Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Fuchskaninchen, Schweizer Fuchs, Swiss Fox rabbit
From Switzerland and Germany, 1920s; developed by Hermann Leifer of Coburg and Müller of Zug from Angora stock (English Wikipedia also names Havana). Reached the UK in the early 1980s.1234
Sources vary: Fur & Feather 2.5-3 kg, English Wikipedia 2.5-4 kg, German Wikipedia 3-4 kg, Wikipedia breed list 5-8 lb (2.3-3.6 kg).
long, fine, soft and dense
A compact, medium-sized rabbit with a short neck, upright ears and a long, silky, dense coat that gives it a fluffy fox-like look. Unlike an Angora it has no ear tufts and moults with the seasons.214
Calm and affectionate, a good fit for families with older children, and it can learn to use a litter tray.2
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.5
The long coat goes through normal seasonal moults and does not need shearing like an Angora's, but it benefits from regular grooming. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.125
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.5
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.5
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.5
In the 1920s Hermann Leifer of Coburg and Müller of Zug crossed Angora-based rabbits hoping to imitate blue fox fur for the fur trade. That goal was never reached, but the long-coated rabbit won a following at European shows and arrived in Britain in the early 1980s.123
It was bred to imitate fox fur for the fur trade, an aim it never met, yet it became a popular show rabbit instead.1
English and Dutch speakers call it the Swiss Fox to set it apart from other rabbits once labelled 'fox' breeds.1
A dwarf version, the Fuchszwerg, weighing only 1.1-1.35 kg, was developed in the late 1970s using Hermelin crosses.1
Its upright ears are short, around 10.5-11 cm.2
Since arriving in the UK in the early 1980s it has done consistently well on the show bench.3
A typical home-care rhythm for a Swiss Fox. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
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
Feed unlimited hay every day, as it is the foundation of their diet and keeps their teeth healthy. Add fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.56 Pet Wiki plan
Base the diet on unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, and a small portion of pellets. Carrots are fine as an occasional treat. Never feed muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, or any processed human food. Always provide fresh water.567
Bathing is not recommended for rabbits as it can cause stress and health problems. If your rabbit gets dirty, ask your exotic-pet vet for safe cleaning methods.
Yes, daily brushing is essential because the long, silky coat mats quickly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every day and a wool trim every 8 weeks to keep the coat in good condition.251 Pet Wiki plan
Unlimited hay helps wear down the constantly growing teeth naturally. Check teeth weekly and trim nails about every six weeks as part of routine care. Your vet can show you the proper technique.5 Pet Wiki plan
Provide a secure living area at least 3m by 2m by 1m with room to hop, stretch, and hide. Give at least 4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily, plus tunnels, toys, and puzzle feeders for enrichment.5 Pet Wiki plan
Swiss Fox rabbits are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. A bonded pair is ideal, and the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.5
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.
Yes, the Swiss Fox is calm and affectionate, making it a good fit for families with older children who can handle it gently. Always supervise interactions to keep both child and rabbit safe.2
Proper handling is important for the rabbit's safety and comfort. Ask your vet or a rabbit-savvy breeder to demonstrate the correct technique.
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.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
English Angora
Lionhead
Jersey Wooly