Breeds - Californian

 

HISTORY: Californians were first bred by a Mr West, who was a furrier as well as rabbit breeder and judge. Californians were first shown at an American breeders' convention in 1923. The Californian was first known as the Ermine, or Cochinellas, but this was soon changed to the present name, Californian. It originated from a cross between a New Zealand White, Chinchilla and Himalayan. The Himalayan giving it the characteristic markings of a coloured nose, ears, feet and tail, which were to be as black as possible. The Californian has a dense undercoat, with coarser guard hairs, with the coat being of medium length. Californian's were imported into the UK from the USA in the 1950s, and they made their first appearance in the UK at the Bradford Championship in 1961. Throughout the years the fur has not changed, however there has been the addition of lilac and chocolate coloured points.

AVERAGE WEIGHT: 3.6-4.5kg.

MARKINGS: Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac points.