Havana Rabbits

Havana Rabbit – information and facts about the Havana Rabbit Breed. Learn more about Havana Rabbits in this article. Breed photos are included.

Havana Rabbit

Classified as a show rabbit, Havana rabbits show a combination of a wonderful, deep, smooth and a sleek body. According to reliable sources, Havana rabbits have been developed over time; to the point that average show rabbits are fine representations of the standard. The best of the Havana rabbits are almost perfect, according to the ARBA standard.

Interestingly, Havana rabbit breed is one of the most awarded breeds during shows at the local, state, as well as national level. They would reap the Best of Show Award most of the time. If you look at the Havana rabbit for the first time, you might easily think that there’s nothing particularly special about it. However, to the eyes of a well-trained judge, a top notch Havana has breathtaking features that are definitely worth rewarding.

Also known as the ‘mink of the rabbit family’, the Havana rabbits are widely known for their lustrous fur. While Havanas are not popular choice for rabbit pet owners, Havanas constantly ace the spotlight in rabbit shows and fairs.

Havana Rabbit Facts

1. History

With its first appearances being recorded in the Netherlands in the year 1898, Havana is considered ancestral to other rabbits, including Fee de Marbourg, Perlefee and Gris Perle de Hal to name a few.

A rich brown rabbit came out as an offspring from a litter of Dutch marked doe. The beautiful color of Havana rabbits prompted some rabbit breeders to develop a new breed. This beautiful chocolate color resembles that of Cuban cigars from the city of Havana, which explains why it is called as such.

In the year 1908, appearances of Havanas were recorded in England. Later on, the forerunner of the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized them in the year 1916. In the succeeding years, development of the breed continued. It was during 1960s when the blue variety was recognized. Around 1980s, the black’s recognition followed.

And just in the year 2007, the broken variety was accepted, under the efforts of Brad and Katie Boyce.

2. Characteristics and Appearance

The average weight of Havana rabbits is 4.5 pounds (2.0 kg) and 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg) at the age of maturity. They are considered medium-sized rabbits.

They have a compact, short and deep body type, which seems to approach a “half basketball” shape when viewed from the side. The hindquarters of the rabbit will evenly taper from the side when viewed from the top.

If we follow the standard conditions, Havanas should not have flat or narrow spots in their body type. There shouldn’t also be squared hips or pinched hindquarters. The ears and head are of medium length, giving a perfect complement with the medium-sized body of the breed.

Aside from the body type, the coat and color of the rabbit also has a strong bearing in the point system for Havanas.

Havanas are best known for their wonderful fur coating. They are characterized by flybackfur, the type that returns to is original position after being stroked from the tail to the head. While not having any Satin sheen, the fur of the Havanas carry an ‘unusually’ high luster. It is believed that the Satin rabbit breed, also known for having unique coat, began from a litter of Havana rabbits.

Generally, Havanas are characterized by a rich color. ARBA recognizes four color types of Havana: chocolate, blue, black and broken. For this, all of the solid colors are characterized by a dark and rich shade.

3. Personality and Traits

Havanas have an even temperament. There are instances when they can be docile. But there are also circumstances when they show off a bit of an attitude. But generally, they have a relaxed and friendly personality. They just need to be acquainted to humans at an early age so that they can cope up with the interaction.

Havanas are active in the morning and the evening. They also play toys, tubes and boxes. They are also deemed as good producers and great mothers.

There’s a lot more to know about this amazing rabbit breed. There’s a wide array of reasons that explain why they are always win the ‘Best of Show’ award during shows. And while these rabbits are not first options as pets, having them around in shows and fairs surely makes a competition stiff with their near-to-perfect standards.