Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Havana

As a former rabbit breeder and exhibitor, I've had the opportunity to meet a variety of different rabbit breeds, observing their type and various temperaments. From the get-go, I can easily say that the Havana rabbit has always captivated me; beautifully balanced, rich in color and well-mannered, he is a very well-rounded rabbit, whether for pet or for show. Often overlooked in favor of fancier breeds with more striking features, the Havana Rabbit is an excellent choice if you're looking to start breeding or showing rabbits. They also make excellent pets!

Where Did Havana Rabbits Come From?

One might think, hearing their name, the Havana Rabbit originated in Cuba. Surprisingly, while he may share a name with some fine cigars, this beautiful bunny actually hails from Holland and can be traced clear back to the year 1898. This is when the first Havana rabbits showed up, of all things, in the litter of a female Dutch Rabbit. While it was unknown who the bunnies' father was, the mixed bunnies were kept and bred for their striking chocolate color and compact body type. In 1916, they were first introduced to the United States, where they became an instant hit and were then taken into Canada during the 1980's. Over time, the breed would not only come to encompass the original chocolate, but several other similarly striking colors as well.

What Do Havana Rabbits Look Like?

Havana rabbits are medium-build rabbits with a very compact and well-rounded body type. They commonly weigh about 4.0 to 6.5 pounds as mature adults (6 mos. or older) and should have a firm body type, as opposed to loose and flabby. Their ears are relatively short in comparison to their bodies and are held upright, while the Havana's head appears to sit back in against his shoulders when properly posed, as opposed to showing off his neck. This further accentuates the tight compactness of this small breed.

The fur of the Havana is short, dense and carries a very nice gloss with a fast rollback, when the fur is stroked backward. Interesting to note, is that the first "satin" rabbits (satin being a genetic mutation which creates a very high gloss coat) were found in a litter of Havana bunnies. While chocolate was the breed's original color, the standard now accepts bunnies in black, blue, chocolate, lilac and brokens, which were accepted as recently as 2007.

The Havana Rabbit Today

Havana Rabbits have gradually increased in popularity since they were first discovered in 1898. Cherished as pets, they are noted for their docile and friendly temperaments and are said to be quite playful and quick to bond to their owners. This makes them one of the better choices for pet rabbits.

On the show tables, it's hard to deny the beauty of the Havana breed - Possessing excellent body type and beautiful fur, they are often a crowd favorite and have charmed many a rabbit judge into a well-deserved Best in Show award. When it comes to a rabbit with a complete package, it's hard to deny the beauty that is a Havana.

While they were originally discovered in a Dutch rabbit's nest box, the Havana has gone on to help found several other notable rabbit breeds, including the European Gris Perle de Hal, the Feh de Marbourg and the ever-popular Satin Rabbit. Often called the "Mink of the Rabbit World," the Havana Rabbit is an excellent choice, whether you're interested in breeding rabbits for show or simply want an excellent pet for your house or apartment.

Finding a Havana Rabbit

Fortunately, the Havana Rabbit is a popular breed, so it's not too hard to find one. I usually recommend that people search up Havana rabbit breeders through the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeder's Association) or related breed clubs. If you're still at a loss, another good option is contacting your local cooperative extension office - There's bound to be a 4-H leader that can point you towards a youth that raises nice quality Havana Rabbits.

Sources

A.R.B.A. (American Rabbit Breeder's Association) Standard of Perfection

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana_(rabbit) - Wikipedia Article About the Havana

http://www.havanarb.org/ - Havana Rabbit Breeder's Association

Personal experience, breeding and exhibiting rabbits