At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 7-9 lb (about 3-4 kg); the German standard gives 3.25-4 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, glossy normal fur
A medium, erect-eared rabbit wearing a short coat of deep, shiny black. The goal is an even black all over, and the whole look is built around that single rich colour.132
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rabbits keep themselves clean, so routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth.4
Home where they are happiest
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m so it can hop, play, stretch, hide and exercise, with toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Hay should form the foundation of the diet, as constant chewing keeps the teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets alongside. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.4
Company who they like around
A social animal that should live with at least one other rabbit; a neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match.4
The story where it all began
German breeders around 1900 set out to produce a rabbit whose fur would pass for that of a fox, crossing Havanas, Dutch, Himalayans and Champagne d'Argents among others. The fox-like coat never materialised, but a striking solid black rabbit did, and it was first exhibited in 1907. It reached North America in the 1970s and remains recognised in Britain today.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed was meant to imitate fox fur for the fur trade; the breeders missed that target and got a jet-black rabbit instead.1
- 2
Its name nods to the black Alaska fox that the breeders were trying to copy.2
- 3
It was first shown at an exhibition in 1907.1
- 4
Canadian breeder Bert Reurs brought the Alaska to North America in the 1970s.1
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised, classed as a Normal Fur breed; the Alaska Rabbit Club is the BRC specialty club.1
- ARBA
- Not currently recognised; it was in the ARBA standards after reaching North America in the 1970s but was dropped in 1981.1
- German standard
- A widespread breed often seen at German shows; standard weight 3.25-4 kg.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Alaska Rabbit. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Alaska Rabbit?
Feed unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.45 Furry Diary plan
What should an Alaska Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and iceberg lettuce. Carrots are only occasional treats. Always provide fresh water.456
Should I bathe an Alaska Rabbit?
Rabbits keep themselves clean, so bathing is not needed and can be stressful. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of the coat. A warm, dry environment is all they need.4
Does an Alaska Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, brushing once a week is usually enough, but daily during moulting seasons. This helps keep the short, glossy coat in good condition. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.132 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Alaska Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly as they grow continuously, and trim nails about every six weeks. Provide unlimited hay to help wear down teeth naturally. For nail trimming, ask your vet for guidance.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does an Alaska Rabbit need?
They need a large secure living area of at least 3m by 2m by 1m, plus at least 4 hours of free-roaming exercise daily. Provide toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.4 Furry Diary plan
Should an Alaska Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Alaska Rabbits are social and should live with at least one other rabbit. A neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match. They thrive with company.4
How long does an Alaska Rabbit live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care; consult your vet for specific information. With good care, they can live many happy years.
Is an Alaska Rabbit a good pet for children?
Suitability for children depends on the rabbit's personality and the child's age. Talk to a good breeder for advice on temperament and handling.
How do I hold an Alaska Rabbit?
Proper handling is important to avoid injury. Always support the hindquarters. Ask your vet or a good breeder to show you the correct technique.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Alaska rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, breeders, parent breeds, history, recognition
- Alaska (Kaninchenrasse) - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for German standard weight, Alaska fox model, breeding history
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin, coat and ear type, BRC/ARBA recognition
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: diet, companionship, space, enrichment
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.