Californian

The Californian is white with dark brown to black ears, nose, feet and tail, and has red eyes. It is compact, fine-boned and well muscled. Adults usually weigh 3.6–5 kg. On good feed, young rabbits reach 2.5–3 kg at about 3 months, with a dressing percentage of roughly 55–60%. Kits are born all white; the dark points appear later.

Does typically have 6–10 kits per litter and are attentive mothers; abandoned litters are uncommon. The temperament is calm and the animals are easy to handle.

Uzbekistan climate. Its short, dense coat and medium size help it cope with heat better than the giant breeds, but at 35–40 °C it still needs shade, airflow and cool water at all times. Well-furred foot pads suit wire floors. Winters down to −15 °C are fine in a dry, draught-free shed.

Buying locally. It is one of the most traded breeds in Uzbek Telegram groups, so crossbreds are often sold as “pure kalif”. Do not pay extra for “qoshli” (eyebrowed) or “euro kalif” animals: how dark the points are depends partly on temperature (they fade after hot weather) and says nothing about growth. Look at both parents, ask for the weight at a known age, and buy does and bucks from different sellers.