At a glance the quick version
UK breed page gives 2.26-3.17 kg (5-7 lb); another guide gives 7-9 lb (about 3.2-4.1 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
glossy, dense roll-back normal fur about 2.5 cm long
A neat, compact rabbit with a gently arched back, a head a little longer than it is wide, and upright ears about 10 cm long. The short, glossy coat has few guard hairs and springs back into place when stroked the wrong way.21
Personality what they are like
A calm, friendly and intelligent rabbit with a steady nature. It tends to suit families and can be taught to use a litter tray and come when called.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily exercise in a safe, roomy space outside its hutch.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to keep; a regular brush, more often while moulting, keeps it glossy. Outdoor housing must be weatherproof and roomy.2
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets. Fruit and starchy vegetables are for occasional treats only.32
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.3
The story where it all began
British breeders Chas Banfield and C. Pope developed the Siberian around 1930, aiming for an even, single-colour pelt for the fur industry. Lilac was the last colour added, created by Ron Crowther in 1946, and after fur demand faded the breed carried on as a show and pet rabbit.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite the name, the breed was created in Britain, not Siberia.1
- 2
The lilac colour was the final one developed, by Ron Crowther in 1946.1
- 3
Its 'roll-back' coat springs back into place when you stroke it from tail to head.2
- 4
It should not be confused with an old, long-vanished Angora type that was also once called 'Siberian'.2
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed, supported by the National Siberian Rabbit Club.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siberian 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 Siberian Rabbit?
Your Siberian Rabbit needs unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label and your vet for exact pellet amounts.234 Furry Diary plan
What should a Siberian Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Unlimited hay or grass should be the main food, with fresh water always, plus leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, muesli mixes, and any processed human food, as these are dangerous.2345
Should I bathe a Siberian Rabbit?
No, you should not bathe a Siberian Rabbit, as it can stress them and harm their skin. Instead, spot-clean any dirty areas with a damp cloth and check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer.2 Furry Diary plan
Does a Siberian Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, a weekly brush keeps the short coat glossy, and daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. This is part of Furry Diary's starting care plan.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Siberian 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 need help with nail trims or dental checks.2 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Siberian Rabbit need?
A pair of medium rabbits needs a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, tall enough to stand up and long enough to stretch out. Daily exercise in a safe, roomy space outside the hutch is essential, and Furry Diary suggests at least 4 hours of free roam each day.23 Furry Diary plan
Should a Siberian Rabbit live alone or with friends?
This sociable rabbit should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people. A bonded pair is ideal for their happiness.3
How long does a Siberian Rabbit live?
The lifespan of a Siberian Rabbit varies depending on care and genetics, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific guidance. With proper diet and housing, they can live many happy years.
Is a Siberian Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, its calm, friendly and steady nature makes it a good fit for families, and it can be taught to use a litter tray and come when called. Always supervise young children to ensure gentle handling.2
How do I hold a Siberian Rabbit?
Support the rabbit's full body weight with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping it secure and calm. Never lift by the ears or scruff, and ask a vet or experienced owner for a demonstration if unsure.
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.
- Fur & Feather: Siberian furandfeather.co.ukused for origin, breeders, colours, lilac history, weight, club
- PetGuide: Siberian Rabbit petguide.comused for body, coat, weight, temperament, care, fun facts
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- 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.