American rabbits are medium-sized rabbits. They usually have a mandolin shape, that is, their backs are semi-arched.
When an American rabbit is on the ground, its head and shoulders fall lower than the arch on its loin, but then the top line falls gracefully down toward the tail.
And they come in two colors, a very our white and a beautiful blue.
American rabbits are known variously as American Blue Rabbits, American White rabbits, American Blues, American Whites, Blue Americans, White Americans, German Blue Vienna rabbits, Pasadena Blue rabbits, Mandolin-Shaped Rabbits, and True Blue rabbits.
Whatever you call them, they are an affectionate, easily cared for, and quite rare breed.
Essential Facts About American Blue and White Rabbits
Scientific name: Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Care level, compared to other rabbits: Because American rabbits have long, fine fur, they need more grooming (once or twice a week) than other rabbits. They are prone to hairballs, which they have to break down in their stomachs or pass out as waste. More than other rabbits, they benefit from occasional servings of green papaya to break down the hair that can accumulate in the digestive tracts.
Temperament: Calm, sweet temperament. Does have good mothering abilities.
Color: Deep blue, albino white, or, occasionally, black. Blue American rabbits have blue eyes, White American rabbits have pink or sometimes blue eyes.
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years.
Maximum size: 12 pounds (5.5 kg).
Dietary requirements: Mostly hay, occasional addition of papaya, pineapple, or berries.
Compatible breeds: Gets along with all other breeds of rabbits.
Cage size: American Blue and White rabbits thrive in a two-floor rabbit condo outdoors, with protected play space. Their outdoor play area needs a wire covering on top that allows sunlight in, but excludes predators, such as hawks. These rabbits can be trained to sleep and rest in a crate of dimensions 30 inches wide by 30 inches long by 15 inches high (77 cm by 77 cm by 38 cm).
Thrives indoors or outdoors in temperate climates
History of American Blue and White Rabbit
In 1917, a rabbit breeder in Pasadena, California (at that time, Pasadena was a patchwork of houses and small farms) named Lewis H. Salisbury developed a fur and meat rabbit with a slate-blue coat.
He was secretive about his breeding technique, but other breeders believed that he crossed Blue Imperial rabbits (which are now extinct), Blue Vienna rabbits, Beveren rabbits, and Flemish giant rabbits.
He originally called his new breed the German Blue Vienna rabbit. The name was changed to the American rabbit when hostilities with Germany broke out in World War I.
In the 1920s, Salisbury developed the American White rabbit. Again, he kept the details of his breeding records secret.
Rabbit breeding experts believe he selected “sports,” rabbits born with mutant coat color, and bred them with White Flemish Giant rabbits.
The American White rabbit was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1925.
American Blue and American White rabbits were very popular until the 1950s. They were gradually replaced by California rabbits and other large breeds for meat and fur production.
The breed almost went extinct. Then a colony of American Blue and White rabbits was found in a Hutterite (religious) farm community in Canada, so now the breed is considered “endangered.”
A Second Meaning of the Term “American” Rabbit
The term “American” is also applied to rabbits which are a mixture of various European breeds.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recommends not allowing rabbits of different breeds to mate to avoid kits with health problems.
Appearance of the American Blue and White Rabbit
The first thing you will notice about American rabbits is their eye-catching blue or white coat.
The next thing you will notice is that, once they get to know you, they will come up to greet you every time they see you, just like you were another rabbit.
Young kits will pile on top of each other to get closer to you at feeding time.
Body and Size
The American Rabbit is a medium to large breed, with a distinctive mandolin or semi-arch body shape that you’ll easily recognize.
Adult males, called bucks, weigh between 8.8 and 12 lbs (4-5.4 kg), while females, called does, are slightly larger, weighing between 10 and 12 lbs (4.4-5.5 kg).
Coat
American Blue and White rabbits have soft, gettable, rollback fur. Their fur rolls back into its original position after you stop petting it.
Their coats have guard hairs to keep their undercoat from getting wet when they are in the rain or snow.
The breed comes in two recognized varieties, Blue and White, with solid coloration throughout the coat.
Color
There are seven different genes that determine coat color in rabbits.
As a result, mating two rabbits with the same coat color may produce offspring that do not look like either parent.
Two Blues, for example, can produce a fluff of White kits.
Head and Ears
As you observe the American Rabbit, you’ll notice its head is well-shaped and somewhat narrow.
The ears are proportionately long, tapering to a point, and stand upright, giving the rabbit an attentive appearance.
This unique head and ear combination adds to the overall charm of this beautiful breed.
Temperament of the American Blue and White Rabbit
American Blue and White rabbis have a generally lazy disposition.
They are less inclined to chew on the carpet/furniture, if you let them roam around your house, than most other breeds.
They are intelligent enough, fortunately, to be easily housetrained. It is always preferable, however, to keep them outdoors in a hutch with an enclosed rabbit run.
They often enjoy human interaction, making them ideal pets for gentle children. The key to a well-behaved American Rabbit is early socialization and getting them used to being handled.
American Rabbits can be quite biddable and may respond well to positive reinforcement.
Therefore, using rewards like healthy treats will encourage good behavior and help with bonding between you and your pet.
