PetzloverPICTURES COMING! Contrary to what the name suggests, New Zealand rabbits are not from New Zealand. This breed was developed in California in the early 1900s. While there is no consensus about where the name came from, it’s thought that these rabbits may have been bred from other bunnies imported from the New Zealand region. The dominant color of New Zealand rabbits was originally red, but in 1917 a red doe produced a litter of white kits. White New Zealand rabbits quickly became the desired color. New Zealand rabbits have a broad and muscular body, upright ears, and soft fur. The average weight of a New Zealand rabbit is 9–12 pounds, and they typically live an average of 5–8 years (or longer if spayed/neutered and housed indoors).
