by Angie Pollock

Created on: August 16, 2009   Last Updated: August 17, 2009

Rabbit breeds are generally placed into four categories based upon their size: small, medium, large, and giant. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) currently recognizes 47 rabbit breeds and 15 of those are categorized as large breeds. With average mature weights that range from 9 to 11 pounds, these rabbit breeds are popular for showing, breeding, for meat and fur production, and even as pets.

American

What was once a popular breed during the early 1900s has plummeted to less than 500 in population worldwide. The American rabbit breed is recognized in both blue and white colors. For almost 80 years, a herd of rabbits found in Canada were incorrectly identified as New Zealand whites when they were actually American whites. The discovery of these rabbits in 2006 is helping in keeping this breed alive. The preferred weight for American bucks is 10 pounds and for does, 11 pounds. For registration, bucks should be 9 to 11 pounds and does 10 to 12 pounds.

American Chinchilla

This is purely an American breed developed from the Standard Chinchilla breed. First called the American Heavyweight Chinchilla, this breed is also quite rare with less than 500 known worldwide and the least common of the three Chinchilla breeds. Bucks need to be 9 to 11 pounds and does 10 to 12 pounds for registration.

Beveren

Nicknamed "The Breed of Distinction", the Beveren was developed in Belgium and was popular during the early 1900s for fur production. This breed is accepted in black, blue, and blue-eyed white with brown currently in development. Ideal weight for bucks is 10 pounds and for does, 11 pounds. Registration weight is 8 to 11 pounds for bucks and 9 to 12 pounds for does.

Californian

Originally known as the Cochinelles, this breed is named for its place of development, California. The Californian began as an experimental breed by George West during the 1920s for both meat and fur production. Today, the Californian is quite popular as both a commercial rabbit and in the show ring. This breed can be found in white with black points on the ears, nose, feet, and tail. Preferred weight is 9 pounds for bucks, 9 1/2 pounds for does. Registration weight ranges from 8 to 10 pounds for bucks, 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 pounds for does.

Champagne d' Argent

The Champagne d'Argent is also known as "The Silver Beauty". Originating from France, this breed was imported into the United States in the early 1900s and was originally called the Champagne Silver or French Silver. Today,

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