Alaska Rabbit

Despite their name, these rabbits were born from crossing different rabbits in Germany. This was done by Max Gotha, a rabbit judge, and a rabbit breeder in the 1900s. Their goal was to create a white rabbit that can be beneficial in the fur trade industry. However, the Alaska rabbit actually turned out to be have a beautiful and intense black coat, instead of white. Nevertheless, their coat was so glossy and soft that they decided to keep this breed for the fur industry.

The Alaska rabbit was exhibited as a show rabbit for the first time in Europe in 1907. This is when they started to gain popularity. That's when Max Gotha decided to bring this breed to Canada and the United States. These rabbits then became a recognized breed in the middle of 1970s. However, the breed’s recognition within the United States was short-lived because the Black Havana Rabbit, which became popular in the 1980s, caused the Alaska Rabbit to be dropped from the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) registry. reeders are still working on helping this breed make a comeback within the United States.

The Alaska rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit breed, weighing at around 3-4kg (7-9 lbs), known for their glossy and soft black fur. They're often described as thick, solid and blocky. This may be due to their well-rounded bodies with good bone structure. Alaska rabbits have a lifespan of 7-10 years.

Males are heavier than females. Females will also showcase a dewlap. Their ears are small, erect and have rounded tips. Their coat is always black, unless they are a mix-breed. Overall, their fur is silky and smooth. These rabbits also feature dark brown eyes and dark toenails. There might also be just a few white hairs scattered throughout the fur, but not too many.

Alaska rabbits are outgoing, gentle, well-natured, extroverted and friendly. Thanks to their balanced temperament, they make great pets for rabbit companions of all experience and even families.

As with all rabbits, you need to make sure your rabbit has a large cage where they have plenty of space to move. However, it's very important that rabbits get enough play time outside their cage. Their cage will need a little nest, feeder, a drinking fountain with plenty of water, little blankets and high quality hay to gnaw on. Remember that rabbits needs to gnaw in order to prevent the growth of abnormal teeth.

In regards to their diet, your rabbit should have unlimited provision of water, hay, feed, fruits and vegetables. You should also provide them with plenty of toys. Learn to make your own DIY rabbit toys in our article.

When it comes to caring for your rabbit, you will need to get all the necessary vaccinations done, as well as keep up with their deworming schedule. For their dental hygiene, you will need to provide them with plenty of high quality hay for them to gnaw on.

Lastly, make sure to take them to their veterinarian for regular check-ups so that if they are experiencing an illness, we can diagnose and treat it as soon as possible before it gets serious.