Wikipedia gives 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); ARBA lists an 11 lb (about 5.0 kg) maximum; PetGuide gives 8-10 lb.
short to medium rollback fur
A large-framed commercial rabbit with a body much like a New Zealand. Its short to medium, slightly coarse fur rolls back slowly into place when stroked. The warm fawn-gold colouring, with brown eyes, is what gives the breed its horse-inspired name.12
A sweet, friendly and docile rabbit that is sociable with people and suits many kinds of household. Does are known as attentive mothers.2
Enjoys and needs plenty of time out of its enclosure each day to hop and explore.24
Low maintenance: brush about every two weeks, increasing to weekly during the spring moult. Trim nails regularly. It can learn to use a litter tray with patience.2
Can live indoors or outdoors; an outdoor home must be sheltered from weather. Welfare guidance asks for enough height to stand upright, room to hop several times in a row and a separate exercise area.24
Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.25
Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.52
Mark Youngs of Washington State began the breed in the late 1940s, building on his earlier work with the American Beige. First called Tawnies and then Washingtonian, the rabbits were renamed Palomino in 1953 and ARBA recognised them in 1957.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Palomino. 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
Provide unlimited grass hay every day, a daily portion of leafy greens, and a measured amount of quality pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.256 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be mostly grass hay (about 70-85%), plus daily leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes. Always avoid processed human food and sugary treats.2567
Rabbits generally keep themselves clean and bathing can be stressful. If your Palomino gets dirty, consult a vet or good breeder for safe cleaning methods.
Yes, brush every two weeks, increasing to weekly during the spring moult. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, and daily while moulting.2 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails regularly, about every six weeks. Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes nail trimming every 42 days and a weekly teeth check.2 Pet Wiki plan
Your Palomino needs at least 4 hours of free-roam time daily to hop and explore. The enclosure should be large enough to stand upright and hop several times, with a separate exercise area.24 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social, so your Palomino will be happiest with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus daily calm human interaction.25
With good care, a Palomino typically lives 5 to 8 years.2
Yes, the Palomino is sweet, friendly and docile, making it a good fit for many households. Always supervise children and teach gentle handling.2
Proper handling is important for safety. Ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet to show you the correct way to support your rabbit's body.
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
American Sable
Cinnamon Rabbit
Thrianta