Requirements for Care of American Blue and White Rabbits
American Blue and White rabbits are not hard to take care of, but they need outdoor space for exploration, exercise, and play.
All rabbits are happier when they live with 3 or 4 others.
However, if you have a male you have not had neutered and a female you have not had spayed, you will have 6 to 9 new rabbits three times a year.
Bedding
American Blue and White rabbits like to sleep in dry timothy hay. They will eat their bedding as a healthy snack!
Whether you are keeping your American Blue and White rabbits indoors or outdoors, change their bedding at least once a week.
Temperature
Most rabbits are happy and active at temperatures of 58° to 72° F (18° to 21° C).
American Blue and White rabbits are OK outdoors in the winter, as long as they have shelter from rain, snow, and wind.
They do not do well with heat and humidity, however.
Make sure the rabbit’s living space is well-ventilated, but away from direct sunlight or drafts. Here are some more tips:
- Provide a clean and soft bedding material, such as shredded paper or aspen shavings, for your rabbit’s living area.
- Regularly remove soiled bedding and clean the enclosure to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
- Offer a hideaway or shelter inside the enclosure where your rabbit can retreat for privacy and rest.
By catering to your American Rabbit’s space and environmental needs, you’ll create a comfortable and stimulating home for your furry friend to flourish.
Lighting
Make sure your American Blue and White rabbits get some time in sunlight every day.
Breeding and Reproduction
When it comes to breeding and reproduction of the American Rabbit, there are some key aspects you should be aware of.
This section will guide you through the mating techniques, gestation, and offspring of this rabbit breed.
Mating Techniques
American rabbits are sexually mature at different ages, depending on their size.
Medium to large breeds mature at around 4-4.5 months, while giant breeds take about 6 to 9 months.
Small breeds, on the other hand, mature at around 3.5 to 4 months of age. Unlike humans, female rabbits release eggs triggered by sexual intercourse rather than a hormonal cycle.
Gestation and Offspring
The gestation period for rabbits is around 30 days, and the doe can become pregnant again 24 hours after giving birth.
Baby American rabbits, or kits, are born in large litters. However, they are born naked, blind, and deaf.
Their development progresses rapidly:
- Hair begins to show a few days after birth.
- Eyes and ears open by day 10.
- Body temperature regulation starts around day 7.
Being aware of these crucial aspects will help you understand and care for American rabbits during their breeding and reproduction process.
Follow this guidance to ensure the health and well-being of your rabbits and their offspring.
Popular Bunny Names for American (Blue and White) Rabbit
Here’s a table with popular American Blue and White Rabbit names, reflecting their breed characteristics.
The American Rabbit is known for its large size and sleek, semi-arched body shape.
It comes in two colors, blue and white. Many of these names are inspired by their unique appearance and gentle nature.
| Boy Bunny Names for American Rabbit | Girl Bunny Names for American Rabbit |
|---|---|
| Cobalt | Sapphire |
| Frost | Snowflake |
| Midnight | Luna |
| Sky | Pearl |
| Indigo | Crystal |
| Cloud | Stardust |
| Iceberg | Celeste |
| Nimbus | Aurora |
| Silver | Bella |
| Sterling | Misty |
These names emphasize the distinctive blue and white coloration and overall elegance of the American Blue and White Rabbit breed, making them fitting choices for your rabbit.
Also read: Popular Pet Rabbit (Bunny) Names (Girl/Boy)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rabbit
Are American Blue and White rabbits rare?
A few years ago, American Blue and White rabbits were considered in danger of going extinct, but now they are just considered rare.
How much does an American Blue and White rabbit cost?
An American Blue and White bunny will usually cost around US $50, but an adult can cost $200 or more.
Where can I buy an American Blue and White rabbit?
Check with American Rabbit Breeders.
Do American Blue and White rabbits get along with other pets?
American rabbits get along very well with cats and well-mannered dogs. Maltese, Maltipoos, and Bichon Frise dogs have a very low hunting instinct, and are usually safe with rabbits.
American rabbits are always happier when they have another rabbit for a hutch mate.
They are incompatible with large snakes. They get along well with hamsters and guinea pigs, but they can spread a lung disease called Bordatella to these rodents.
How often do I need to groom my American Blue and White rabbit?
Grooming your American rabbit about twice a week is optimal.
Do American Blue and White rabbits get sick very often?
American rabbits are generally quiet, but they will vocalize when they are not feeling well.
Most often, the problem is in the digestive tract. American rabbits that do not get enough hay and other high-fiber foods can suffer gastrointestinal stasis, a blockage that can cause either diarrhea or constipation.
These rabbits can have teeth growing into their face if they do not get enough fibrous food to chew on.
As a general rule, when your American rabbit seems lethargic, has diarrhea, or “talks” to you all the time, it is time to take it to the vet for an exam.
Are there any downsides to owning an American Blue and White rabbit?
It’s not really a problem if you are keeping American rabbits as pets, but you need to be aware that some does will give birth to “sports.”
These are rabbits with mutant coat colors, most often black. You can also get white rabbits with blue eyes.
There is nothing wrong with these rabbits as pets. However, they will not be accepted at shows.
Where can I find other people who are enthusiastic about American Blue and White rabbits?
Learn more about American Blue and White rabbits from Breeders of the American Rabbit N. S. C.
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