American

The American rabbit is a large United States breed developed in the early twentieth century by Lewis H. Salisbury in California. It first drew attention for its deep slate blue coat and later included a white variety; in American Rabbit Breeders Association showing, blue and white are the standard colors. The breed has a semi-arch, or mandolin, body rising from the shoulders to rounded hindquarters, with a substantial look suited to its original meat and fur purpose.

Americans can suit experienced pet homes and small rabbitries that have space for a large rabbit and want a quieter, less extreme type. Their short coat needs routine grooming except during molts, but the long body should be supported carefully when lifting. Breeders often watch body depth, color quality, fertility, and preservation of unrelated lines because the population is limited in some regions. Good ventilation, clean flooring, and steady hay intake matter more than rich feed, especially for adults kept at breeding weight.

Colors: Agouti, Black, Blue, Broken, Broken Black, Broken Blue, Charlie, Chestnut, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Harlequin, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Magpie, Marten, Opal, Orange, Otter, Pointed White, Red, Sable, Seal, Squirrel, Tortoise, Tri-Color, Vienna Marked, White