Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Himalayan, Chinese, Egyptian, Black-nose
From Uncertain. Wikipedia suggests Asia and the Middle East and says it is unlikely to come from the Himalayas despite the name; Wikipedia's breed list gives China, while PetGuide repeats the Himalayan-mountains story. First described in Europe in 1857.123
Wikipedia gives 2.5-4.5 lb (1.1-2.0 kg) with an ideal of 3.5 lb (1.6 kg); ARBA maximum 4.5 lb; PetGuide gives 2.5-5 lb (1.1-2.3 kg).
short, soft flyback coat on a long, cylindrical body
A slim, fine-boned rabbit with a long tube-shaped body, about three and a half head lengths long when posed. The soft short coat is white, with coloured ears, nose, feet and tail, and the eyes are pink.134
Famously relaxed and good-natured. Himalayans are gentle, easy to pick up and generally happy to be handled, which makes them a lovely choice for calm households and first-time keepers.143
Fairly laid-back but still needs regular daily time out of its enclosure to explore, socialise and stretch out, plus toys and chew items to keep it busy.35
Brush about once a week, increasing to two or three times a week during heavy moults; spot-clean with a damp cloth if needed.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 or cage works only as a base alongside a large run or daily free-roam time. Use solid flooring with soft bedding, spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly. Make sure the enclosure is long enough for this breed to stretch its tube-shaped body fully.53
Around 70 percent good-quality hay, plus leafy greens, vegetables, a measured amount of pellets, very little sugary fruit and constant fresh water.35
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises they should not live alone; a compatible, neutered rabbit companion plus regular gentle time with people suits them best. Himalayans enjoy human company and handling.53
One of the oldest rabbit breeds, the Himalayan was first described in Europe in 1857 and was being shown in Britain by the end of the 1800s. It arrived in the United States in 1898 during the Belgian Hare boom and was appearing at American shows by 1901. Its fur was once valued because it resembled ermine.13
It is the only breed posed in a stretched-out, cylindrical position on the show table.1
Its points react to temperature: cold makes them darker and warmth makes them lighter.1
Kits are born almost completely white and develop their coloured points as they grow.1
It is one of the ancestors of the Californian rabbit.1
Thanks to their calm nature, Himalayan does are often used as foster mothers.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Himalayan 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
Feed your Himalayan Rabbit unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets. Follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.356 Pet Wiki plan
A Himalayan Rabbit's diet should be mostly hay and grass, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Always provide fresh water.3567
No, you should not bathe your Himalayan Rabbit. Instead, spot-clean with a damp cloth if needed, as rabbits groom themselves.3
Yes, brush your Himalayan Rabbit about once a week, and more often during heavy moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, daily while moulting.3 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your Himalayan Rabbit's nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly because they never stop growing. Provide chew toys and hay to help wear teeth down, and ask your vet for guidance. Pet Wiki plan
Your Himalayan Rabbit needs a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high, plus at least four hours of free-roam time daily to explore and exercise.53 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social and should not live alone. A neutered companion rabbit is ideal, along with regular gentle time with you.53
Himalayan Rabbits typically live 5 to 8 years with proper care.3
Yes, their calm and gentle nature makes them a lovely choice for calm households and first-time owners. Always supervise children to ensure gentle handling.143
Himalayan Rabbits are easy to pick up and enjoy handling, but always support their hindquarters and hold them securely. For proper technique, ask a vet or experienced breeder.143
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.
Californian Rabbit
Polish
Britannia Petite