German standard 3.5-4.25 kg; Fur & Feather ideal 3.5-4 kg; Wikipedia breed list about 9 lb (4.1 kg).
short normal fur
A thickset, rounded medium rabbit with a buff to yellowish-red coat reminiscent of chamois leather. Dark-tipped guard hairs lay a sooty veil over the head and ears, and a broad sooty band runs along the belly.12
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.4
The short coat needs only an occasional brush. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.34
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.4
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.4
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.4
David Gärtner, a teacher from Waltershausen in Thuringia, crossed Russian (Himalayan-type), Silver and Belgian Giant rabbits and got an unexpected chamois-coloured rabbit, which was recognised in 1908 once its size had been brought down. British sources describe it as a Himalayan by large Argente cross, and it arrived in the UK in the late 1960s.12
Its colour was named after the chamois, the mountain goat-antelope whose coat it resembles.1
It was first recognised in Hannover in 1908 under the name 'Gemsfarbige Thüringer'.1
The Thuringer colour pattern appears in other breeds too, where it is sometimes called Madagascar or tortoiseshell.1
A heavier meat line, the Diemitzer Gemsen, was later developed by Karl Maul.1
British fanciers have been showing it since it arrived in the late 1960s.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thuringer. 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
Provide unlimited hay daily, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Treats like carrots only occasionally. Always fresh water.45 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be mainly hay, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid muesli mix, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and other toxic foods listed by the ASPCA. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.456
Rabbits rarely need baths and a wet rabbit can get stressed or chilled. It is best to ask an exotic-pet vet for guidance if you think your Thuringer needs a clean.
Its short coat only needs an occasional brush, but Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing and more often during moulting. Regular brushing keeps the coat tidy and helps you check for any issues.34 Pet Wiki plan
Check the teeth weekly because they never stop growing, and Furry Diary's plan recommends nail trimming every six weeks. A hay-based diet naturally wears down teeth. Ask your vet to show you the right technique.4 Pet Wiki plan
They need a secure living area at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop and hide. Furry Diary's plan suggests at least four hours of free roaming daily, with tunnels and toys for enrichment.4 Pet Wiki plan
Thuringers are sociable and happiest living with at least one other rabbit. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs, so a companion is highly recommended.4
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics. Ask a good breeder or a rabbit-savvy vet for an estimate.
With gentle handling and supervised interaction, rabbits can be good for older children, but each animal has its own personality. Discuss with a breeder or vet whether a Thuringer suits your family.
Always support their hindquarters and avoid scruffing. For the safest technique, ask an experienced rabbit keeper or your vet to show you.
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.
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