Himalayan Rabbit

Himalayan Rabbit is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breeds, of uncertain original origin though long established across Europe and Asia, distinguished by a white body with dark points on the nose, ears, feet and tail caused by a temperature-sensitive form of albinism, the same coloration pattern seen in Himalayan cats and Siamese cats. Because the pigment-producing enzyme responsible for the pattern only activates in cooler areas of the body, the extremities darken while the warmer torso stays white. It is a small breed with a distinctive long, cylindrical body shape unlike the rounder build of most other rabbit breeds, and a calm, docile temperament that has made it popular for showing and as a pet despite its slow growth rate. Historically it was also kept for its fur and meat.