Animal-World > Small Animal Pets > Pet Rabbits > New Zealand Rabbits

New Zealand Rabbit

Family: Leporidae

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Oryctolagus cuniculus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   You can't help falling in love with a New Zealand rabbit, especially when it gently nudges you, wanting a petting on its soft snowy white fur!

   The New Zealand babies in the picture above are just about 7 weeks old and are only about 2.2 pounds each. They are just as sweet and cuddly as any rabbit can be. They are munching on a green apple while they pose to have their pictures taken!

   The New Zealand is a wonderful rabbit and makes a great beginner bunny. They are quite social and outgoing, and enjoy being part of the family. They like everybody and most household pets, and they are not biters.

   One of their greatest features is that they usually love to be handled. Pick them up, set them down, or hold them in your lap! They are often likened to "big rag dolls" because they flop down kind of like a rag doll, accommodating any cuddly manner in which you wish to hold them. They can even be carried across your shoulder!

   As with all good sized rabbits, the New Zealand will need a bigger area to move around in. They need regular excercise as they can gain weight easily. Keep treats to a minimum., even though your pet will beg you for them. The babies in our picture above will soon outgrow the cage we have them in!

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

Background:
   The New Zealand rabbit was first a red variety and became known in the United States about 1912. It is thought to be a cross between a Belgian Hare and a white rabbit. The white variety came about from cross breeding among several breeds such as the Flemish, American Whites, and Angoras. A black variety was also developed from various crossings which include the Giant Chinchilla.

   Historically thought of as a utility or working rabbit, the New Zealand rabbit has been selected for hundreds and hundreds of generations by people who work with rabbits. This is because they have good outgoing personalities and are easy to work with. They don't tend to bite or struggle and they don't get sick or have health problems nearly as often as other breeds.

Description:
   A medium sized rabbit, the New Zealand adult will get up to 11 pounds.

Color differences:
   As you can see in the picture above, the New Zealand rabbits are generally pure white rabbits with red eyes and pinkish coloring in their ears, but they can also be brick red or black.

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Latest Comments
I just got a NZ about 3 weeks ago. Considering what they are bred for, I am quite pleased with mine. Her name is Asa, and she is quite amazing. I have never had rabbits, and I am shocked at how affectionate she is and how good she is with people. I know she will get quite large, but she has a personality I never expected. I am glad I got her, instead of a typical "pet" rabbit. I also have a Lionhead dwarf, and even though she is great as a pet as well, she is not quite as bonded to me as Asa. Nikkie 2009-06-04
We have had many rabbits in the past but our NZ Ollie seems to have the best attitude and the sweetest personality out of all of them. He has the free run of our house most of the day and knows to go to his cage to "do his business". He loves to cuddle while we watch tv at night and does really well with our 2 sons. I think he especially loves his veggies that we give him every night before he goes back into his cage for bedtime. Anyhow, my point is, if youre wanting a rabbit and cant decide what breed, NZ rabbits are the way to go! Danielle 2009-02-28
I have a white fured red eyed New Zealand rabbit! Her name is Albie, and she also loves cords. We found her 2 years ago underneath our car and it was like love at first sight. She gets in alot of trouble but I would never give her up nicole 2009-02-18
I have a white new zealand named casper. He is the best rabbit. He's potty trained and very well house trained. I can never seem to keep him away from cords. I wouldn't trade him for the world! Jenny 2008-12-05
I have a full grown albino bunnie. His name is crumb. He loves going to the motocross track. I brought him to the vet and I got him dyed pink! He follows me everywhere, he even wears a harness and walks on a leash. Krisna 2008-08-13
Some of the coolest comments:
What lovely buns! And what lovely people saying they love their buns! I love my little four pounders very much but I cannot resist dreaming about a huge New Zealand! Friends who have these huge buns always seem to have funny stories about them. But mine do the same things, only less visibly because of their size. Hugs from me and my house buns Bunkie and Taco who send bunny kisses to all these documented well cared for NZs teri 2004-03-21
I also have a New Zealand white, but mine is a HUGE BRAT, but I dont blame her, she was raised in a chicken coop with other rabbits. So basically she had to defend herself from other territoral does(Girls) and horney bucks(Boys). All thay had to eat was chicken poop and algae infested water. This guy did not even get the breed name right! He called them californians. I am in rabbit 4-H so I show her, She does GREAT! She gets best of breed almost every show! So I basically rescued her. I named her Frost, But she still trys to defend her territory, but thats ok, because of her past. Owner of White rose Rabbitry Kristina Kristina 2004-02-23
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
Hi, great site! 10x's bob 2008-03-06
Hi there. I have 2 white female new zealand rabiits. Babs and Fluffy =) They have great personalities and are just the sweetest animals. I also had a grey Netherland dwarf called Bunny that somehow managed to breed with one of my girls. Lets just say that the babies were incredibly adorable! I'm glad the babies survived cos my drawf rabbit just recently passed away. I was really happy to have a baby bunny that pretty much looked like my dwarf... only bigger =D This site is great, tons of great info. Anonymous 2007-04-02
I have a beautiful new zealend rabbit named Monty. He's been a great friend and has a very fat and happy life. He had a huge cage, plants to eat, and plenty of attention. I let him out in the yard daily to munch on grass and he will always come back in. He gets along with my dog and parakeets great and is cuter then any other bunny alive. Thank you for all your information and help. me and monty have learned from your site. THANKS! MaTal 2006-02-02

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