Vienna White
A pure white Austrian rabbit with striking pale blue eyes.
Origin
The Vienna White (Weisse Wiener) comes from Austria. It is credited to Wilhelm Mucke, a railway official from Prinzendorf near Vienna, who spent many years selecting blue-and-white Dutch rabbits for less and less color in the hope of producing a pure white rabbit with blue eyes. Completely white, blue-eyed young finally appeared, and the breed caused a sensation when it was exhibited in Vienna in 1907 (one British club source dates its creation to 1895). About twenty years later, geneticists discovered that the white coat was in fact caused by a new mutation, not by Dutch markings bred away. The breed spread across Europe and reached Britain in 1999.
Typical Adult Size
Medium. The European standard gives a minimum of 3 kg, a normal weight of about 3.8 kg and a maximum of 5 kg (about 6½ to 11 pounds). The British desired weight is 3.5 to 5.25 kg.
Coat Type
Very dense, soft fur of medium length (about 3 cm), with fine guard hairs that give it a gloss. The ears should be well furred.
Colors
Pure white all over, with no colored hairs, light blue eyes and white claws.
Temperament
Generally calm and good-natured, and in Europe it is kept widely as both a show and family rabbit. As always, individuals vary.
Grooming and Care
Grooming is simple: a weekly brush, more during molts. A white coat shows dirt quickly, so clean, dry bedding keeps it looking its best. It needs a roomy enclosure and daily exercise.
Distinctive Features
The combination of a spotless white coat with pale blue eyes, on a cylindrical, well-rounded body with a short, broad head and thick, upright ears.
What Makes It Notable
The Vienna White gave its name to a gene. The "Vienna" gene that causes its blue-eyed white coat has since been bred into many other breeds, including blue-eyed white Netherland Dwarfs, Polish and Rex.