Fur & Feather gives an ideal weight of 3.5-4 kg; the Wikipedia breed list gives 5-9 lb (2.3-4.1 kg).
short normal fur
A sturdy, rounded, medium-sized rabbit with erect ears. Its pale pearl base coat is overlaid with blackish-brown guard hairs, so the whole rabbit looks as if it wears a light charcoal veil.12
Described as good natured, which makes it a pleasant breed to handle.1
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.3
Its short coat needs little more than a regular brush-through. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.23
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop, stretch, play and hide, plus toys, tunnels and foraging chances for enrichment.3
Plenty of hay forms the base of the diet and keeps the constantly growing teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.3
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.3
The Sallander was developed in 1975 in Salland, a region of the Netherlands that gave the breed its name. It crossed to Britain in the early 1990s, where it is kept by rare-variety fanciers.12
The breed takes its name from Salland, the Dutch region where it was created in 1975.1
Its coat combines a pearl base with darker guard hairs, giving a soft charcoal haze over the body.1
It first reached UK show tables in the early 1990s and is cared for by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club.1
The Sallander is recognised in Britain but not by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sallander. 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 Sallander unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best as occasional treats. Follow the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts.34 Pet Wiki plan
A Sallander's diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and iceberg lettuce; never give muesli mixes or processed human food. Always provide fresh water.345
Rabbits generally do not need bathing as they keep themselves clean. If your Sallander gets very dirty, consult your vet for safe cleaning methods.
Yes, a weekly brush is usually enough, but daily brushing during moulting helps keep the coat in good order. It's a pleasant bonding time too.23 Pet Wiki plan
Check your Sallander's teeth weekly as they grow continuously; provide plenty of hay to wear them down. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed. Your vet can show you how.3 Pet Wiki plan
Your Sallander needs a large secure enclosure of at least 3m by 2m by 1m, plus at least four hours of supervised exercise each day to run and explore. Provide tunnels and toys for enrichment.3 Pet Wiki plan
Sallanders are very sociable and do best with a companion rabbit. Consider adopting a neutered pair for a happy home.3
Lifespan varies, but rabbits typically live 8-12 years with good care. Ask your vet or breeder for more specific information.
The Sallander is known for its good-natured temperament, which can make it a lovely pet for calm, supervised children. Always teach children how to handle rabbits gently.1
Proper handling is important for safety and comfort. Ask your vet or a good breeder to demonstrate the correct way to support a 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.
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