The Californian, also known as the California White, is a breed of domestic rabbit originally developed for the fur and meat industries by George S. West of Lynwood, California, starting in 1923. Mr. West maintained a herd of 300 genetically pure New Zealand Whites (with no Angora genes), which he began crossing with Standard Chinchilla rabbits (for their dense coat) and Himalayan rabbits (from which the Californian's markings come). This new breed, named for the state of its origin, was first shown in 1928 and a standard was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1939.[1]

ARBA recognizes only the original "Standard" color variety of white with dark points, while the British Rabbit Council (BRC) recognizes four color varieties: "Normal", plus Chocolate, Blue, or Lilac points. The BRC standard calls for a desired weight of 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg) with a minimum 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg), while ARBA accepts a maximum weight of 10.5 pounds (4.8 kg).[2][3]

Californian rabbits have dense, plush coats.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Whitman, Bob D. (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories. Leawood KS: Leathers Publishing. pp. 120–122. ISBN 978-1585972753.
  2. ↑ "ARBA Recognized Breeds". American Rabbit Breeders Association. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Breed Standards 2021-2025" (PDF). British Rabbit Council. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  4. ↑ Cosgrove, Nicole (November 10, 2022). "Californian Rabbit Breed Info: Pictures, Traits, & Facts". Petkeen. Retrieved November 21, 2022.

Further reading

  • Dean, Warren M. (2016) [1995]. Small Animals Care & Management (4th ed.). Cengage. p. 285. ISBN 978-1-285-42552-8.
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