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Himalayan Rabbit

Family: LeporidaeOryctolagus cuniculusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy: Kelly Simo

   If you're looking for a rabbit that loves to sit in your lap or be carried around, the Himalayan is the rabbit for you!

   The Himalayan Rabbits are known for being one of the best pet rabbits. They are very calm, easygoing, and easy to handle. Himalayans are not demanding, but they do enjoy attention from humans. Their coats are easy to care for, so the only thing about them that requires great care is keeping their cages clean.

  The Himalayan Rabbit is one of the most popular small rabbit breeds. Its distinctive markings and pink eyes make it a favorite of rabbit enthusiasts, and its calm, friendly attitude makes it a great pet. It is one of the best rabbits for children, with a slender, almost cat-like body that is easy for them to grasp. It is, however, important to remind them to be as gentle with the rabbit as he is with them.

For more information about Rabbits and their care see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Background:    Although the Himalayan's name suggests that it originated in the Himalayas, it is unknown exactly where its origins lie. It is actually known by other names in different parts of the world, including the Russian, the Chinese, the Egyptian, and the Black Nose. It is known, however, that the Himalayan is one of the oldest rabbit breeds, and it is more widely distributed throughout the world than any other.
   The Himalayan came to the United States in the early 1900s. At that time, they were prized for their fur. Eventually, breeders began to raise them to show, and they also became popular as pets.

Description:    Himalayans are easily recognizable by their pink eyes and distinctive color pattern. Their bodies are white, with darker markings on the nose, ears, tail, and feet. This is a small breed, weighing 2 ½ to 4 ½ pounds. They are the only breed that is classified in shows as cylindrical. They are judged in a stretched-out position.

Color differences:    The black color variety is the only one in the Himalayan that was not produced by crossbreeding. Other acceptable colors are blue, chocolate, and lilac. This breed is born solid white, but its colored markings develop with age.

Availability    Himalayans are easy to find in most areas and breeders are easily found online. Prices are usually $15 to $30.

References "Himalayan Rabbit Breed Profile", PeoplesPetPlace.com, Copyright 2000-2008
"Smallest Rabbit Breeds", Go Pets America, Inc., Copyright 2008
Shepherd, Carl "Eli", "History of the Himalayan Rabbit: Everything We Need to Know", Referenced online, 2008
"List of Rabbit Breeds", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Comments on Himalayan Rabbit View all 13 comments on Himalayan Rabbit Add Your Comment

Kristin Peterson - 2012-04-27 I just have to comment! That bunny that is in the picture is a Himi Netherland Dwarf not a Himalayan rabbit! Reply

stacy tierney - 2012-02-06 i have 2 beautiful Himalayan rabbits, but cannot tell the age as they were found in the woods on lake hermitage road....also am stumped to tell if they are does or bucks Reply

Jaydo - 2011-12-25 I was introduced to two very sweet and beautiful Hym rabbits last night. They had very perculiar legs and feet, long and strong but slender, feet and toes, ideal for running and fighting. Their eyes were bright red, and rather bulbous, so be careful, they are vulnerable. And their coat soft and lovely, white with dark chocolate points, rather light a siamese cat. All in all a very strikingly beautiful creature, which reminded me of a Hare with colour, rather than a rabbit. Reply

Liz Guinivan - 2011-06-17 Why are they described as small breeds? They are huge compared to Dwarf Hotot, polish and netherland dwarfs, they are small breeds. Mine is huge and keeps growing and growing yet she's not even 4months! Mine will definately be NOT be small...she is the most gentle and docile creature though,love her to bits!! Charlie Roche - 2011-06-17 These guys have the best personalities and are great pets. They are considered small as usually just 2 1/2 to 4 pounds. Maybe you got a big one. Just love him and enjoy. Liz Guinivan - 2011-06-23 I agree, I love her to bits! Damn mine is definately huge. I am pretty definate she is purebred but I will have to look up some more rabbit breeds to see if maybe she is crossbred. Deanna Burkart - 2011-07-07 You could have a Californian instead. They have the same markings but get 8-10lbs. Reply

Crystal - 2010-11-18 I've had two Himalayan's for years, though they are very cute one is very aggressive and food possessive. I would say their temperament varies so be careful, my husband can't get close to them without the one growling and stomping at him. Anonymous - 2011-02-02 Is the rabbit neutered? If it isn't, that could be the problem. Getting your rabbits neutered drops their hormone levels a lot and can make them less aggressive. And if that doesn't work, try separating the rabbits. Being near another rabbit can also cause them to be aggressive. Hope this helps. Anonymous - 2011-04-03 Most rabbits do get possessive with their food. If they are the same gender, that would happen a lot. Also, when they growl and stamp, it could just mean they really like you. It's a sign of "ownership" for them. My holland lops do that too. emily - 2011-05-24 If you had the rabbits neutered or spay then they would be completely different because as the other person said it drops there hormone levels and also crosses out a few health issues they can get for example testicular cancer. Remember rabbits also need vaccinations against econucoli and VHD. I have two male rabbits that are both neutered and are the most friendliest rabbits ever!! Reply

Maddy - 2011-04-26 I have a Himalayan bunny and he is the most friendly, playful, sweet, CUDDLY bunny! He is my baby. Although people say they are the most friendly and I believe that, but truth is every bunny is different. They can be mean, aggressive and some friendly and sweet. Don't rely on Internet and if you really want to find the perfect one spend time with some at the pound. Just my advice. I had no intention on getting a year old white bunny. I wanted a baby, but I saw him at the corner of my eye and I fell in love! He's a big bunny, probably a rare size for a himalayan but he's the best. Good luck to everyone with their bunnies! Charlie Roche - 2011-04-26 Good for you. I am glad you found one to love. Reply

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