Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Cinnamon, The All-Purpose Rabbit
From United States; developed in Missoula, Montana, from 1962 by the Houseman family.1
8.5-11 lb; ARBA maximum 11 lb.
short, easy-care commercial coat
A medium-length commercial rabbit with hips a bit deeper and wider than the shoulders and upright ears. The coat is a warm rust or ground-cinnamon colour with grey ticking along the back, smoky sides, a darker belly and an orange undercolour.12
An easy-going, relaxed rabbit that is generally well mannered and likes getting attention from its people.1
Give it daily time out of the enclosure to run, explore and play.3
The short coat needs only a weekly brush, increased to about twice a week while it moults.1
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.3
Mainly hay or grass, with leafy greens, a small portion of pellets and fresh water at all times.3
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.3
The breed began when the Houseman children crossed a Chinchilla doe with a New Zealand buck, then mixed in Checkered Giant and Californian lines. Pairing two of the russet youngsters gave a litter in which most kits had the new auburn coat, and the family named the colour Cinnamon. ARBA recognised the breed in 1972.1
It began as a children's project: Belle and Fred Houseman bred the first ones in Montana.1
When two of the early russet rabbits were mated, about 70 percent of the litter carried the new cinnamon colour.1
Fans call it 'the All-Purpose Rabbit' because it suits show, meat, fur and pet homes alike.1
Its colour includes rusty-coloured spots on the face, feet and hind legs.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cinnamon 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 Cinnamon Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label for pellet amounts, checking with your vet for exact portions.34 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be about 85% hay or grass, 10% safe leafy greens, and 5% pellets, with fresh water always available. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes; never give these.345
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it stresses them and can cause health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and check the tail area daily, especially in summer. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, its short coat needs a weekly brush, increasing to about twice a week during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing while moulting to keep the coat healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet if you notice overgrowth. Pet Wiki plan
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, plus daily free-roam time of at least 4 hours. A hutch alone is not enough; combine it with a large run or supervised exploration.3 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are highly social, so it's best to keep your Cinnamon Rabbit with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy calm, regular time with their people.3
A Cinnamon Rabbit typically lives between 5 and 8 years with proper care. A good diet, regular vet checks, and a safe environment help them thrive.1
Yes, its easy-going and relaxed temperament makes it well-mannered and good with children who are gentle. Always supervise interactions to ensure the rabbit feels safe.1
Support its hindquarters and chest securely, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Rabbits can be nervous, so approach calmly and let it feel stable in your arms.
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.
New Zealand Rabbit
Californian Rabbit
Champagne d'Argent
Thrianta