New Zealand Rabbits are a breed of rabbit which despite the name are American in origin. In 1916 the first litter of New Zealand white rabbits born with a plan to produce a rabbit that would be excellent for meat and fur trade. Their body type helped to contribute to them becoming the favorite breed of domestic rabbit. They have well-rounded bodies; slender and muscular faces with round cheeks; large, long back feet; and small, short front feet. They have long perforated ears that stand straight up. Unlike the thick, snowy fur on their bodies, their ears have shorter fur that allows the delicate pale pink of their skin to show through. The most noticeable characteristic of New Zealand white rabbits is their eyes, which range in shade from pale pink to bright ruby red. They have large, broad, and muscular bodies. In addition to their greater size, females are distinguished by the presence of a dewlap, which is flap of fur below the chin that is pulled for a nesting box during pregnancies. Bucks (males) weigh between 8-10 pounds, while the does (females) weigh between 9-12 pounds.
