New Zealand Rabbits
New Zealand Rabbits come in a virtual rainbow of colors, including red white and blue! Originally bred for meat and their unusually luxurious fur, the New Zealand is now one of the most popular breeds in the world of rabbit showing.
Usually bucks weigh ten pounds and females tip the scales at around eleven pounds.
Overweight New Zealand Rabbits are not as graceful as slimmer animals, though their bodies should be deep and broad.
The head should also be broad. New Zealand Rabbits are a medium length breed and have very straight, stocky front legs that are considerably shorter than many other breeds. They also have fairly short necks and carry their ears evenly, with little droop. The show rabbit’s ears should have round tips and should be quite furry! Doe New Zealand Rabbits are still considered attractive show animals even with a small dewlap.
Look at that Lovely Coat!
No matter what the color, the fur of New Zealand Rabbits is thick and glossy, neither too wiry nor too silky in texture. Blue New Zealand Rabbits’ color extends all the way down into the undercoat, and their bright eyes and toenails are dark blue or brown, though the fur should not have a brown tinge!
The color should be a medium blue, even and rich and without silvering. White New Zealand Rabbits should have a bright, clear color free of yellowing, and bright pink eyes! Black New Zealand Rabbits are a deep jet-black color, which should also extend deeply into the undercoat.
The toenails should be dark blue and the eyes brown, though again the fur should not have a brown tinge! The dense coat on New Zealand Rabbits grows to about three quarters of an inch and requires frequent and careful brushing.
They Breed Like, Well, Rabbits!
The New Zealand rabbit does enjoy a reputation as exceptionally easy to breed, making them a great breed choice for the inexperienced first timer. They are usually exceptionally good mothers producing large litters, averaging 7-12 kits per pregnancy.