Himalayans: Some history
The History of the Himalayan rabbit is very vague. There are many thoughts and theories of Himalayans. There is no solid proof of where the Himalayan rabbit actually came from. There is little tangible evidence to indicate that it even came from the Himalayan Mountain area as many claim. Records indicate that this rabbit is known by over 20 names, which cause one writer to comment that "It is the most Christian rabbit having so many names." This rabbit is called, in various parts of the world, the Russian, the Chinese, the Egyptian, the Black Nose, and on and on. It is known as one of the oldest established breeds with a wider distribution throughout the world than any other rabbit. Himalayans, for the most part, will breed true to type and color.
It is believed at some remote time in its history, that its ancestors were Silver rabbits in part. As in some litters of today, at birth, soon seem to be white slightly tinged all over with silver gray, and some are almost a solid gray. The Silver-gray or the Solid gray gradually leaves the baby rabbit and its coat becomes snow white, with its extremities, (nose, ears, feet & tail) gradually darkening until they reach a rich, velvety Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac.
The Himalayan rabbit comes in four varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac. The black coloration is the only naturally occurring coloration and was the only accepted variety when Himalayans were accepted into the original Standard. Blue Himalayans were added as a variety in 1962 at the Tampa, FL convention. It passed with four votes. Ron Smelt is responsible for developing the Chocolate and Lilac varieties. The Chocolate variety was made using Sport English Spots and the Lilac variety passed by using Lilac Mini Rex.
It is believed at some remote time in its history, that its ancestors were Silver rabbits in part. As in some litters of today, at birth, soon seem to be white slightly tinged all over with silver gray, and some are almost a solid gray. The Silver-gray or the Solid gray gradually leaves the baby rabbit and its coat becomes snow white, with its extremities, (nose, ears, feet & tail) gradually darkening until they reach a rich, velvety Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac.
The Himalayan rabbit comes in four varieties: Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac. The black coloration is the only naturally occurring coloration and was the only accepted variety when Himalayans were accepted into the original Standard. Blue Himalayans were added as a variety in 1962 at the Tampa, FL convention. It passed with four votes. Ron Smelt is responsible for developing the Chocolate and Lilac varieties. The Chocolate variety was made using Sport English Spots and the Lilac variety passed by using Lilac Mini Rex.