Californian (US)
The Californian (US) refers to the breed as developed and standardized in the United States, where it remains one of the best-known meat and exhibition rabbits. George S. West of California is commonly credited with creating the breed from Himalayan, Standard Chinchilla, and New Zealand White ancestry, aiming for a white pelt, dark extremities, and a meaty body. Under the usual US show description, the rabbit has ruby eyes, a white body, and dark points on the nose, ears, feet, and tail, with senior weights roughly in the eight to ten and a half pound range.
American breeders use Californians for breed classes, meat pens, homestead production, and crossbreeding with New Zealands and other commercial lines. Selection often balances fast growth with firm shoulders, a deep loin, sound feet, and clean point markings. The breed is hardy in ordinary rabbitry conditions, but it still needs shade in hot weather and dry bedding to prevent hock and respiratory problems. Families considering a US Californian as a pet should plan for an adult-sized enclosure and steady handling.
Colors: Agouti, Albino, Black, Blue, Broken, 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
