The Cylindrical Rabbit Breed category currently consists of only one representative. The sole representative from this “Cylindrical” category is the Himalayan Rabbit. Many breeders have noted that the Himalayan Rabbits looks a lot like a smaller version of the Californian Rabbit however their shape is cylindrical in nature. When these rabbits are posed properly on the judging table they should be laid out in a “cylindrical” like fashion.
Himalayan
Recognized colors: black, blue, broken, lilac
Size: Ideally 3-5 pounds
Himalayan Rabbit Information and History
It strikes one strange that one of the very oldest rabbit breeds remains so unique today. Indeed, several of the earliest-developed breeds still seem one-of-a-kind. The Silver, the English Lop, and the Dutch are all examples. The Himalayan is another; this breed is even has a body type category all to itself! In the United States, there are several breeds with commercial, compact, or full-arch body type, but no other with cylindrical!
The Himalayan is posed with the body fully extended – stretched out as far as it will go while all four feet remain flat on the table. On most breeds, the top line of the body should be very round, but on a “Himie” it should be flat as possible. When looking at a posed Himalayan from above, the side body lines should be straight also, with little or no taper from the hindquarters to the shoulders. Fur is a flyback. All Himies are white with red eyes and colored markings on the points. Markings include an egg-shaped “smut” on the nose, colored “boots” on the feet, and colored ears and tail. The markings are black, blue, chocolate, or lilac, but the body is always pure white. The Himie color is found as a variety in a number of other breeds, such as Mini Rex and Netherland Dwarf. It’s called Californian in the Cal, Satin, and Rex, and pointed white in Jersey Woolies, lops, and angoras. The color can vary with the surrounding temperature: points become darker in colder climates and lighter in warmer ones. In fact, a rabbit can even develop a dark spot if it lies against a cold metal object such as a feed cup on a winter night.
The Himalayan’s first appearance happened so long ago that its record has been lost. Some say it did indeed come from the Himalayan mountain area in the middle east, but the truth is that there are timeworn writings of it occurring in many areas of the old world. Himalayans may have come to America during the “Belgian Hare boom” around 1900. They were one of the earliest breeds recognized in the United States.
This snaky little bunny is the smallest breed that is not a dwarf. It is a wonderful choice for a child’s first rabbit, having both a small size and a very docile temperament.
The Himalayan is posed with the body fully extended – stretched out as far as it will go while all four feet remain flat on the table. On most breeds, the top line of the body should be very round, but on a “Himie” it should be flat as possible. When looking at a posed Himalayan from above, the side body lines should be straight also, with little or no taper from the hindquarters to the shoulders. Fur is a flyback. All Himies are white with red eyes and colored markings on the points. Markings include an egg-shaped “smut” on the nose, colored “boots” on the feet, and colored ears and tail. The markings are black, blue, chocolate, or lilac, but the body is always pure white. The Himie color is found as a variety in a number of other breeds, such as Mini Rex and Netherland Dwarf. It’s called Californian in the Cal, Satin, and Rex, and pointed white in Jersey Woolies, lops, and angoras. The color can vary with the surrounding temperature: points become darker in colder climates and lighter in warmer ones. In fact, a rabbit can even develop a dark spot if it lies against a cold metal object such as a feed cup on a winter night.
The Himalayan’s first appearance happened so long ago that its record has been lost. Some say it did indeed come from the Himalayan mountain area in the middle east, but the truth is that there are timeworn writings of it occurring in many areas of the old world. Himalayans may have come to America during the “Belgian Hare boom” around 1900. They were one of the earliest breeds recognized in the United States.
This snaky little bunny is the smallest breed that is not a dwarf. It is a wonderful choice for a child’s first rabbit, having both a small size and a very docile temperament.
