BreedBarn

New Zealand vs Californian

These are the two breeds Penn State ranks highest for meat. The table shows where our sources say they differ.

Checked October 8, 202614 sourcesReport an error

Short answer. Penn State ranks the New Zealand White first for meat and the Californian second. Texas A&M says Californian bucks on New Zealand White does can improve fryer meat yield, so there is a case for keeping both.

New Zealand White rabbit facing the camera, white with upright ears

New Zealand

Meat, Fur, Show

Adult weight
9–12 lb
Beginner rating
Typical price
Two Californian rabbits on hay, white with dark ears and noses

Californian

Meat, Fur, Show

Adult weight
8–10.5 lb
Beginner rating
Typical price

Side by side

Shaded rows are where they differ.

New ZealandCalifornian
PurposeMeat, Fur, Show123Meat, Fur, Show131
Adult weight9–12 lb1328–10.5 lb131
Litter sizeNot recorded7–10 kits19
Fryer weightNot recordedAbout 5 lb at about 10 weeks1
Body typeCommercial4Commercial132
CoatSolid black, blue, red or white, or broken; the White is all white and its fur takes dye52White, with dark grey or black ears, nose, feet and tail2
Cold tolerance6767
Heat tolerance6767
Space needed6.25 sq ft1876.25 sq ft17
Beginner rating6916131
Recognised varieties5515
OriginUnited States32United States (Southern California), 1920s13
Recognised byARBA (United States), since 19163ARBA (United States)13
Conservation statusNot on The Livestock Conservancy's priority list10Not on The Livestock Conservancy's priority list10

Which should you choose?

Choose the New Zealand if

  • You want the breed Penn State ranks first for meat
  • You want does to cross with a Californian buck

Choose the Californian if

  • You plan to cross onto New Zealand White does: Texas A&M says Californian bucks can improve fryer meat yield
  • You want a breed that is shown in all 50 states

Common questions

Can you breed a Californian to a New Zealand?

Yes. Texas A&M says Californian bucks on New Zealand White does can improve fryer meat yield.

Which is better for meat, a New Zealand or a Californian?

Penn State ranks the New Zealand White first for meat and the Californian second.

Sources

  1. Penn State Extension, Rabbit Production.
  2. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Rabbit Project Reference Manual (AS 2.010, April 2000).
  3. American Rabbit Breeders Association, Recognized breeds.
  4. Ohio State University Extension, Ashtabula County, Study Tips for Rabbit Breeds, revised 2016 (PDF).
  5. American Rabbit Breeders Association, ARBA Official Breed ID Guide: Rabbit (updated January 2026).
  6. BreedBarn, Editorial rating, method on the editorial policy page.
  7. American Rabbit Breeders Association, hosted by University of New Hampshire Extension, ARBA Recommendations for the Care of Rabbits and Cavies.
  8. UMass Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, Rabbit Housing.
  9. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Backyard Production of Meat Rabbits in Texas (E-138).
  10. The Livestock Conservancy, Conservation Priority List.
  11. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Summer Heat and Rabbit Production, UNP-0082 (PDF).
  12. Utah State University Extension, Pet Rabbit Projects: Getting Started (PDF).
  13. American Rabbit Breeders Association, Recognized breeds: Californian.
  14. National Californian Rabbit Specialty Club, Cal history.