Learn more about the Palomino Rabbit Breed. Discover cool facts, pictures, resources and find information about caring for Palomino Rabbits.
This rabbit breed information page is part of our rabbit breeds article series.
Palomino Rabbit Resource Links: Free Rabbit Breeders Newsletter | Palomino Rabbit Breed Info | Palomino Rabbit Information and History | Palomino Rabbit Care | Palomino Rabbit Resources
Palomino Rabbit Breed Info
Recognized colors: Golden, Lynx
Size: 8-10 pounds
National Specialty Club:
www.palominorabbit.com
Palomino Rabbit Breed Photo Credit:
rightpet.com
Palomino Rabbit Information and History
The Palomino rabbit. We can imagine that this American creation greets you with a golden smile and a firm handshake, optimistic despite the fact that it is struggling for recognition. The name of the breed’s national specialty club is unique: the Palomino Co-breeders. The club’s emblem includes two clasped hands over a golden rabbit, commemorating the handshake that the breed’s founder, Mark Youngs, would give new breeders when he sold them rabbits.
Yes, the Palomino is golden colored, like the famous Palomino horse. The breed recognizes two varieties: golden and lynx. Genetically, golden is a bright fawn. Lynx is not a true lynx (lilac agouti), but simply the dilute version of golden, which most breeds call cream. The body type is commercial, similar to that of a New Zealand, and the breed has flyback fur. Like many of the people that raise them, Palominos have friendly personalities. Breeders say that does make excellent mothers and raise healthy-sized litters. Fryers grow quickly to dress-out size.
Despite its good temperament and valuable commercial properties, the Palomino rabbit escapes many people’s attention. There are a number of breeds in its size and body type category that have special coloration: the American Sable, the Crème d’Argent, and the American Chinchilla, to name a few. There simply aren’t enough breeders interested in that type of rabbit for any of them to become very popular. Most of those breeds are supported by an organization called the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, which strives to promote and protect endangered livestock breeds. The Palomino, however, is at a disadvantage because the ALBC will not sponsor it, deciding that the breed was developed too recently and does not represent a distinct genetic population.
Whether or not that’s the case, the Palomino has a heartwarming history. Mark Youngs of the Lone Pine Rabbitry in Washington state had raised rabbits for decades and always wanted to start a new breed. During the late 1940’s and early 50’s, crossing various commercial-typed rabbit eventually gave him fawn rabbits he called tawnies. Soon he enlisted the help of several “co-breeders.” Together they developed their sunny bunnies into a breed, and obtained an ARBA working standard under the name “Washingtonian.” The breed was first presented at the ARBA convention in 1953, where the name was changed to Palomino. Despite some difficulties, the Palomino was finally recognized in 1957.
Palomino Rabbit Care
Here is a list of resources to help you care for your palomino rabbits…
- How to Raise Rabbits – information and resources on the subject of raising rabbits
- Breeding Rabbits – learn more about how to breed rabbits for show, meat or profit
- Rabbit Supplies for Sale – find rabbit supplies for sale
- Feeding Rabbits – information and resources on the topic of feeding your rabbits
- Rabbit Health – learn more about rabbit health and care
Palomino Rabbit Resources
Here is a listing of palomino rabbit resources to help you out with your rabbit project…
- Rabbit Breeders Newsletter – be sure to claim your free subscription to our rabbit breeders newsletter in order to start receiving free rabbit information and resources via email
- Palomino Rabbits for Sale – use our rabbit classifieds to find palomino rabbits for sale
- Palomino Rabbit Breeders – locate palomino rabbit breeders using our huge rabbit breeders directory
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