New Zealand vs Californian
New Zealand or Californian? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| New Zealand | Californian | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meat, show | Meat, show |
| Origin | California, US | California, US |
| Mature weight | 9–12 lb | 8–10.5 lb |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years | 5–8 years |
| Temperament | Calm, docile | Calm |
| Best fit | Meat, homesteads, 4-H | Meat, homesteads, 4-H |
| Docility | ●●●●● Calm | ●●●●● Calm |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Sturdy | ●●●●● Sturdy |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Low grooming | ●●●●● Low grooming |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Good first meat rabbit | ●●●●● Good first meat rabbit |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Hardiness: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (1 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (4 of 5 each).
The New Zealand
New Zealand rabbits were developed in the US, despite the name, and are the most common meat rabbit. They are large, fast growing and calm, white is the most common color, and they are a staple of 4-H meat pens.
New Zealands are large and need space and feed. Meat rabbits are often raised on wire, which can cause sore hocks.
The Californian
Californians were developed in California in the 1920s and are white with dark points, like a Himalayan. They are a common meat rabbit with a calm nature, often raised alongside or crossed with New Zealands.
Californians need space and feed. Their dark points can fade with temperature changes, which matters for show.
Questions
Is a New Zealand or a Californian better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 4 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. New Zealand: Good first meat rabbit. Californian: Good first meat rabbit.
What is the main difference between a New Zealand and a Californian?
New Zealands are large and need space and feed. Meat rabbits are often raised on wire, which can cause sore hocks. By contrast, californians need space and feed. Their dark points can fade with temperature changes, which matters for show.