The American rabbit is known throughout the United States and by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA) as just that; the American, but when researching the American rabbit I found that it is also called the American Blue rabbit. This American Blue rabbit comes from Pasadena, CA. It was developed and introduced by Lewis H. Salisbury in 1917. This breed is a combination of at least three different breeds; the Flemish, the Vienna, and the Imperial. They started out with only one variety (color) but in 1925 they introduced the American White variety. It is only known to the ARBA as the American, but before World War 1the American Blue was known as the German Blue.
With development of other meat breeds like the New Zealand and the Californians, both more compact and commercial type rabbits, the American breed has lost its position as the leader in the meat and fur market and is now almost totally ignored by the commercial market. There are still a small number of faithful breeders trying to keep this breed alive, but sadly the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has this breed listed as “critical”, which means close to extinction. If more interest is not sparked among breeders we may loose the breed forever.
Originally developed for meat and fur, this rabbit’s color is supposed to be the bluest of ALL blue rabbits. The ARBA Standard of Profection for the American rabbit says all bucks should weigh between 10-12lbs and all does should weigh between 9-11lbs by the time they are full grown. They are long in body, with their topline starting behind the shoulder, their topline should rise high over the hindquarters and down again, allowing for a wide meaty loin. With the right breeding, care and nutrition the American can be a large and hardy rabbit. They are known to have large litters and gain weight fast, which is a desireable trait in meat rabbit production. A good American that is large, has a brilliant blue color is still hard to ignore on the show table.
The American's breed slogan is "Established as a Classic". they are shown in two varieties; blue and white.
The ARBA Schedule of Points for the American is as follows:
General type....55
- Body...40
- Head...5
- Ears...4
- Eyes...1
- Feet and Legs...5
- Tail...0
Fur....20
Color...15
Condition...10
Total points...100
Visit the American Rabbits website for more information about this interesting breed.
Cindi Hinton - I love animals and I love helping kids with their animal projects. I live on a small farm in north Texas. My husband and I raise Holland ...
