American Rabbit: A Captivating Companion Animal

The american rabbit is a calm, medium-sized companion with a distinct mandolin (semi-arch) body shape recognized by ARBA.

This breed offers a gentle temperament and strong mothering ability, making it a good fit for families and hobbyists in the United States. Adults weigh about 8.8–12.1 lb, with does generally larger than bucks.

Originally known as the American Blue, the breed later included a white, red-eyed variety. Its slate-blue color and sturdy proportions shaped housing and handling needs for show and pet care.

Heritage matters: developed in Pasadena, California, the breed rose in popularity for meat and fur, then found new life as a listed heritage breed. Conservation progress moved it from “Critical” to “Threatened” on priority lists by 2012.

Key Takeaways

• Recognized by ARBA with a mandolin body shape and medium size.
• Docile temperament and reliable mothering suit household life.
• Distinct color varieties include deep slate-blue and red-eyed white.
• Weight range guides housing and daily handling plans.
• Rich heritage links breed history to modern conservation efforts.

American Rabbit Overview and Breed Essentials

The breed’s official Standard of Perfection dates to 1918 and guides showing, coat expectations, and posture. The rabbit breeders association requires a semi-arch or mandolin body shape, with the highest arch over the hips and a long loin shown in a specific pose.

Body, size, and weight

The mandolin body differs from commercial types by a graceful arch and long back. Adult american rabbit weight ranges from about 8.8 to 12.1 lb (4–5.5 kg). Does are often slightly larger than bucks.

Color, variety, and standards

The classic american blue is a deep slate-blue with uniform color and no rust or sand. The recognized white variety is an albino red-eyed white, added in 1925; blue-eyed white sports are not showable under the standard.

Temperament and suitability

This breed is known for a calm nature, reliable mothering, and sizable litters. For breeders and families, those traits make the breed an easy companion and a steady choice for small-scale breeding programs.

• Key checklist: ARBA standard, mandolin body, 8.8–12.1 lb weight, clear color, calm temperament.

Caring for the American Rabbit at Home

Good home care balances space, diet, and gentle handling to preserve the breed’s long loin and calm temperament.

Housing and space for a mandolin body

Provide floor space long enough for the animal to fully stretch and relax its mandolin outline. Include solid resting platforms if you use wire-bottom hutches to protect feet.

Allow headroom so ears and back do not rub. Daily time outside the enclosure helps the body relax and supports joint health.

Diet, weight management, and fur condition

Prioritize unlimited grass hay, measured complete pellets, and fresh water. Use simple weight checks and body condition scoring to keep adult weight around the expected medium range.

Regular grooming controls shedding and keeps the coat smooth—important for the deep slate-blue variety and overall fur health.

Health basics, handling, and posing

Routine care includes nail trims, dental checks, and gentle grooming. When handling or posing, support chest and hindquarters to avoid compressing the long loin.

Teach calm handling early; this lowers stress during checkups or show posing and preserves the correct body shape.

Behavior, enrichment, and breeding considerations

Docile behavior responds well to stable hideouts, chew-safe toys, and calm social time. For breeders, plan quiet nest boxes and consistent feeding for reliable mothering and large litters.

Working with breeders and availability in the United States

Look to local care guides and established rabbit breeds listings when contacting rabbit breeders. Ask about health records, correct semi-arch handling, and coat uniformity in the blue variety.

• Tip: Confirm transport plans and current price ranges with breeders association contacts to avoid surprises.

American Rabbit History, Heritage, and Conservation Status

Development began in Pasadena when Lewis H. Salisbury combined imported stock to shape a distinct mandolin body and deep coat. Early crosses likely included blue vienna, Beveren, blue imperial, and flemish giant bloodlines. That mix set the breed’s look and utility in the united states.

Name, white sports, and early use

Originally called German Blue Vienna, the name changed during World War I and the american blue gained formal recognition in 1918. White variety animals appeared as sports among american blues and were fixed after crosses with White Flemish Giant, earning ARBA acceptance in 1925.

From market demand to conservation

Through the 1940s the breed provided valuable meat and fur, then commercial focus shifted to faster-growing breeds. Numbers declined by the 1980s, leading to a placement on conservation lists. By coordinated efforts among american rabbit breeders and wider breeders association networks, the status improved from “Critical” to “Threatened” by 2012.

“Rediscovery of a white line in Alberta helped restore genetic diversity.”

• Heritage note: listed on Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste.
• Clarification: not related to the 1986 film The Adventures of the American Rabbit.

Conclusion

Choose this mandolin companion when your goals include clear show standards, steady care, and respect for the Standard of Perfection. Prioritize the mandolin body shape, correct posing, and regular weight checks so the long loin and arch stay healthy.

Note color expectations and the noted white variety when evaluating lines. Factor purchase price and ongoing price for housing, vet care, and enrichment into total cost. Allow time for grooming and gentle handling to keep coat and body in top condition.

Use trusted resources—ARBA and your local rabbit breeders association or american rabbit breeders—to confirm lineage and show criteria. This page aims to guide practical choices while separating breed facts from pop culture, such as the 1986 adventures american film reference.