Pet Wiki

Blue Holicer

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Recognised breedShort profile

From Former Czechoslovakia: developed in the 1950s by Imrich Vanek in the town of Holíč (today in Slovakia). ARBA's page names the Czech Republic.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.7 to 3.3 kg213
Sizemedium

Everbreed: about 6-7 lb; ARBA maximum 7 1/4 lb.

Friendly and steady
Calm with people and other rabbits
Becomes trusting with regular handling
2

Coat and looks how to spot one

very dense normal fur on a stocky, cylindrical body

A sturdy, medium-sized rabbit with a thick-set, upright cylindrical body. Its fur is unusually dense, even the upright ears are well furred, and it is coloured an even medium steel blue. Everbreed notes grey-blue eyes.132

ColoursSteel blue (medium)13

Personality what they are like

A level-headed, friendly rabbit that stays calm around people and other rabbits and grows more trusting the more it is handled.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily exercise outside its enclosure to keep fit and to keep its digestion moving.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the dense coat about once a week and trim nails roughly every 4-6 weeks.2

Home where they are happiest

The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch alone is not enough and should be combined with a large run or daily free-roam time. Keep the living area roomy, airy and sheltered from temperature extremes.42

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of grass hay such as timothy or meadow hay, a measured portion of pellets, some fresh greens and constant fresh water.24

Company who they like around

Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion, plus calm, regular time with people.42

The story where it all began

Imrich Vanek created the breed in Holíč in the 1950s, reportedly by crossing a Castor Rex with a medium-sized Lux rabbit. Slovak breeders recognised it in 1975, and decades later North American interest led to its ARBA acceptance in 2023.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It became ARBA's 52nd recognised breed in 2023.1

  2. 2

    Its breed name comes from the Slovak town of Holíč, where it was developed.2

  3. 3

    ARBA calls it an upright cylindrical breed, a less common body type in the US standard.3

  4. 4

    Even its ears carry thick fur.1

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA
Accepted in 2023 as ARBA's 52nd breed after Canadian breeder Frank Nutar championed it; single steel blue variety, maximum weight 7 1/4 lb.1
Slovak Small Breeders' Association
Recognised by its Central Committee in 1975, and by the Club of Rabbit Breeders of Slovak Breeds and Rex in 1993.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Holicer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Skewers

Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.

You need

  • 1 small banana
  • 15 feeding hay strands

How

  1. Slice the banana into small pieces, about 1cm thick.
  2. Take long, thick strands of feeding hay and poke 5-6 strands through each banana slice.
  3. Feed one skewer per rabbit per day.

How much: One skewer per rabbit per day

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blue Holicer?

Your Blue Holicer needs unlimited grass hay every day, plus a measured portion of pellets and some fresh greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer fresh water at all times. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.24 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Blue Holicer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed plenty of grass hay like timothy or meadow hay, a small portion of pellets, and safe leafy greens daily. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or muesli mixes, as these are dangerous for rabbits.2456

Should I bathe a Blue Holicer?

No, rabbits should not be bathed as it stresses them and can cause health issues. Spot-clean dirty fur with a damp cloth if needed, and check the fur around the tail daily to keep it clean.2 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Blue Holicer need brushing?

Yes, brush your Blue Holicer's dense coat about once a week, and daily while moulting. This keeps the fur healthy and reduces shedding.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Blue Holicer's nails and teeth?

Trim nails roughly every 4-6 weeks, and check teeth weekly as they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly teeth checks and nail trims every 42 days. If teeth seem overgrown, see a vet.2 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Blue Holicer need?

Your rabbit needs a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high to hop and stretch, plus daily exercise outside the enclosure. Furry Diary suggests at least 4 hours of free-roam time each day to keep digestion moving.24 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Blue Holicer live alone or with friends?

Rabbits are highly social, so it's best to keep your Blue Holicer with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy calm, regular time with people.24

How long does a Blue Holicer live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Is a Blue Holicer a good pet for children?

Yes, this breed is level-headed and friendly, staying calm around people. With gentle handling and supervision, it can be a wonderful pet for children.2

How do I hold a Blue Holicer?

Always support the rabbit's full body, with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters. Handle calmly and gently to build trust, as they grow more trusting with regular handling.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Blue Holicer - ARBA arba.netused for history, recognition dates (ARBA and Slovak), coat, colour, maximum weight
  2. Understanding the Blue Holicer Rabbit and Care Tips - Everbreed everbreed.comused for origin town, ancestors, weight, eye colour, temperament, care
  3. Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition year, maximum weight, body type, colour
  4. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space guidance, companionship, general care
  5. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.