ARBA senior weight 5-6 lb (2.3-2.7 kg) with a 6 lb maximum; BRC 2-2.75 kg; PetGuide gives 4-6 lb overall. Range covers all sources.
soft, dense, medium-length rollback coat on a compact body
A short, chunky little rabbit with a rounded, barrel-like body, short sturdy legs, a short head and neck, and upright ears. The fur is soft, thick and of medium length, rolling slowly back into place when brushed against the grain. Its whole body is one even, fiery orange-red with no other markings.12
A mild, friendly and inquisitive rabbit that tends to enjoy attention. Its gentle manner and handy size make it a good family companion, and regular handling and new experiences help it stay confident.2
Moderately active; needs daily time outside its enclosure to explore and play, plus things to investigate.24
Brush about every two weeks with a slicker brush, or weekly while moulting. Avoid bathing; a quick look at the ears every few weeks is a good habit.2
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Comfortable both indoors and outdoors with suitable shelter.24
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.24
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.4
Mr H. Andreae, a Dutch teacher and admirer of the royal House of Orange, began breeding an all-orange rabbit in 1938 using breeds such as Havana and tortoiseshell Papillon types, and the Thrianta joined the Dutch standard in 1940. After the war the small population was refreshed with the closely related German Sachsengold, and the breed later travelled to England in the early 1980s and to the United States in the 1990s.12
The name is pronounced roughly 'tree-ON-tuh'.1
The breed was created as a tribute to the Dutch royal House of Orange, which is why its colour is a vivid orange-red.2
Its colour is often likened to the coat of an Irish Setter.1
ARBA describes it as the first new breed its Standards Committee approved since 1988.3
After the Second World War, rare Sachsengold rabbits from Germany were brought in and crossed with the Thrianta to help both breeds continue.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thrianta. 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 good-quality hay every day, plus a measured portion of rabbit pellets and a daily handful of fresh leafy greens. Fruit is only a small treat. Fresh water must always be available.24 Pet Wiki plan
The main diet should be unlimited hay or grass, plus a measured portion of rabbit pellets and a daily handful of safe leafy greens. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Never give dairy, meat, or processed human food.2456
No, you should avoid bathing a Thrianta. Rabbits can get stressed and chilled from baths. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth if needed.2
Yes, brush your Thrianta about every two weeks with a slicker brush, or weekly during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, and daily while moulting.2 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every 6 weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly because they never stop growing. Provide hay and chew toys to help wear teeth down. Ask your vet for guidance on trimming. Pet Wiki plan
Your Thrianta needs a total living space of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high, with a hutch as a sleeping area and a large run or daily free-roam time. Furry Diary's plan suggests at least 4 hours of running space each day.24 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are sociable, so a Thrianta should not live alone. A neutered, bonded rabbit friend plus daily calm human contact is ideal.4
A Thrianta typically lives 7 to 10 years with good care.2
Yes, the Thrianta is a good family companion due to its gentle, friendly nature and handy size. Regular handling from a young age helps it stay confident with children.2
Proper handling varies by rabbit; always support the hindquarters and never lift by the ears. Ask a vet or experienced breeder to show you the safest way.
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.
Havana Brown
Netherland Dwarf