The Cinnamon rabbit is a beautiful domesticated rabbit breed. It was created in 1962. And the name ‘Cinnamon rabbit‘ is derived from its russet-coloured fur. Actually, the breed was created accidentally by two children named Belle and Fred Houseman in Missoula, Montana during the Easter season of 1962. They crossbred their New Zealand buck and Chinchilla doe. After that their father, Ellis Houseman let them keep one crossbred buck.

Then the children joined their local 4-H group and they were given a Checkered Giant doe and a crossed Californian doe. After that, the children used their crossed buck for mating these two does. The Checkered Giant doe produced two russet-coloured bunnies, and the Californian doe eventually produced one bunny with the same russet coloured fur.

Ellis Houseman believed that only purebred rabbits should be kept for show. But he unwillingly allowed his children to keep the pair of newly born russet-coloured bunnies from the Checkered Giant’s last litter.

Belle and Fred Houseman mated this pair together, and 70 per cent of the litter had this new auburn shade of fur. And they began calling the bunnies Cinnamon. Thus the Cinnamon rabbit breed was created. The Cinnamon rabbit was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1972. Review characteristics, special notes and full breed profile of Cinnamon rabbit below.

Cinnamon Rabbit Characteristics

The main feature of the Cinnamon Rabbit is its luscious coat with colour being the most important trait. It is very striking with rust or ground cinnamon colouring and a uniform grey ticking across the back. It has a dark underbelly with orange under colouring all over it. The breed has a smoky grey colouring on its sides. Cinnamon rabbit has distinct rust coloured spots inside its hind legs. And these spots often appear on its face and feet. The face, feet and hind legs of Cinnamon rabbits tend to be usually darker than the rest of the body. There are small circles present around each eye and butterfly effect marks on the nose.

Cinnamon rabbit is a commercial breed and has a medium-length body. It has erect ears and its head is proportionate to its body. Its hips are deeper and wider than its shoulders. Usually, Cinnamon rabbits weigh between 3.9-5.0 kg. Photo from USA Rabbit Breeders.

Uses

Rabbits are mainly kept for four purposes. Meat, fur, show or as pets. This rabbit is considered the ‘All-Purpose-Rabbit’ breed because it fulfils all four of these purposes. But the Cinnamon is a commercial rabbit breed and mainly bred for meat production. It is also a great choice for pets.

Special Notes

This is a hardy and long-lived breed. The average lifespan is between 5 and 8 years and one can live up to 10 years in captivity. It is calm, laidback and well disposed of. As its coat is short and easy to care for, so it is very good for pets. Like most other rabbit breeds, the Cinnamon rabbit also requires a well-balanced diet and need plenty of room for exercising. They love and enjoy human companions.

These rabbits are born without fur and their eyes are closed. And their eyes will usually open after 7 to 14 days after birth. They feel comfortable if living in groups. So pet Cinnamon rabbits should be kept in pairs for companionship.