At a glance the quick version
Fur & Feather gives a desired weight of 3.4 kg; the Wikipedia breed list gives 7-8 lb (3.2-3.6 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short normal fur
A medium-sized, erect-eared rabbit with a warm-toned short coat. The Gold is a red-gold rabbit lightly ticked with cream and milk chocolate, while the Cream is a pinkish beige ticked with lilac and pale cream.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to keep neat with an occasional brush. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.23
Home where they are happiest
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop, stretch, play and hide, plus toys, tunnels and foraging chances for enrichment.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Plenty of hay forms the base of the diet and keeps the constantly growing teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.3
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.3
The story where it all began
Breeder Judy leMarchant created the Sussex in England in 1986 and named it after her home county. The Gold variety gained a British standard in 1991, and a Cream variety was added afterwards.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised; the Gold variety was standardised in 1991 and the Cream followed later. Looked after by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club.1
- ARBA
- Not recognised.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sussex 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 Sussex Rabbit?
Your Sussex Rabbit needs unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality 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 Sussex Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small portion of pellets daily. Carrots are only occasional treats. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and any human processed foods, as these can be harmful.345
Should I bathe a Sussex Rabbit?
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it causes stress and can lead to health issues. Instead, keep your rabbit clean with regular grooming and spot checks, especially around the tail. If your rabbit gets dirty, consult a vet for safe cleaning advice.23 Furry Diary plan
Does a Sussex Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, occasional brushing keeps the short coat neat, and daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, but more often when shedding. This also gives you a chance to check your rabbit's overall condition.23 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Sussex Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Check nails every six weeks and trim if needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to help wear teeth down naturally. For nail trimming and any dental concerns, ask your vet for guidance.3 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Sussex Rabbit need?
Your rabbit needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, plus daily time to run, hop, and explore. Furry Diary's plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam space each day, with tunnels and toys for enrichment.3 Furry Diary plan
Should a Sussex Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Sussex Rabbits are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs, so consider getting a neutered companion for your rabbit's wellbeing.3
How long does a Sussex Rabbit live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics, but rabbits generally live 8 to 12 years with proper diet, housing, and veterinary care. Ask your vet for more specific information about your individual rabbit.
Is a Sussex Rabbit a good pet for children?
Rabbits can be good family pets with gentle, supervised handling. They are sociable and enjoy interaction, but children should be taught to handle them calmly and respect their needs. Always supervise interactions to ensure safety for both child and rabbit.3
How do I hold a Sussex Rabbit?
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Approach calmly and let the rabbit feel secure. For detailed handling techniques, ask a vet or an experienced rabbit owner for guidance.3
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.
- Sussex - Fur & Feather furandfeather.co.ukused for origin, creator, year, varieties, colours, weight, club
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, colours, ear and fur type, BRC/ARBA recognition
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: space, diet, companionship, exercise, grooming
- 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.