New Zealand white rabbits are 100% American bred despite their name. In 1916, W.S. Preshaw bred the first litter of New Zealand white rabbits with a plan to produce a rabbit that would be excellent for meat and fur trade. The original breeds that were used are unknown, but Angoras are believed to have played some part. (Verhallen 23-35)
Physiology
New Zealand white rabbits were bred for their meat and fur but their body type helped to contribute to them becoming the favorite breed of domestic rabbit. New Zealand whites have well-rounded bodies, slender and muscular faces, round cheeks, large long back feet, short and small front feet (Rubins). They have long ears that stand straight up into the air. Unlike the thick snowy fur on their bodies, their ears have shorter fur that allows delicate colors of pale pink to show through (Rubins).
A New Zealand white rabbit has large, broad, and muscular bodies. Bucks (males) weigh between eight and ten pounds while the does (females) outweigh the males with weights between nine and twelve pounds (Verhallen 23-35). Females also have a dewlap, which is flap of fur below the chin that is pulled for a nesting box during pregnancy. Despite their size, the most noticeable characteristic of a New Zealand white rabbit is their bright eyes. Their eyes can range from shades of pale pink to bright ruby red (Rubins).
Albinism
New Zealand white rabbits have a rare genetic disease called albinism. Albinism is caused by a lack of melanin, which is a vital pigment that gives rabbits their eye color. This abnormality gives them the bright red eyes that make them stand out so well. (Rubins) The snowy coat of a New Zealand white rabbit is a normal length like other rabbit breeds. The bright, white coloring of their fur is part of their albinism.
Diet
The diet of a New Zealand white rabbit is similar to the diets of other rabbit breeds but with a few differences. New Zealand white rabbits eat pressed rabbits pellets which provide them with a balanced diet to keep their healthy. Unlike other rabbits, New Zealand white rabbits can not eat too much lettuce, cabbage, grass, clovers, or root vegetables. These foods are too rich in moisture and can cause severe diarrhea or major stomach problems. (Verhallen 23-35) Carrots, celery, cucumbers, apples, radish leaves, potato peelings, and pears are all suitable foods for New Zealand white rabbits (“American Rabbit”).
Domestic use
In the beginning New Zealand white rabbits were not bred to be a domestic pet. Instead they were bred for their excellent fur and meat. Fryers are slaughtered at two months of age and older rabbits are sold as roasters. The rabbits with high grades of fur are used to make fur coats and fur trimmings. The lower grades are used to make felt hats and glove linings (”Commercial Rabbit Raising”). New Zealand white rabbits are the number one meat rabbit in the United States (Bare 63-65).
Along with commercial purposes, New Zealand white rabbits are also used for laboratory purposes. Over one million New Zealand white rabbits execute roles during laboratory testing. Rabbits have a similar reaction to diseases and medicines like the reaction of a human. This reaction allows them to be used at pharmaceutical laboratories, the U.S. Public Health building, cancer research centers, and university hospitals. New Zealand white rabbits have been used to develop tests and drugs for diseases like diabetes, diphtheria, tuberculosis, cancer, and heart disease. The effects of skin creams, cosmetics, special diets, and food additives have also been tested on New Zealand white rabbits. (Bare 63-65)
Breeding
A female New Zealand white rabbit is fertile all year long. The gestation period is around 30 to 31 days. Right before the babies are born, the mother will pull fur from her dewlap along with using any other materials that are in the cage. The young babies are also called kittens are born without any fur and with their eyes closed. After ten days they will open their eyes. At the age of three weeks they will begin to walk. The average number of kittens per litter is six and a female can reproduce more than four times a year. The male New Zealand white rabbit plays no part in the birthing or raising process. If paired with his young babies it is a high chance that the father will stomp the young babies to death and then he will eat them. (“American Rabbit”)
Personality
The personality of a New Zealand white rabbit makes them the lovable and cuddly bunnies that are often associated with Easter. These rabbits are very calm, cuddly, and have a friendly disposition. The New Zealand white rabbit is the most popular breed among large breeds because of their easy going personality.
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