Cinnamon Rabbits: Cute and Cuddly Pets

Meet the Cinnamon Rabbits, an all-purpose, medium-sized breed created in Missoula, Montana in 1962. This sturdy animal gained ARBA recognition after trials in the late 1960s and early 1970s and is prized for a rich rust coat with gray ticking and vivid facial markings.

The breed carries a commercial body type, weighs about 8.5–11 lb, and has erect ears that make handling straightforward for adults and supervised kids. Temperament is calm and attention-loving, making it a reliable family pet with a relaxed grooming routine.

Expect a life of 5–8 years with proper care: weekly brushing (more during shed), roomy housing, chew toys, and daily interaction. Its versatility—suitable for meat, fur, show, and companionship—has made it popular among hobbyists and 4-H participants.

For a quick look at similar companion breeds and handling tips, see this guide to pet varieties in the U.S.: popular rabbit breeds.

Key Takeaways

• Origin: Developed in Missoula, Montana, 1962; later ARBA-recognized.
• Appearance: Rust ground color, gray ticking, orange under-color, distinct facial markings.
• Size & Handling: Medium commercial body, 8.5–11 lb, good for family care with supervision.
• Temperament: Calm, social, and well-suited as a family pet.
• Care: Weekly grooming, space to exercise, chew toys, and regular interaction.
• Versatile Use: Fits roles in show, meat, fur, and companion programs.

Cinnamon Rabbits Overview: History, Recognition, and Breed Essentials

Origin and early development. In 1962 the Houseman children in Missoula, Montana crossed a Chinchilla doe with a New Zealand buck, later adding a Checkered Giant doe and a crossed Californian doe. A russet pair from the Checkered Giant litter produced young with a new cinnamon shade and an excellent sheen.

“Judge J. Cyril Lowett saw potential and urged ARBA acceptance via convention trials.”

ARBA journey and status. Approval began at Calgary in 1969, hit a setback in 1970 after illness from air shipment to Syracuse, passed in Albuquerque (1971), and gained final acceptance at Tacoma (1972). Today the breed is listed in the ARBA Book of Standards but is not recognized by the British Rabbit Council.

1. Key roots: Chinchilla, New Zealand, Checkered Giant, and Californian lines shaped the commercial body and medium size.
2. ARBA scoring: 58 points for body type, 11 for overall color/coat, 11 for markings—guides for show conditioning.
3. Standards: rust-to-brown ground color with uniform gray ticking, smoky sides, orange under-color, and defined facial markings.

Condition matters. Breeders report rare-breed status and stress sensitivity, so transport, housing, and air quality are vital to maintain show-ready condition.

For more background on the development of this american rabbit breed, see the detailed entry at Cinnamon rabbit.

Appearance, Size, and Temperament of the Cinnamon Rabbit

A Cinnamon rabbit shows a striking palette and a balanced build that pleases both judges and pet owners.

The signature color blends a rust ground with uniform gray ticking across the back and smoky gray on the sides. An orange under-color and a dark belly add depth, while rust spots inside the hind legs and the butterfly nose mark complete the look.

Body, size, and features

The breed has a medium, commercial body with smooth lines, a proportionate head, and erect ears. Adults usually weigh 8.5–11 lb, a size that balances sturdiness and manageability for adult handlers and supervised children.

Temperament and uses

Calm and people-friendly, this rabbit enjoys attention and simple daily interaction. Weekly grooming keeps the short coat in show condition, with biweekly care during heavy shed time.

• Household fit: Good for families with older children due to steady size and handling ease.
• All-purpose type: Suited for show, companion roles, and small-scale meat or fur programs.
• Activity needs: Calm but active enough to need room to move and safe chew toys.

Care and Breeding Guide for Cinnamon Rabbits

Maintaining a simple, steady routine helps this medium-sized pet stay healthy and calm.

Daily basics: diet, housing, and exercise

Feed hay as the base, add measured pellets and fresh greens, and always offer clean water in a well-ventilated run.

Give an exercise area with secure flooring and hide spots so the animal can hop, run, and periscope safely.

Grooming and enrichment

Brush weekly and increase to twice weekly during heavy shed to reduce hair ingestion and matting in the short fur.

Rotate safe chew toys and simple enrichments like clean plastic bottles to provide plenty of activity and time with owners.

Health, stress and show condition

Average life is about 5–8 years; breeders note sensitivity to poor air, ammonia, dust, and heat. Watch for sneezing or discharge as stress signs.

“Keep transport brief and cool to avoid greenhouse effects that can trigger illness.”

Breeding insights

Does may be cage possessive; use a sturdy nest box and monitor kindling. Does usually nurse once daily.

1. Sprinkle starter feed in the nest at two weeks to encourage early feeding.
2. Check kits at four weeks for independent eating before weaning or consider fostering.
3. Maintain ideal body and coat clarity when preparing for show; minimize transport stress.

Conclusion

strong, The cinnamon rabbit remains an all-purpose American breed that blends a vivid rust-and-ticking coat with a steady commercial body and erect ears. It suits show tables, small meat or fur programs, and loving family homes when care is consistent.

Good husbandry means balanced nutrition, roomy exercise space, weekly grooming, and simple enrichment. Keep transport short and housing well ventilated to reduce stress and protect condition over time.

Know the breed’s roots, including the Checkered Giant influence, and match size and handling to your household. With thoughtful care and daily engagement, this bunny will reward you with steady temperament and years of companionship.