Thuringer Rabbit Breeds | History and Background Explained

The Thuringer rabbit is a medium to large sized breed of rabbits with a stocky and well-rounded frame marked by matching broad muzzle. Due to its rounded body, its neck is partially hidden. 

The ears are long, upright, and measure about 4 to 5 inches long. The coat is medium sized and soft to touch. What makes this breed unique among other rabbits is its amazing color that features a fur that is deep yellow in color with blue-black specs.

History and Background of Thuringer Rabbit Breeds

The Thuringer rabbit originates from the German state of Thuringia, hence the name. It’s a hardy breed that’s been around since the 19th century, but only recently has it started to gain popularity outside of its native Germany.

The Thuringer rabbit was named after the town where its mentor, David Gartner, lived. The breed was believed to have been developed by crossbreeding Himalayan rabbit, Silver rabbit, and Flemish Giant rabbit. 

Thuringer rabbit gained popularity in the 1900s and continues to enjoy benevolent patronage in many parts of Europe.

Temperament and Behavior

If you are looking for an ideal companion pet, this is a must-have breed. The Thuringer rabbit is very friendly, docile, well mannered, and relaxed. All these qualities make it a perfect pet for all types of people, even for senior citizens or families with small children. 

These rabbits also love to play and interact with people of all ages without any inhibition. However, there is the need for supervision when young children are playing or bonding with these rabbits. 

Their large size may inadvertently cause accidents and injuries. Nonetheless, children have a memorable and fun time interacting with this friendly breed.

The Thuringer rabbit also loves to play with other rabbits. To make sure that it gets enough daily activities, you must let it out from the cage a few hours a day. 

This provides plenty of exercises to your pet and prevents a rabbit from developing boredom and inactivity that may result in self-inflicted injuries.

If you are unable to play or bond with your pet regularly, get some good toys made specifically for rabbits. 

It is a very effective way to maintain your rabbit’s activity level while providing him mental and physical stimulation. Available in local pet shops, these toys keep your pet occupied.

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the best choice is customized rabbit play items made from common house items such as cardboard boxes and plastic balls. You just need a little imagination and creativity to build such things using the discarded household stuff.

Health and Care

Although very active and full of energy, a Thuringer rabbit prefers calm and stress-free environment. Its cage must be spacious and large enough to enable it to move freely, stay comfortably, and run around. 

Furthermore, the cage must be strong and well built to avoid sudden escape or effectively stand against attacks by other animals. These requirements are very important, especially when you plan to keep the cage outdoors, where your pet is more vulnerable to environmental hazards.

Thuringer rabbits thrive when living outdoors but prefers the comfort and protection of an indoor environment. If you plan to keep it inside, make sure to pick an area that has good and continuous air circulation as well as ample sunlight. 

These factors are very important in maintaining proper health of your pet. Never pick a spot that is isolated and dark, such as laundry room or attic. Doing so will make your pet feel abandoned and neglected, which will eventually lead to various social anxiety, health issues, and self-inflicted harm.

Instead, pick an area inside the house that is frequented by family members, such as kitchen, your living room, or the dining room. This makes your pet feel that it is a part of family activities and thus prevents boredom while helping in the development of social skills.

Similar to other rabbits, Thuringers need proper diet to have a good health. Apart from high-quality rabbit seeds and pellets, you should also serve fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. 

Most importantly, hay should constitute 70% of a rabbit’s daily diet. Hay is one of the most effective foods to prevent overgrown teeth, which is a common rabbit issue.

Final Thoughts!

We hope now you are aware of these lovely Thuringer rabbit breeds and if so why not bring one to your home? 

And moreover, these rabbit breeds are pretty rare and may become extinct in near future. So if you love rabbits then getting a Thuringer rabbit wont be a bad idea!

Also read: Mellerud Rabbit Breed