Scientific Facts
| Common Name: | Swiss Fox Rabbit |
| Scientific Name: | – |
| Life Span: | 5 to 8 years |
| Size: | 5.5 to 7.5 pounds |
| Habitat: | Domesticated |
| Country of Origin: | Switzerland |
Swiss Fox Rabbit Information
The Swiss Fox Rabbit is a domesticated breed of rabbits that were originally bred in Switzerland back in the 1920s. The main reason as to why it was bred is that its breeders wanted to make a rabbit species that had an appearance that is similar to the Arctic Foxes. These foxes had pelts that were coveted in Switzerland due to how effective they are against the cold weather. In that regard, that was how this breed got its name as the Swiss Fox Rabbit. Such a breed of the rabbit was initially made to be a substitute for the Arctic Fox’s pelt, but the breeders could not quite achieve what they had originally hoped for. While these rabbits were not very popular back in the day due to the failure of the breeders, they eventually became favorites as household pets.
Physical Description
As far as body structure is concerned, the Swiss Fox Rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit that has a compact build. It really does not look the part, but this rabbit actually is very lean and built to be quite muscular. In that regard, it is quite different compared to its other domesticated cousins, who are most likely going to be plump and fat when compared to the Swiss Fox Rabbit.
The color of a Swiss Fox Rabbit’s coat really varies. When it was new to the scene, its coat was only bluish in terms of color. Now, there are different varieties of Swiss Fox Rabbits that have different-colored coats. Their colors now include white, black, and pastel colors. Meanwhile, what gives this rabbit its iconic look and its popularity is its long coat. It might not have the same type of coat that the fox has, but it has since become very popular because of how long and silky its fur is.
Personality
The Swiss Fox Rabbit is actually similar to other domesticated breeds of rabbits in the sense that it is very affectionate and friendly towards its owner. This rabbit enjoys being around humans and other household pets that are safe for it to be around with. It loves interacting with its human and is even fond of cuddles while lying down on a lap. At the same time, it can also be quite docile and will not be too defensive when you are trying to handle it because of how it is receptive to human handling.
These rabbits are also quite calm and are not overly energetic. That makes it a very good rabbit to be around with for goods and older adults alike. The Swiss Fox Rabbit is simply delightful to be around with due to how it acts like your usual household pet. Expect it to want to be around with you for long periods of time. But be careful to not agitate it as it can cause injuries to itself and to kids when it tries to jump off a lap when it becomes too agitated.
Life Span
Swiss Fox Rabbits can live for up to 8 years when you give it the best kind of care it deserves. Most of these domesticated rabbits can live for at least 5 years, so long as they are given the minimum care, they require under a family that is quite affectionate as well.
Reproduction
Swiss Fox Rabbits have similar reproductive behavior as any other domesticated breed of rabbit. They will reach the age of maturity at around 4 to 5 months old and are going to be able to give birth multiple times in a single calendar year due to how short their gestation period tends to be.
Behavior
Friendly and very affectionate, the Swiss Fox Rabbit behaves in a manner that is similar to any other household rabbit bred for domestic purposes. This breed is quite calm and does not behave in a manner that is quite difficult to handle. Instead, they are actually pretty well-behaved and will not do anything that is out of the normal unless they get too agitated. Try not to agitate them if you want them to maintain their usual calm temperament.
The Swiss Fox Rabbit is also considered to be one of the smartest breeds of rabbits. These rabbits are smart enough that you can potty-train them without a lot of problems. They also understand their limitations and will not demand too much time out of you. So long as you provide them with the right amount of cuddles they need, they will behave in a manner that is suitable for a household pet that is not too active and energetic.
Eating Habits
The Swiss Fox Rabbit is like any other domesticated breed of rabbits when it comes to its diet. It will thrive on meals that have a lot of fiber. So, in that regard, expect it to prefer a diet that is based primarily on grass or plant-based food such as hay. In fact, its meals should be about 60 to 70% hay as they already get most of their nutritional needs from that type of food. Rabbit pellets are also acceptable types of food for your Swiss Fox Rabbit.
You can supplement your Swiss Fox Rabbit’s diet with vegetables and greens that are safe for it to eat. Roughage can also be good types of food as they allow your rabbit to gnaw on them so that their teeth stay at the right size and shape. But, when feeding your bunny with other types of food, it is important for you to do your research first as these rabbits tend to be quite susceptible to digestive problems due to how they are most likely going to consume their own hair from time to time.
Cage
A Swiss Fox Rabbit’s cage should not be too much of a problem for you. These rabbits can handle getting housed in a standard rabbit cage pretty well as they are not too picky or too shy when it comes to their habitat. So long as they feel safe and secure in their cage, you can pretty much house them in any type of habitat. However, it is important for you to make sure that you put them in a cage that is right for their size.
Availability – Where to Get one
Swiss Fox Rabbits are not very common in the United States but are easier to get in Europe due to how they are native to that region. A Swiss Fox Rabbit can cost about $30 to $40 in the United Kingdom but can be more expensive in the US due to how they are not too common in America.
How to Care for a Swiss Fox Rabbit
Swiss Fox Rabbits require the same kind of care as any other domesticated breed of rabbit. Their diet is more or else the same as their cousins from the Havana and Chinchilla breeds but at smaller quantities due to how it is smaller in terms of its overall body structure. They also require the same amount of interaction and affection on your part because they tend to be quite affectionate pet rabbits.
The tricky part about caring for the Swiss Fox Rabbit is related to its long hair. These rabbits need to be regularly brushed to prevent matting and to make sure that any excess hair is removed. Excess hair can be a problem for these rabbits as they may accidentally ingest their own hair and cause problems to their digestion. In that regard, it is very important for you to make sure that you keep them well-groomed.
FAQs
Is the Swiss Fox Rabbit a good pet to have?
Swiss Fox Rabbits are ideal pet rabbits to have due to their well-behaved and very affectionate personality.
Are Swiss Fox Rabbits common?
Swiss Fox Rabbits are actually rare in the United States and can be quite uncommon in Europe.
For what purpose was the Swiss Fox Rabbit bred for?
Swiss Fox Rabbits were actually bred for commercial purposes due to their coat but have since become household favorites as pets.
Can you bathe a Swiss Fox Rabbit?
Rabbits do not like getting bathed as it stresses them out. Instead, groom your rabbit by wiping them with a clean and damp cloth and by brushing them regularly to prevent matting as the Swiss Fox Rabbit is prone to such.
