Fur & Feather gives a desired weight of 3.4 kg; the Wikipedia breed list gives 7-8 lb (3.2-3.6 kg).
short normal fur
A medium-sized, erect-eared rabbit with a warm-toned short coat. The Gold is a red-gold rabbit lightly ticked with cream and milk chocolate, while the Cream is a pinkish beige ticked with lilac and pale cream.12
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.3
The short coat is easy to keep neat with an occasional brush. 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
Breeder Judy leMarchant created the Sussex in England in 1986 and named it after her home county. The Gold variety gained a British standard in 1991, and a Cream variety was added afterwards.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sussex 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 Sussex Rabbit needs unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality 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 mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small portion of pellets daily. Carrots are only occasional treats. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and any human processed foods, as these can be harmful.345
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it causes stress and can lead to health issues. Instead, keep your rabbit clean with regular grooming and spot checks, especially around the tail. If your rabbit gets dirty, consult a vet for safe cleaning advice.23 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, occasional brushing keeps the short coat neat, and daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, but more often when shedding. This also gives you a chance to check your rabbit's overall condition.23 Pet Wiki plan
Check nails every six weeks and trim if needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to help wear teeth down naturally. For nail trimming and any dental concerns, ask your vet for guidance.3 Pet Wiki plan
Your rabbit needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, plus daily time to run, hop, and explore. Furry Diary's plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam space each day, with tunnels and toys for enrichment.3 Pet Wiki plan
Sussex Rabbits are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs, so consider getting a neutered companion for your rabbit's wellbeing.3
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics, but rabbits generally live 8 to 12 years with proper diet, housing, and veterinary care. Ask your vet for more specific information about your individual rabbit.
Rabbits can be good family pets with gentle, supervised handling. They are sociable and enjoy interaction, but children should be taught to handle them calmly and respect their needs. Always supervise interactions to ensure safety for both child and rabbit.3
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Approach calmly and let the rabbit feel secure. For detailed handling techniques, ask a vet or an experienced rabbit owner for guidance.3
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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