Havana
The Havana rabbit is one of the recognized breeds by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. It was characterized by its soft fur that ranges from colors such as black, blue, and chocolate brown.
As all other rabbit nowadays, it also is a product of selective cross breeding. It was created by a mating between a black and a white common farm rabbit in the Netherlands in 1898. But unfortunately, Mr. Honders, the owner of the farm did not know which male is the father of the kittens. This kits were first given the name Ingensche Vuuroog which means Fire-eye from Ingen. Brown and white in color, their eyes had an unusual ruby glow when seen in good light. |
After successive attempts to produce the same line, the breed was finally stabilized by Mr. Van der Horst, Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Muysert and was shown in Utrecht for the first time in 1899. At the first show, they were known as Casters and Beavers. Mrs. Jeanne J. Lamaire showed them for the first time under the name of Havana in Paris in 1903.
The early colors of these rabbit were of a dark red/brown color like that resembles that of a dark squirrel with a weight of around 7 1/2 pounds. However, it also have some who have shown an unsatisfactory results. Others have white spots and white feet. |
With that, these rabbits were crossed with the Tan rabbit breed and is believed to have helped eliminate the white feet and spots. And cross breeding with the Himalayans, it helped with the shape, fur, and size of the breed.
Senior Bucks and Does over 6 months weigh between 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds. Their ideal weight is 5 1/4 or 5 1/2 pounds. Junior Bucks and Does have a minimum weight of 2 1/2 pounds and a maximum weight of 5 pounds. |