Vienna Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Vienna, Vienna Coloured, Vienna White, Vienna Blue, Wiener
From Austria (Vienna). The Blue was developed by Johann Constantin Schultz and shown around 1895; the White was bred by Wilhelm Mucke and first shown in 1907. Vienna Coloured reached the UK in 1995 and Vienna White in 1999.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Vienna White 3.5-5.25 kg and Vienna Coloured 4.2-5.25 kg (Fur & Feather); German standards give Blue 4.25-5.25 kg and White 4-5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to medium normal fur
A medium-to-large rabbit with a slightly long, cylindrical body and upright ears about 13 cm long. The White has a pure, glossy white coat paired with pale blue eyes, while the Coloured comes in solid blue, black or agouti.1435
Personality what they are like
A docile rabbit that can be taught to use a litter tray with some patience.4
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.6
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.56
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.6
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.6
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.6
The story where it all began
Viennese railway official Johann Constantin Schultz bred the Blue Vienna in the 1890s, and it was recognised in 1897 before spreading to Germany. Fellow Viennese Wilhelm Mucke spent about 15 years creating the blue-eyed White, first shown in 1907, while a Black was added for the fur trade after the First World War.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Vienna White is not an albino: it has blue eyes because its white coat comes from leucism.1
- 2
Both founding breeders, Schultz and Mucke, were railway officials in Vienna.1
- 3
Wilhelm Mucke worked on the White for about 15 years before first exhibiting it in 1907.1
- 4
The Black variety was created for the fur trade shortly after the First World War.2
- 5
Its upright ears measure around 13 cm.4
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as two breeds: Vienna Coloured (Blue, Black, Agouti) and Vienna White; both looked after by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club.2
- British Rabbit Council
- Vienna White listed as a recognised breed.3
- ARBA
- Not recognised.4
- German standard
- Kept as separate breeds by colour (Blue, White, Grey, Blue-Grey, Black); the Blue was recognised in 1897.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Vienna 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 Vienna Rabbit?
Your Vienna Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of 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 and your vet for pellet amounts.67 Furry Diary plan
What should a Vienna Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Base the diet on unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, and a small portion of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, these can be toxic.678
Should I bathe a Vienna Rabbit?
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it causes stress and can lead to health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and check the tail area daily, especially in summer.6 Furry Diary plan
Does a Vienna Rabbit need brushing?
The short coat needs only occasional brushing, but daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing weekly, increasing to daily when shedding.56 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Vienna Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, hay helps wear them down. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on safe trimming.6 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Vienna Rabbit need?
Provide a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop and hide, plus daily free-roam time of at least four hours. Add tunnels and toys for enrichment.6 Furry Diary plan
Should a Vienna Rabbit live alone or with friends?
This sociable rabbit is happiest living with at least one other rabbit, as the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs. A bonded companion provides essential social interaction.6
How long does a Vienna Rabbit live?
With proper care, a Vienna Rabbit typically lives 8 to 10 years. Regular vet check-ups and a good diet help ensure a long, happy life.4
Is a Vienna Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, its docile nature makes it suitable for calm, supervised children. Teach children gentle handling and always supervise interactions to keep both the rabbit and child safe.46
How do I hold a Vienna Rabbit?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. Always hold close to your body to prevent struggling, and ask a vet or good breeder for a demonstration.6
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.
- Wiener Kaninchen (Blaue Wiener) - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for breeders, dates, German standards and weights, leucism, varieties
- Vienna Coloured - Fur & Feather furandfeather.co.ukused for Vienna Coloured origin, UK introduction, colours, weight, club
- Rare variety breeds (page 2, Vienna White entry) - Fur & Feather furandfeather.co.ukused for Vienna White origin, UK introduction, eyes, weight
- Vienna rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, temperament, ear length, lifespan, ARBA status
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, fur type, colours, BRC 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.