Pet Wiki

Squirrel Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Also called Squirrel, Blue Chinchilla (early name)

Rare breedShort profile

From United Kingdom (Scotland per the Wikipedia breed list); developed from the Chinchilla in the 1920s and recreated in the 1980s.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.3 to 3.2 kg12
Sizesmall

Fur & Feather gives 2.47-3.06 kg; the Wikipedia breed list gives 5-7 lb (2.3-3.2 kg).

Soft blue chinchilla-style coat
Small, manageable size
A true rarity on the show bench
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short normal fur

A small, erect-eared rabbit that looks like a Chinchilla dressed in blue: the same ticked, shaded chinchilla-style coat, but in soft blue-grey tones instead of slate.12

ColoursBlue chinchilla-type (blue version of the Chinchilla)1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.23

Home where they are happiest

Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop, stretch, play and hide, plus toys, tunnels and foraging chances for enrichment.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of hay forms the base of the diet and keeps the constantly growing teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.3

Company who they like around

A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.3

The story where it all began

The Squirrel grew out of the Chinchilla in the 1920s, when blue-toned kits were first shown as Blue Chinchillas, and it received a provisional standard in 1928. The original line later died out, but breeders recreated it in the 1980s and it remains an uncommon breed today.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Before it had its own name, the Squirrel was shown as the Blue Chinchilla.1

  2. 2

    It received a provisional British standard as early as 1928.1

  3. 3

    After the original line disappeared, enthusiasts brought the breed back in the 1980s.1

  4. 4

    It is recognised in Britain but not by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.2

Recognised by the official bits

British Rabbit Council
Recognised; given a provisional standard in 1928 and now looked after by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club.1
ARBA
Not recognised.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Squirrel Rabbit. 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 Squirrel Rabbit?

Your Squirrel Rabbit should have unlimited hay every day, along with fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best as an occasional treat. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily.34 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Squirrel Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Squirrel Rabbit's diet should be mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes. Always provide fresh water. For a full list, ask your vet.345

Should I bathe a Squirrel Rabbit?

Bathing needs vary; please ask your vet for advice on keeping your rabbit clean.

Does a Squirrel Rabbit need brushing?

Yes, occasional brushing is needed for the short coat, and daily during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Squirrel Rabbit's nails and teeth?

Regularly check nails and teeth. Nails need trimming about every six weeks, and teeth should be checked weekly as they never stop growing. Hay helps wear teeth down. For trimming, ask your vet or a professional.3 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Squirrel Rabbit need?

Provide a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, with room to hop and hide. Daily free-roam time of at least 4 hours is important for exercise and exploration. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily free-roam.3 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Squirrel Rabbit live alone or with friends?

Squirrel Rabbits are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.3

How long does a Squirrel Rabbit live?

Lifespan varies; please ask your vet or a good breeder for more information.

Is a Squirrel Rabbit a good pet for children?

Whether a Squirrel Rabbit is good for children depends on the individual rabbit and the child's age; please ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.

How do I hold a Squirrel Rabbit?

Proper handling is important for your rabbit's safety; please ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on how to hold your Squirrel Rabbit.

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. Squirrel - Fur & Feather furandfeather.co.ukused for origin, early name, 1928 provisional standard, recreation, colour, weight, club
  2. List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin (Scotland), weight, BRC/ARBA recognition
  3. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: space, diet, companionship, exercise, grooming
  4. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  5. 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.