Thuringer
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Thüringer, Thüringer Kaninchen, Gemsfarbige Thüringer, Chamois-coloured Thuringian
From Germany (Thuringia); created by teacher David Gärtner of Waltershausen and recognised in 1908. Reached the UK in the late 1960s.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
German standard 3.5-4.25 kg; Fur & Feather ideal 3.5-4 kg; Wikipedia breed list about 9 lb (4.1 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short normal fur
A thickset, rounded medium rabbit with a buff to yellowish-red coat reminiscent of chamois leather. Dark-tipped guard hairs lay a sooty veil over the head and ears, and a broad sooty band runs along the belly.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.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only 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.34
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.4
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.4
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.4
The story where it all began
David Gärtner, a teacher from Waltershausen in Thuringia, crossed Russian (Himalayan-type), Silver and Belgian Giant rabbits and got an unexpected chamois-coloured rabbit, which was recognised in 1908 once its size had been brought down. British sources describe it as a Himalayan by large Argente cross, and it arrived in the UK in the late 1960s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its colour was named after the chamois, the mountain goat-antelope whose coat it resembles.1
- 2
It was first recognised in Hannover in 1908 under the name 'Gemsfarbige Thüringer'.1
- 3
The Thuringer colour pattern appears in other breeds too, where it is sometimes called Madagascar or tortoiseshell.1
- 4
A heavier meat line, the Diemitzer Gemsen, was later developed by Karl Maul.1
- 5
British fanciers have been showing it since it arrived in the late 1960s.2
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised; looked after by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club.2
- ARBA
- Not recognised.3
- German standard
- Recognised in Hannover in 1908 as 'Gemsfarbige Thüringer'; standard weight 3.5-4.25 kg.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thuringer. 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 Thuringer?
Provide unlimited hay daily, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Treats like carrots only occasionally. Always fresh water.45 Furry Diary plan
What should a Thuringer eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mainly hay, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid muesli mix, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and other toxic foods listed by the ASPCA. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.456
Should I bathe a Thuringer?
Rabbits rarely need baths and a wet rabbit can get stressed or chilled. It is best to ask an exotic-pet vet for guidance if you think your Thuringer needs a clean.
Does a Thuringer need brushing?
Its short coat only needs an occasional brush, but Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing and more often during moulting. Regular brushing keeps the coat tidy and helps you check for any issues.34 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Thuringer's nails and teeth?
Check the teeth weekly because they never stop growing, and Furry Diary's plan recommends nail trimming every six weeks. A hay-based diet naturally wears down teeth. Ask your vet to show you the right technique.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Thuringer need?
They need a secure living area at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop and hide. Furry Diary's plan suggests at least four hours of free roaming daily, with tunnels and toys for enrichment.4 Furry Diary plan
Should a Thuringer live alone or with friends?
Thuringers are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs, so a companion is highly recommended.4
How long does a Thuringer live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics. Ask a good breeder or a rabbit-savvy vet for an estimate.
Is a Thuringer a good pet for children?
With gentle handling and supervised interaction, rabbits can be good for older children, but each animal has its own personality. Discuss with a breeder or vet whether a Thuringer suits your family.
How do I hold a Thuringer?
Always support their hindquarters and avoid scruffing. For the safest technique, ask an experienced rabbit keeper or your vet to show you.
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.
- Thüringer (Kaninchenrasse) - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for breeder, parent breeds, recognition year, German weight, colour, history, facts
- Thuringer - Fur & Feather furandfeather.co.ukused for UK origin account, UK introduction, weight, colour, body type, club
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, 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.