When nature created the Havana, it created the most perfect youth rabbit ever. With
its’ beautiful coat, regal poise, and quiet expression, “the mink of the rabbit family”,
appeals to all ages. All three varieties have a soft, dense, lustrous coat of fur. They are
relatively small compact animals, averaging 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 pounds as seniors. The
Havana temperament is oustandingly docile making it the ideal rabbit for youth to
work with. They love attention and become quite affectionate. They will always sit
quietly for grooming and posing.
The Havanas have tremendous mothering capabilities and easily raise large litters for
their size. It’s not at all unusual to see a 4 1/2 pound doe raise a healthy litter of nine.
The Havana is very easy on the feed bill. They aren’t prone to going overweight as
with some other small breeds. Yet they develop a very meaty carcass.
Rainbow's Dutch
The Chocolate Havana originated in Holland over 100 years ago and were shown
under the name “IngescheVeuraoz” (Fireball of Ingen) because of it’s ruby cast eyes.
They first appeared in the United States in 1916 imported from England. Due to the
uniformity in color and near mink quality and texture of their fur Havana pelts were in
great demand selling for as much as $1.00 each in 1928.
Realizing the great future of the Havana, ten fanciers met in Akron, Ohio in
September,1925, and organized the Havana Club which is known today as the Havana
Rabbit Breeders Assoc.
In the mid 1930’s the desire for a larger pelt led to the development of a new strain
of Havana called the Heavy Weights, later called the American Havana, weighing up
to 9 pounds. A considerable amount of type was lost compared to their cobby, cozy,
little cousins. By the late 1940’s these became extinct and were dropped from the
standard.
In 1930, Walter Huey, discovered a new fur mutation while inbreeding to
improve chocolate color. Hence, the Satin Rabbit appeared.
In 1965, the Blue Havana
was accepted by the HRBA, having the same type, fur, weight, etc. as the chocolate.
Rainbow's Zephyr
In 1980, the third variety (black) was added. Currently there are only these three
varieties but breeders are working on other varieties, including the broken.
When it comes to a showy, versatile rabbit designed for youth, you can bet it will be
hard to find a better choice.