The Havana rabbit breed is well over a century old and was once known as the “fire-eye from Ingen.” Havana rabbits, despite their island namesake, are not native to Cuba. Where does this bunny breed come from? And why does it have the same name as the capital of a country in Latin America?
This guide, Canvas Personalized will explain everything you need to know. Once you’re done reading, you’ll have the proper information to care for this well-liked pet!
Havana Rabbit Breed Key Figures
| Scientific name | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
| Weight | 4.5-6.5 lb |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Best For | Singles, Seniors, Apartment/House, Families with kids, Begginers, Indoor/Outdoor rabbits |
1. Havana Rabbit Origin
It was named after the more well-known island, but the Havana rabbit was born and raised in the Netherlands. Due to its resemblance to the coloration of beavers, this breed was initially called “Castor.” But in 1903, a Frenchman rechristened them after the hue of expensive Cuban cigars.
This cute bunny is one of the “happy accidents” of rabbit breeding. It was made when two ordinary rabbits on a farm in the Netherlands got together by chance. By some genetic miracle, these two rabbits could have a litter of cute dark brown kits. The further inbreeding that darkened the hue of its coat ultimately contributed to its naming.
This rabbit breed first came to the United States in 1916, and its soft hair and placid nature quickly won over many rabbit lovers. Since then, it has become renowned as a show bunny and household pet.
2. Characteristics Of The Havana Rabbit Breed
Size (Weight, Shape)
The Havana rabbit is a medium-sized breed, weighing only 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. Their fluff-tipped tails should curl into a half-circle from the top of their spherical bodies.
Straight, short legs and dark toenails characterize these rabbits. Havana bunnies often have a compact build with a short muzzle, rounded cheeks, rounded, medium-sized eyes, and small, close-set ears.
Colors
In 1965, the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized the blue Havana rabbit. And in 1980, the black Havana rabbit was accepted. The ARBA officially recognized the broken-colored Havana rabbit in 2008.
The Havana bunny comes in five distinct colors, all recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Havana rabbits of any color—chocolate, blue, black, lilac, or broken—are welcome to enter competitions.
Coat
All Havana rabbits share the same short, fluffy fur that doesn’t need frequent brushing or scrubbing to look its best.
Lifespan
The average life span of the Havana rabbit is between 5 and 8 years. But some bunnies can live up to 10 years if they get regular vet checks and are well cared for.
Behavior/Temperament
Many small rabbit breeds are known to be very active and even a bit aggressive. Not the Havana, though! These cute rabbits are very friendly and like to cuddle with people and other rabbits. They’re wonderful housepets because they don’t need much maintenance or training.
3. How To Care
Nutrition
In addition to clean water, Havana rabbits require a diet rich in vegetables and hay. Each day, provide your rabbit with around 1/4 cup of rabbit pellets (without seeds or food coloring) but focus more on grass hays and dark, leafy green vegetables. Less than 5% of their daily caloric intake can come from non-green cereals, crackers, fruits, and vegetables. Keep a water bottle and a bowl of water available to ensure your rabbit stays hydrated.
Common Health Problems
When it comes to rabbits, Havana is one of the healthiest varieties. They also don’t have a predisposition to developing any genetic diseases. However, like all other rabbits, this particular breed is susceptible to diseases often found in rabbits, such as:
Ingrown teeth
They are a typical health problem in rabbits. So you should check your Havana bunny’s mouth once or twice a week to ensure its teeth aren’t growing into its jaw or face. Your rabbit will be in a lot of pain if its teeth get too long, but this is simple to prevent with a good diet.
Flystrike
It is a serious disease caused by flies that are attracted to the smell of the rabbit and lay their eggs in the fur. If you keep your Havana rabbit outside, you should know that they are more likely to get flystrike.
When the eggs develop into larvae, they begin consuming the rabbit. A change in your rabbit’s behavior or eating habits could be a sign of flystrike, so you should get your pet checked out every once.
To avoid flystrike, rabbit owners should regularly check their pets for feces and dirt lodged in the fur and remove it as soon as possible. In addition, you should check that your rabbit is eating and acting normally and that their cage is constantly spotless.
Ensure your bunny’s enclosure is free of fleas, mites, and ticks, especially if your rabbit lives outside! And if your Havana rabbit ever exhibits symptoms (like loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, ocular discharge, or vomiting), you should schedule an appointment with the doctor immediately.
Grooming
Havanas need more frequent brushing than tiny rabbits because of their thick coats. You should try to brush them at least twice a week for most of the year.
In the spring and fall, when it sheds more heavily, this could increase to as much as five times a week. If your Havana overeats its hair, it could develop health concerns (Since it will thoroughly clean its face and ears by licking them and paws. Then, it does some stretching to wash the remainder of its body. By their very nature, rabbits are very clean.)
4. Training
Leash Training
You can purchase leashes for rabbits and train them to walk alongside you by taking them for walks. A harness and leash may be useful if you want to take your rabbit for a walk outside but want to keep it close to you. Ensure you get a harness made for a small rabbit and use treats to get them used to walking on a leash until they get used to it.
Potty Training
Training your Havana rabbit to use a litter box isn’t tough, and it’ll help you keep your house cleaner in the long run. Placing the hay hopper in the rabbit’s litter box as a first step in potty training makes perfect sense, as rabbits tend to eat and defecate simultaneously.
5. Are Havana Rabbits Good Pets?
There’s no doubt that Havana rabbits are lovely pets and can be housed either indoors or outdoors. This rabbit breed tends to be gentle and friendly, making it an excellent choice for a family pet. Although they aren’t hyperactive, these rabbits like socializing and playing with their human caregivers.
Most of them are docile and a manageable size for children. Not only are they soft and cuddly, but they also enjoy eating the vegetables that children offer them. However, they shouldn’t be played by kids without adult supervision.
6. Are Havana Rabbits Rare?
Havana rabbits are not an uncommon breed. Several Rabbit Breed Associations have recognized them as a standard breed, and you can buy them at any number of rabbitries or pet shops. However, the extent to which they are sought may change with demand and supply. Havana rabbits are a popular choice among rabbit fans, even though they are not as widely available as Dutch or Mini Lop rabbits.
7. How To Buy or Adopt
Even though Havana rabbits are popular among rabbit owners, you won’t find them at most pet stores. Therefore, you should look for a breeder online or at a rabbit show.
However, you might get lucky and locate a Havana rabbit at a rabbit rescue. Contact your local branch of the House Rabbit Society for information about rabbit rescue groups in your area. You can pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a rabbit, depending on whether it shows quality.
| Name | Location | Website | Number |
| Havana Haven | California | havanahaven.com | (805) 462-9205 |
| Happy Hoppers Rabbitry | Virginia | happyhoppersrabbitry.com | (757) 442-5576 |
| Breezy Meadow Rabbitry | New York | breezymeadowrabbitry.com | (607) 846-2358 |
To avoid unplanned pregnancies, sterilizing the female before bringing in a male rabbit is best. Since it prevents reproductive issues and can increase the rabbit’s lifespan. If you want, you can adopt a pair of girls instead. It’s recommended that if you obtain two males, you have them neutered to prevent them from fighting.
>>Further reading:
- The Harlequin Rabbit: A Playful Companion for Your Home
- A Basic Overview Of Lop Eared Rabbit Breeds You Should Know
Its friendly personality and average size make it a good choice for families or people who have owned rabbits. In conclusion, the Havana rabbit is a beautiful and charming breed. Canvas Personalized believes that it will be your best pet.
