Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Vienna, Vienna Coloured, Vienna White, Vienna Blue, Wiener
From Austria (Vienna). The Blue was developed by Johann Constantin Schultz and shown around 1895; the White was bred by Wilhelm Mucke and first shown in 1907. Vienna Coloured reached the UK in 1995 and Vienna White in 1999.1234
Vienna White 3.5-5.25 kg and Vienna Coloured 4.2-5.25 kg (Fur & Feather); German standards give Blue 4.25-5.25 kg and White 4-5 kg.
short to medium normal fur
A medium-to-large rabbit with a slightly long, cylindrical body and upright ears about 13 cm long. The White has a pure, glossy white coat paired with pale blue eyes, while the Coloured comes in solid blue, black or agouti.1435
A docile rabbit that can be taught to use a litter tray with some patience.4
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.6
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.56
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.6
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.6
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.6
Viennese railway official Johann Constantin Schultz bred the Blue Vienna in the 1890s, and it was recognised in 1897 before spreading to Germany. Fellow Viennese Wilhelm Mucke spent about 15 years creating the blue-eyed White, first shown in 1907, while a Black was added for the fur trade after the First World War.12
The Vienna White is not an albino: it has blue eyes because its white coat comes from leucism.1
Both founding breeders, Schultz and Mucke, were railway officials in Vienna.1
Wilhelm Mucke worked on the White for about 15 years before first exhibiting it in 1907.1
The Black variety was created for the fur trade shortly after the First World War.2
Its upright ears measure around 13 cm.4
A typical home-care rhythm for a Vienna 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 Vienna Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of 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 and your vet for pellet amounts.67 Pet Wiki plan
Base the diet on unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, and a small portion of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, these can be toxic.678
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it causes stress and can lead to health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and check the tail area daily, especially in summer.6 Pet Wiki plan
The short coat needs only occasional brushing, but daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, increasing to daily when shedding.56 Pet Wiki plan
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, hay helps wear them down. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on safe trimming.6 Pet Wiki plan
Provide a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop and hide, plus daily free-roam time of at least four hours. Add tunnels and toys for enrichment.6 Pet Wiki plan
This sociable rabbit is happiest living with at least one other rabbit, as the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs. A bonded companion provides essential social interaction.6
With proper care, a Vienna Rabbit typically lives 8 to 10 years. Regular vet check-ups and a good diet help ensure a long, happy life.4
Yes, its docile nature makes it suitable for calm, supervised children. Teach children gentle handling and always supervise interactions to keep both the rabbit and child safe.46
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. Always hold close to your body to prevent struggling, and ask a vet or good breeder for a demonstration.6
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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