Rabbits are generally classified according to size, weight and type of pelt. Small rabbits weigh about 3-4 pounds at maturity, medium breeds 9-12 pounds, and large breeds 14-16 pounds. The two most popular breeds for meat production are the New Zealand and the Californian. These breeds are most popular because they combine white fur (preferred by processors) and good growth characteristics. New Zealand rabbits are slightly larger than the Californian, 9-13 pounds versus 8-10 pounds. The New Zealand rabbit has a completely white, red or black body, whereas the Californian is white with colored nose, ears and feet.
The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla. The Rex is slightly smaller than the American Chinchilla, 7 pounds versus 10 pounds. Fur from the Rex rabbit is unique in that guard hairs and underfur are the same length. The markets for rabbit fur tend to be unstable, so be sure there is a sufficient demand to allow fur to be marketed in a reasonable amount of time.
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