Cinnamon Rabbit Breed Lifespan, Size and Breeders

Quick facts

• Country of origin: United States of America
• Average weight: 5 - 11 pounds (3.9 - 5.0 kg)
• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years but can live up to 10 years.
• Similar breeds – Californian and New Zealand rabbits
• Purpose: Meat, show (amateur showers), fur or a pet.

History and origin

Cinnamon rabbits were an unintentional creation of two siblings, Fred and Belle Houseman of Missoula Montana during the Easter season of 1962 by crossing a New Zealand Buck with a Chinchilla doe. Being a believer of purebred rabbits alone, their father allowed them only to keep a single crossbred buck.

On Joining 4-H group, Fred and Belle Houseman were given two does, a Californian and Checkered Giant and they mated each of them with the crossbreed they had. The results were two russet-colored bunnies in the Checkered Giant doe litter (a buck and doe) and one in the Californian doe.

Later, the two siblings mated the russet-colored doe and buck they had gotten from the Checkered Giant litter, and 70% of the resultant offspring had this new auburn shaded coat which they named Cinnamon.

Later in 1972, after a few hurdles, the Cinnamon bunny breed was approved by ARBA. However, the British Rabbit Council (BRC) does not recognize it.

Appearance, size and body type

The Cinnamon rabbit has a commercial body type of medium length and weighs between 8.5 to 11 lbs (3.9 to 5.0 kg). Does are slightly bigger than bucks, i.e., 9-11 pounds and 8.5-10.5 pounds respectively.

These bunnies have erect ears, a head proportional to its body and their hip broader and more profound than its shoulder.

In shows, the ARBA awards 58 points for its body type that must be medium-sized, well filled with flesh and it must have smooth bones (these points go to the body, head, eyes, ears, tail, feet, and legs).

The coating quality is given 11 points, and another 11 points go to its markings and varying color shades. The fur is given 15 points while its general condition takes the last five points.

Coat

The Cinnamon’s rabbit coat should be short with sheen (about 1 -1.5 inches long) and according to Wikipedia, its color should be “rust or ground cinnamon with a uniform gray ticking across the back, smoky grey coloring on its sides, a dark underbelly, and an orange under-color allover.” Also, the hind legs’ inner side should have the rust color, and often, its feet and face.

The face, hind legs, and feet should be darker than other parts of the body “producing a butterfly effect on the nose and small circles around each eye” (source – Wikipedia).

Finally, its back should have a lighter shade of gray dusting.

Cinnamon rabbit care

Firstly, grooming will involve brushing its fur once a week with a slicker brush. However, if it is shedding (molting), you may have to brush it twice a week or more where necessary. Also, trim its nails once they are long, and avoid bathing your bunny. Instead, spot-clean it with a damp towel.

Secondly, provide your bunny with a well-balanced diet with grass hay (such as timothy, oats, rye, meadow, Bermuda or barley grasses), leafy greens, treats of permitted small quantities of fruits and vegetables as well as an unlimited amount of freshwater for them to drink. Note that fruits and vegetables must be limited and only those that are rabbit friendly.

Whenever possible, let your rabbit roam freely in your rabbit-proofed house that has a hiding place or place it in a spacious cage or pen with a place to hide too.

These rabbit hutches must be the recommended size, i.e., high enough, and spacious allow it to stand in its hind legs, stretch, and hop around. Furthermore, outdoor hutches must be weatherproof and secured from predators.

Spot-clean and remove all droppings daily. Every once a week, clean the cage thoroughly replacing your rabbit's bedding.

Since these bunnies love to run and jump with running speeds of up to 30-40 miles per hour, consider having a fenced area on your backyard where they can go and play. Use this time to make them get used to you (i.e., socialize them).

Health concerns

These bunnies do not have any specific disease limited to them alone. However, like other bunnies, ensure you vaccinate them against myxomatosis and rabbit (Viral) hemorrhagic disease if you are in the UK and other countries that have rabbit vaccination programs.

Also, physically check for overgrown teeth, fur mites, ticks, worms, flystrike, and fleas or their symptoms.

Does should be spayed and bucks neutered to reduce chances of diseases affecting reproductive systems such as uterine cancers unless you intend to breed them. Otherwise, if allowed to reproduce, expect 2-4 litters annually each litter having 4-6 kits.

Finally, check for any symptoms of illness on your bunny which will be things like it not eating, pooping, lethargy, fever, runny nose and eyes, among many other symptoms.

Temperament and behavior

These docile, easy-going and calm bunnies love your attention.  Like most rabbits, they will enjoy spending lots of time with their owner, and playing with various bunny toys including the gnaw toys, plastic balls, as well as cat and dog toys.

They make excellent pets since they require minimal grooming and they are suited for families with older children, first time owners, singles, and seniors. However, due to their large size, they may injure small kids or get hurt if they are not handled correctly.

Their large size makes them particularly ideal for older children as they can easily handle them as compared to giant rabbits.

Cinnamon rabbits for sale and prices

If you are considering having these bunnies, although they are not listed as rare, they are not readily available. You need to look for them at the various Cinnamon rabbit breeders especially those approved by the Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association, rescue centers, and rabbitries.

The easiest way to locate Cinnamon rabbits is by searching for them online. Expect the price of those that are pedigreed, for show and purebred to be higher. On average, their cost will range from $30 to 100+ per bunny.

Finally, when buying them, consider doing so in pairs or trios so that they can keep each other company.