Cinnamon Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Cinnamon, The All-Purpose Rabbit
From United States; developed in Missoula, Montana, from 1962 by the Houseman family.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
8.5-11 lb; ARBA maximum 11 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, easy-care commercial coat
A medium-length commercial rabbit with hips a bit deeper and wider than the shoulders and upright ears. The coat is a warm rust or ground-cinnamon colour with grey ticking along the back, smoky sides, a darker belly and an orange undercolour.12
Personality what they are like
An easy-going, relaxed rabbit that is generally well mannered and likes getting attention from its people.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Give it daily time out of the enclosure to run, explore and play.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only a weekly brush, increased to about twice a week while it moults.1
Home where they are happiest
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch alone is not enough and should be combined with a large run or daily free-roam time.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly hay or grass, with leafy greens, a small portion of pellets and fresh water at all times.3
Company who they like around
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion, plus calm, regular time with people.3
The story where it all began
The breed began when the Houseman children crossed a Chinchilla doe with a New Zealand buck, then mixed in Checkered Giant and Californian lines. Pairing two of the russet youngsters gave a litter in which most kits had the new auburn coat, and the family named the colour Cinnamon. ARBA recognised the breed in 1972.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It began as a children's project: Belle and Fred Houseman bred the first ones in Montana.1
- 2
When two of the early russet rabbits were mated, about 70 percent of the litter carried the new cinnamon colour.1
- 3
Fans call it 'the All-Purpose Rabbit' because it suits show, meat, fur and pet homes alike.1
- 4
Its colour includes rusty-coloured spots on the face, feet and hind legs.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 1972 after being presented at several conventions from 1969. Single cinnamon variety, maximum weight 11 lb. National club: Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association.1
- ARBA
- Listed with recognition year 1972 and maximum weight 11 lb as a commercial breed.2
- British Rabbit Council
- Not recognised by the BRC.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cinnamon 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 Cinnamon Rabbit?
Your Cinnamon Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label for pellet amounts, checking with your vet for exact portions.34 Furry Diary plan
What should a Cinnamon Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be about 85% hay or grass, 10% safe leafy greens, and 5% pellets, with fresh water always available. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes; never give these.345
Should I bathe a Cinnamon Rabbit?
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it stresses them and can cause health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and check the tail area daily, especially in summer. Furry Diary plan
Does a Cinnamon Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, its short coat needs a weekly brush, increasing to about twice a week during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing while moulting to keep the coat healthy.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cinnamon Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet if you notice overgrowth. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Cinnamon Rabbit need?
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, plus daily free-roam time of at least 4 hours. A hutch alone is not enough; combine it with a large run or supervised exploration.3 Furry Diary plan
Should a Cinnamon Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are highly social, so it's best to keep your Cinnamon Rabbit with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy calm, regular time with their people.3
How long does a Cinnamon Rabbit live?
A Cinnamon Rabbit typically lives between 5 and 8 years with proper care. A good diet, regular vet checks, and a safe environment help them thrive.1
Is a Cinnamon Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, its easy-going and relaxed temperament makes it well-mannered and good with children who are gentle. Always supervise interactions to ensure the rabbit feels safe.1
How do I hold a Cinnamon Rabbit?
Support its hindquarters and chest securely, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Rabbits can be nervous, so approach calmly and let it feel stable in your arms.
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.
- Cinnamon rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, body, coat, temperament, lifespan, grooming, fun facts
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition year, maximum weight, commercial type
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space guidance, companionship, general care
- 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.