Livestock Conservancy: bucks 9-11 lb, does 10-12 lb. Wikipedia gives 4-5.5 kg with does slightly larger; PetGuide gives 9-11 lb. ARBA maximum 12 lb.
short flyback coat on a semi-arched (mandolin) body
A big, long-bodied rabbit with a gently arched 'mandolin' outline that rises toward the hips. The fur is fine, soft and lies back smoothly after being stroked.123
A relaxed, mellow rabbit that tends toward the quiet side. It is usually gentle when handled and settles happily into a calm household routine.321
Not a high-energy breed, but it still needs daily time out of its enclosure to stretch, hop and explore; regular play with its owner keeps it engaged.35
The short, silky coat is easy to keep: brush a few times a month and more often during heavy moults. Avoid bathing.3
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch alone is not enough and should be combined with a large run or daily free-roam time. Being a large breed, the American appreciates generous floor space; it can live indoors or outdoors with good shelter.53
Mostly good-quality hay, with a measured portion of high-fibre pellets, daily fresh greens and vegetables, the occasional bit of fruit and constant fresh water.35
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion, plus calm, regular time with people.5
Lewis H. Salisbury bred the first of these blue rabbits in Pasadena, California, keeping his exact recipe private, though Vienna, Beveren, Blue Imperial and Flemish Giant blood is suspected. First shown as the German Blue Vienna, it was renamed American during World War I and was a popular fur and meat rabbit until numbers dropped after the 1950s. Dedicated breeders have since helped it recover.123
It was first called the German Blue Vienna and got its American name because of anti-German feeling during World War I.1
The Livestock Conservancy describes the blue variety as having the deepest blue colour of any rabbit.2
Because one of its suspected ancestors, the Blue Imperial, no longer exists, recreating the breed from scratch would be very hard.1
The breed is included in Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste.1
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Rabbit. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Your American Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a measured portion of high-fibre pellets and daily fresh greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer a bundle as big as your rabbit each day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.356 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% safe leafy greens, and 5% high-fibre pellets, with constant fresh water. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, muesli mixes, and any processed human food. Always avoid grapes, raisins, and xylitol, which are especially harmful.3567
No, you should never bathe an American Rabbit, as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and keep their living area clean. Check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer, to ensure it stays clean.3 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brush your American Rabbit a few times a month, and daily during heavy moults, to keep their short, silky coat in good condition. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, increasing to daily when they shed more.3 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden toys to help wear down teeth naturally. If you notice overgrowth or eating problems, consult a rabbit-savvy vet.36 Pet Wiki plan
Your American Rabbit needs a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, plus daily free-roam time of at least four hours to hop and explore. Being a large breed, they appreciate generous floor space and can live indoors or outdoors with good shelter.35 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are highly social, so it's best to keep your American Rabbit with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy calm, regular time with people, but a bonded rabbit friend is ideal for their well-being.5
An American Rabbit typically lives between 8 and 12 years with proper care. A good diet, regular vet check-ups, and a safe, loving home help them reach their full lifespan.3
Yes, the American Rabbit's relaxed and gentle temperament makes it a good fit for calm, supervised households with children. Always teach children to handle the rabbit gently and respect its quiet nature.321
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully when lifting, never by the ears or scruff. Hold them securely against your chest to make them feel safe, and always supervise children during handling. For detailed guidance, ask a good breeder or your vet.35
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Beveren
Flemish Giant
New Zealand Rabbit
Vienna Rabbit