Palomino
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Palomino rabbit, Washingtonian (former name), Tawnies (early name)
From United States: developed by Mark Youngs at Lone Pine Rabbitry in Coulee Dam, Washington, from the late 1940s.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); ARBA lists an 11 lb (about 5.0 kg) maximum; PetGuide gives 8-10 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to medium rollback fur
A large-framed commercial rabbit with a body much like a New Zealand. Its short to medium, slightly coarse fur rolls back slowly into place when stroked. The warm fawn-gold colouring, with brown eyes, is what gives the breed its horse-inspired name.12
Personality what they are like
A sweet, friendly and docile rabbit that is sociable with people and suits many kinds of household. Does are known as attentive mothers.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Enjoys and needs plenty of time out of its enclosure each day to hop and explore.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low maintenance: brush about every two weeks, increasing to weekly during the spring moult. Trim nails regularly. It can learn to use a litter tray with patience.2
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or outdoors; an outdoor home must be sheltered from weather. Welfare guidance asks for enough height to stand upright, room to hop several times in a row and a separate exercise area.24
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.25
Company who they like around
Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.52
The story where it all began
Mark Youngs of Washington State began the breed in the late 1940s, building on his earlier work with the American Beige. First called Tawnies and then Washingtonian, the rabbits were renamed Palomino in 1953 and ARBA recognised them in 1957.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 1957 in two varieties, Golden and Lynx. Maximum weight 11 lb. Kept for show, pets, meat and fur.3
- ARBA
- Name 'Palomino' adopted at the 1953 ARBA convention; recognition followed in 1957.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Palomino. 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 Palomino?
Provide unlimited grass hay every day, a daily portion of leafy greens, and a measured amount of quality pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.256 Furry Diary plan
What should a Palomino eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly grass hay (about 70-85%), plus daily leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes. Always avoid processed human food and sugary treats.2567
Should I bathe a Palomino?
Rabbits generally keep themselves clean and bathing can be stressful. If your Palomino gets dirty, consult a vet or good breeder for safe cleaning methods.
Does a Palomino need brushing?
Yes, brush every two weeks, increasing to weekly during the spring moult. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, and daily while moulting.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Palomino's nails and teeth?
Trim nails regularly, about every six weeks. Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes nail trimming every 42 days and a weekly teeth check.2 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Palomino need?
Your Palomino needs at least 4 hours of free-roam time daily to hop and explore. The enclosure should be large enough to stand upright and hop several times, with a separate exercise area.24 Furry Diary plan
Should a Palomino live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are social, so your Palomino will be happiest with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus daily calm human interaction.25
How long does a Palomino live?
With good care, a Palomino typically lives 5 to 8 years.2
Is a Palomino a good pet for children?
Yes, the Palomino is sweet, friendly and docile, making it a good fit for many households. Always supervise children and teach gentle handling.2
How do I hold a Palomino?
Proper handling is important for safety. Ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet to show you the correct way to support your rabbit's body.
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.
- Palomino rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, developer, history, weight, body type
- Palomino Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for temperament, grooming, care, lifespan, history
- Palomino - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition, varieties, max weight, uses, name
- Rabbit environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing space
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general diet and social 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.