Mini Californian

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Size	Small
Weight	2.15 to 2.7 kg (5 to 6 lb)1 2
Coat	Short flyback fur
Origin	United States: a smaller version of the Californian rabbit created by a team of breeders through selective breeding.2 3
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

Classic Californian markings in a small size

Compact, well-rounded build

Short, easy-care coat

2 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
Nail trimevery 6 weeks
Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
Spot cleanevery day
Full cleanevery week
Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upevery year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short flyback fur

A short, compact, cobby rabbit with well-filled shoulders and hindquarters and a smoothly rounded topline that rises to the hips. The short fur springs back into place when stroked. It has the classic Californian look: a pure white body with coloured points on the nose, ears, feet and tail, and pink eyes.1

ColoursWhite with black points (preferred)White with coloured points1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Like any pet rabbit, needs several hours a day of space to run, hop and explore outside its sleeping area.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short flyback coat needs only light brushing, a little more often during moults. Check and trim nails regularly.1 5

Home where they are happiest

Welfare guidance asks for a secure living area with enough height to stand fully upright, room for several hops in a row and a sheltered, cosy sleeping spot, plus daily exercise space.4

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mostly good grass hay with fresh water always available, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small, measured amount of quality pellets.5

Company who they like around

Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.5

The story where it all began

The Mini Californian was developed over several years by a group of breeders who wanted the look of the Californian, itself created in California from 1923, in a more manageable size. ARBA accepted it as its 53rd breed, and it is looked after by the same specialty club as the full-size Californian.2 3 6

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It became ARBA's 53rd recognised rabbit breed.2
2
It shares its national specialty club with the full-size Californian rather than having a club of its own.2
3
Its parent breed, the Californian, was made by crossing New Zealand Whites with Chinchilla and Himalayan rabbits.6
4
At a 6 lb maximum it weighs well under the full-size Californian's 10.5 lb ceiling.1

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA: ARBA's 53rd recognised breed (2020s). Maximum weight 6 lb; supported by the National Californian Rabbit Specialty Club.2
ARBA: Working standard: seniors (6 months and over) 4.75-6 lb, juniors 3-4.75 lb; commercial normal (flyback) fur; pink eyes; white body with coloured nose, ears, feet and tail, black preferred.1

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

Slice the banana into small pieces, about 1cm thick.
Take long, thick strands of feeding hay and poke 5-6 strands through each banana slice.
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 Mini Californian?

Feed unlimited fresh hay daily, along with fresh water always available. Offer a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of quality pellets. Pet Wiki's plan suggests refilling hay every day.5 7 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Mini Californian eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Mini Californian's diet should be mostly good grass hay, plus daily leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes; always avoid these.5 7 8

Should I bathe a Mini Californian?

Mini Californians rarely need baths; they keep themselves clean. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily checks of the fur around the tail to ensure cleanliness. If a bath seems necessary, consult your exotic-pet vet. Pet Wiki plan

Does a Mini Californian need brushing?

Yes, light brushing once a week is enough, with more frequent brushing during moults. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing and daily brushing while moulting.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Mini Californian's nails and teeth?

Trim your rabbit's nails regularly, about every six weeks, and check their teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Pet Wiki's plan recommends nail trims every 42 days and weekly teeth checks.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Mini Californian need?

Provide a large secure enclosure with room to hop and stand upright, plus at least several hours of daily exercise outside the sleeping area. Pet Wiki's plan suggests at least 4 hours of free-roam time each day.4 5 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Mini Californian live alone or with friends?

Mini Californians are social and thrive with at least one compatible rabbit friend, along with calm daily interaction with you.5

How long does a Mini Californian live?

Lifespan varies by individual; for typical expectations, ask your vet.

Is a Mini Californian a good pet for children?

They are gentle and social, but interactions with children should be calm and supervised. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or vet.

How do I hold a Mini Californian?

Always support the hindquarters and hold securely but gently. For proper handling technique, ask your vet or a good breeder.

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.