From: Avigail Borgeson <avigailjane@gmail.com>
Origin:
The Himalayan rabbit’s history is not very clear. There are no definite records that clearly define the origin of this rabbit. Many believe that they originated in the Himalayan Mountain area, but there is no solid proof to support this claim. It is known that they arrived in the United States in the early 1900’s, coming from England around the same time as the “Belgian Hare Boom”. They are also known to be one of the oldest established breeds and are distributed throughout the world more than any other breed; they are called different names all over the world like The Russian, The Chinese, The Egyptian and The Black Nose to name a few. When they first arrived in the United States, the Himalayan fur was the best of all rabbit fur.
Today:
The Himalayans are solid white with darker markings on their points; the nose, ears, tail and feet. All their babies are born solid white and markings develop with age. The black was the first variety recognized. The only natural occurring variety is the black Himalayan; all other varieties have been created by crossbreeding. Three other varieties have now been added, blue, chocolate and lilac, and all have ruby red eyes. They are known to be calm and easy going, loving attention from their caregiver. They are shown in an outstretched position to show off their points. Ideal weight is 3 ½ lbs for both bucks and does.
Himalayans
By Carl "Eli" Shepherd
"Welcome to the wonderful world of Himalayans. As you have already selected them as your breed, I hope that you will remain with Himalayans for many years to come.
Himalayans are a unique breed. There is no other breed as gentle and easy to handle. Their gentle, loving nature puts them in a class unto itself. Their small size and weight allows for smaller cage space and lower feed bills than many other breeds of rabbit.
Himalayans are one of the oldest breeds of rabbit known throughout the world, dating back to ancient times in countries like China, Tibet, and Russia. It is one of the few breeds that was not man-made by crossing different breeds of rabbit. Black Himalayans are the only true and pure Himalayans*. Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac Himalayans are man-made varieties..."
*By that, Carl only meant that the only naturally occurring Himalayan was the Black variety. Blue, Chocolate and Lilac varieties had to be out crossed to achieve their color.
The Himalayan Rabbits are known for being one of the best pet rabbits. They are very calm, easygoing, and easy to handle. Himalayans are not demanding, but they do enjoy attention from humans. Their coats are easy to care for, so the only thing about them that requires great care is keeping their cages clean.
The Himalayan Rabbit is one of the most popular small rabbit breeds. Its distinctive markings and pink eyes make it a favorite of rabbit enthusiasts, and its calm, friendly attitude makes it a great pet. It is one of the best rabbits for children, with a slender, almost cat-like body that is easy for them to grasp. It is, however, important to remind them to be as gentle with the rabbit as he is with them.
Background: Although the Himalayan's name suggests that it originated in the Himalayas, it is unknown exactly where its origins lie. It is actually known by other names in different parts of the world, including the Russian, the Chinese, the Egyptian, and the Black Nose. It is known, however, that the Himalayan is one of the oldest rabbit breeds, and it is more widely distributed throughout the world than any other.
The Himalayan came to the United States in the early 1900s. At that time, they were prized for their fur. Eventually, breeders began to raise them to show, and they also became popular as pets.
Description: Himalayans are easily recognizable by their pink eyes and distinctive color pattern. Their bodies are white, with darker markings on the nose, ears, tail, and feet. This is a small breed, weighing 2 ½ to 4 ½ pounds. They are the only breed that is classified in shows as cylindrical. They are judged in a stretched-out position.
Color differences: The black color variety is the only one in the Himalayan that was not produced by crossbreeding. Other acceptable colors are blue, chocolate, and lilac. This breed is born solid white, but its colored markings develop with age.
Availability Himalayans are easy to find in most areas and breeders are easily found online. Prices are usually $15 to $30.
References "Himalayan Rabbit Breed Profile", PeoplesPetPlace.com, Copyright 2000-2008
"Smallest Rabbit Breeds", Go Pets America, Inc., Copyright 2008
Shepherd, Carl "Eli", "History of the Himalayan Rabbit: Everything We Need to Know", Referenced online, 2008
"List of Rabbit Breeds", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
Himalayan Rabbits
The Himalayan Rabbit had multiple names throughout its history according to Bob Whitman. I am sure the mutation that resulted having the color only on the ears, nose, feet and tail; while the rest of the rabbit being white with pink eyes, occurred many years ago on the Eurasian continent.
The early documentation mentioning the Himalayan rabbit was in Europe around the middle of the 1800s.
The Himalayan was considered a fur breed closely resembling Ermine fur. Ermine being a weasel has a slender body. Royal garments made out of Ermine showing black dots are actually the weasels' tails fashioned into the garment.
So here in the USA the Himalayan has been developed into its own type category as Cylindrical Type. In the USA we have lowered the weight to an ideal of 3 1/2 pounds, with a maximum of 4 1/2 lbs. and a minimum of 2 1/2 lbs. The European Himalayans will weigh up to 5 and 6 lbs. In the rabbit's normal pose it does not look Cylindrical but Arch Type. Although on the show table the Rabbit is stretched out with its hind feet flat on the table and its front feet below the eyes, weasel like.
General information
Origin
Lagamorpha oryctolagus cunniculus. Europe.
Lifespan
Average 5-7 years. Sometimes more.
Size and weight
2 1/2 lbs to 4 1/2 pounds.
Housing, handling and cleanup
2ft x 2ft x 18” Does and litter 2ft x 3Ft x 18” Firm but gentle behind the ears with rump support. Weekly or more frequent cleaning.
Food and water
Rabbit pellets and water. Crock, water bottle or automatic drinking valve.
Light and shade
Light during the day. No hot sun. Provide shade outside during the hottest part of the day. Lots of air flow around the cage.
Diseases and symptoms
Bacterial, Viral, Protozoan, Parasites, Metabolic and Traumatic.
Started raising Himalayan Rabbits in 1976. At that time only the Black and Blue Himalayans were accepted in the ARBA Standard of Perfection.
The Himalayan Rabbit is a slender rabbit, rather cat like, with a white coat and color on the ears, nose, feet and tail. They are now ARBA accepted in four colors, Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac.
What is so unique about this Rabbit is the way it is shown at the show table. It is stretched out. Ones stretched they can remain in this position for several minutes.
Another unique characteristic is that the rabbit sometimes will weave from side to side, we call this doing the “Himmie Dance”
The rabbit is a rather small rabbit, ideal weight is 3 1/2 lbs, but weight up to 4 1/2 lbs. Is not uncommon.
The fur is rather short, soft with some density when in good coat. It was in the past given the name of “Mock Ermine”. Since the Ermine is a Weasel, hence the stretching out on the show table.
Himalayan rabbits average about 4 to 6 young, occasionally more. So doe’s when pregnant do require more food during this time.
The Himalayan is rather easy to handle, especially for young people. It is a great first rabbit for them. It is also a great 4-H showmanship rabbit due to its ease of handling.
