Pet Wiki

Florida White

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Also called Florida White Rabbit

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States; developed in Florida in the 1960s by ARBA judge Orville Miliken.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight1.8 to 2.7 kg123
Lifespan5 to 8 years12
Sizesmall

4-6 lb with 5 lb ideal for seniors; ARBA maximum 6 lb.

Docile and gentle
Quiet and relaxed
Friendly, good-natured companion
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense white coat on a compact body

A small, chunky, rounded rabbit with a short neck, small head and fine bones. The short, dense coat is pure white with no markings, and the eyes are pink-red.12

ColoursWhite (red/pink eyes)312

Personality what they are like

A gentle, relaxed and friendly rabbit that likes to explore in its own time. Its laid-back nature makes it an easy companion for many kinds of households.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs supervised time outside its enclosure every day to hop around and explore a bunny-proofed space.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance coat: brush weekly with a bristle brush and two or three times a week during moults.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. Living indoors with the family helps it stay sociable.42

Food basics what goes in the bowl

About 70 percent good hay, with the rest made up of pellets, leafy greens and fresh vegetables, plus constant fresh water.2

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.4

The story where it all began

Orville Miliken, an ARBA judge in Florida, crossed albino Dutch, albino Polish and small New Zealand White rabbits to create a compact, all-round white rabbit. ARBA accepted the breed in 1967, and it is now valued mainly as a show rabbit.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A Florida White won Best in Show at an ARBA convention in 1977, ten years after the breed was recognised.2

  2. 2

    Its ancestors include the Dutch, Polish and New Zealand White breeds.1

  3. 3

    It comes in just one colour: pure white with red eyes.3

  4. 4

    ARBA calls it an ideal show rabbit for competitive breeders.3

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA
Recognised in 1967; white only, maximum weight 6 lb. National club: Florida White Rabbit Breeders Association (fwrba.net).3
ARBA
Accepted in 1967; senior weight 4-6 lb with 5 lb ideal.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Florida White. 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 Florida White?

Provide unlimited fresh hay every day, as it makes up about 70% of its diet. Offer a small portion of pellets and a handful of safe leafy greens daily. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet. Always keep fresh water available.25 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Florida White eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed mostly good hay, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli-style mixes. Avoid any processed human food, dairy, or lawnmower clippings. Stick to a simple, hay-based diet for a healthy bunny.256

Should I bathe a Florida White?

Bathing is not usually recommended for rabbits as it can cause stress. If your Florida White gets very dirty, consult an exotic-pet vet for safe cleaning methods. Regular spot-cleaning of its living area helps keep it clean.

Does a Florida White need brushing?

Yes, brush your Florida White weekly with a bristle brush to keep its short coat healthy. During moulting seasons, brush two or three times a week to remove loose fur. This gentle routine also helps you bond with your rabbit.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Florida White's nails and teeth?

Trim your rabbit's nails every six weeks or as needed, and check its teeth weekly because they grow continuously. Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden toys to help wear down teeth naturally. For nail trimming, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you the safe technique. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Florida White need?

Your Florida White needs a living area of at least 3 metres by 2 metres by 1 metre high, plus daily supervised free-roam time of at least four hours. A hutch alone is not enough; combine it with a large run or indoor space. This active, gentle rabbit loves to explore in its own time.42 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Florida White live alone or with friends?

Rabbits are highly social, so your Florida White should live with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. Regular calm time with people is also important. A bonded pair will be happier and more relaxed.4

How long does a Florida White live?

A Florida White typically lives between 5 and 8 years with good care. Providing a proper diet, plenty of space, and regular vet check-ups can help it enjoy a full, happy life.12

Is a Florida White a good pet for children?

Its gentle, relaxed and friendly nature makes it a lovely companion for calm, supervised interactions with children. Always teach children to handle rabbits gently and respect their need for quiet time. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.12

How do I hold a Florida White?

How to hold a rabbit varies by individual, but always support its hind legs and body securely. Never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Ask a vet or experienced rabbit owner to demonstrate safe handling.

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. Florida White rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, ancestry, weights, body, coat, temperament, lifespan
  2. Florida White Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, temperament, housing, grooming, diet, Best in Show fact
  3. Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition year, maximum weight, colour, club
  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.