What Is the Difference Between a Florida White & a New Zealand Rabbit?

Telling different breeds of rabbits apart can be difficult if the breeds are very similar, especially when the rabbits are young. However, by knowing something about the breeds, it is easier to figure out which is which. In some cases the difference is obvious. If the rabbits are mature, it should be easy to tell the two breeds apart based on size alone.

  1. Size

    • The Florida White is a relatively small breed of rabbit with an optimal adult weight of about 5 lbs., though the acceptable range is 4 to 6 lbs. Almost anyone can handle them with relative ease, including children. The New Zealand rabbit is much larger; it ideally reaches 5 lbs. by the time it is eight weeks old. An ideal adult weight for this breed is about 10 lbs. for males and 11 lbs. for females, though they can be a bit larger or smaller. However, the significantly larger size of the New Zealand makes it easy to tell the two breeds apart, especially when age is known.

    Color

    • Florida White rabbits are albino rabbits; they come only in the color white. If a rabbit has any other color on it, it cannot be a purebred Florida White, though it may be crossed with the breed. The New Zealand rabbit, however, comes in four colors that are accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders̵7; Association. These colors are red, white, black and "broken," which is white with another color. When deciding whether rabbits are Florida Whites or New Zealands, if they are colored or if they have colored littermates, they are New Zealand rabbits.

    Build

    • Both New Zealand rabbits and Florida White rabbits are considered "meat rabbits," and their bodies are typically round, firm and meaty. New Zealands tend to have proportionally heavier backs, chests and thighs. Florida whites are of similar build but are generally not as heavy through the hindquarters and shoulder areas. As a general rule, it takes an experienced breeder to be able to recognize the subtle differences between the two.

    Uses

    • Both Florida White rabbits and New Zealand rabbits are typically used for multiple purposes. Florida Whites are often raised as small meat rabbits, with their final adult size being similar to the fryer stage of the New Zealand. They are also raised as pets, for show and as laboratory animals. New Zealand rabbits are often used for meat, especially in commercial situations where their efficient conversion of feed to meat makes them an economical choice. New Zealand rabbits are not generally raised for laboratory use because of their size, but they are moderately popular as both pets and show animals.