit of high commercial value for meat and fur. There may have been other strains developing as well.
Many breeds were brought from England to America over the years, but this is one that crossed the Atlantic the other direction in 1916 (reds) and 1949 (whites). Today the British Rabbit Council treats the New Zealand Red as a different breed than the white, blue, and black. British New Zealands look quite a bit different from the American ones, retaining more of their original type. Americans have bred them to a deeper and rounder body style. In both countries, the breed is considered a prime commercial rabbit. Some breeders report even better success with Californian x New Zealand crosses than with either breed used on its own.

Physical Attributes

Weight	9 - 12 lbs.(4.1 - 5.4 kg.)
Ear Type	Erect
Fur Type	Flyback
Colours	Fur is black, red or white
Appearance	Body is medium sized and well rounded. Ear are medium-long and upright.
Other Considerations	Life Expectancy: 3 - 7 years Temperament: Gentle Makes an excellent pet. One of the rabbit breeds often used in laboratories.
Best Kept In	Pen. Cage or Yard.