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Cinnamon Rabbit

Diana Faria
by Diana Faria
Published:  May 19th, 2016
fast facts

About Cinnamon Rabbit

Size
Medium
Weight
9-11 lb
Lifespan
5-10 years
Body Shape
Commercial
Best Suited For
Families with or without children living in a house, first-time owners
Temperament
Docile, calm, curious, friendly
Comparable Breeds
New Zealand Rabbit, Californian Rabbit
Cinnamon Rabbit Breed History/Origin


Back in the 1960s, a Chinchilla Doe was given to a Montana girl named Belle Houseman as a gift. Soon after, her brother obtained a New Zealand buck and the two rabbits mated. The children began raising purebred rabbits but every once in a while, their father allowed them to crossbreed as well. When a Checkered Giant and a Californian rabbit were mixed in, the first Cinnamon-colored rabbit was born. J. Cyrol Lowett, a well-known judge at the time, suggested they solely breed this kind of rabbits and soon, it developed into its own separate group known as the Cinnamon Rabbit breed.


They are good-looking rabbits who are very much show-worthy because of their stunning coat.


Overall Description


The Cinnamon rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit weighing no more than 9 pounds when they become full-fledged adults. They are good-looking rabbits who are very much show-worthy because of their stunning coat. Most of their bodies are covered in a beautiful ground cinnamon-colored, short fur with their nose, ears, belly and paws a smoky grey/black color. Their heads are proportional to their bodies and they have vertical ears which can grow to be as long as four inches.


The Cinnamon rabbit’s fur is beautiful and rather rare, which makes them a joy to pet and lets them steal the spotlight in rabbit shows, plus they are relatively calm, docile creatures – perfect as pets!


Coat

The Cinnamon rabbit’s coat is short and relatively easy to maintain. Weekly or biweekly grooming with a slicker brush should be sufficient for the most part, excluding shedding season. During shedding season, you’ll have to increase your brushings to twice a week to maintain this rabbit’s soft fur.


Colors


Cinnamon rabbits have a light brown color like the hue of ground cinnamon, with smoky gray shading around the ears, snout and paws. They do not come in any other colors.


Cinnamon rabbits are relatively calm, docile creatures – perfect as pets!


Care Requirements


These rabbits are relatively easy to care for and mostly groom themselves and each other (although weekly or bi-weekly grooming should be scheduled). As aforementioned, you should increase the amount of grooming to twice per week when shedding season starts along to keep their fur in tip-top shape.


In terms of bedding, most of these rabbits do well with wood pellets or aspen. If you also have a horse, the pelleted horse bedding can double as your Cinnamon rabbit’s bedding as well. Steer clear of pine or cedar bedding as this can affect your rabbit’s liver and there is also a risk of developing cancer.


Because they are herbivores, the Cinnamon rabbit enjoys a wide array of different foods in their diet. They like wet food, carrots, other fresh vegetables, hay or dark leaf lettuce. Limit the amount of fruits that have high levels of sugar. However, their diet should still consist of 70 percent hay and always have fresh water at their disposal.


Make sure to stay clear of iceberg lettuce, as it contains too much water and too little fiber to count as a good meal. And don’t feed your rabbit yard clippings, as grass is usually treated with fertilizer, insecticides, pesticides and other chemicals that can harm your rabbit.


Health

The Cinnamon rabbit is not particularly susceptible to any specific disease; however there are many common problems that can occur if one does not take proper care of them. Cages should always be made of galvanized steel and should have a separate part where droppings will not get caught in their fur, as problems such as flystrike can occur. Flystrike is an extremely painful condition that can often leave your bunny immobilized in agony or even result in death if their cages are not properly tended after.


Rabbits often have pristine teeth that keep growing throughout their entire lives at a rate of 1 centimeter a month. Their teeth are designed to wear down when they eat grass, hay and even the occasional blocks of wood. Always monitor your rabbit’s teeth to make sure they are not overgrowing, as they can grow into their face and/or into their jawbone if it does not wear down properly.


Lastly, do give your rabbit a routine ear check-up at home to make sure that no ear mites are present. Ear mites initially start off as scaling and then progresses into a thick crust that builds up in their ears. If you find ear mites in your bunny’s ears, consult your local veterinarian as soon as you can because treatment success rates increase the earlier it is caught.


Cinnamon rabbits are great bunnies for first-time pet owners or for families with children.


Temperament/Behavior


Due to their calm, docile nature, Cinnamon rabbits are great bunnies for first-time pet owners or for parents who would like to see their child grow into the responsibility of becoming a pet caregiver. They start off as small as your hand and grow into a rather large bunny. Compared to other pets, they are relatively easy to maintain and will live a long, healthy life if they are taken care of properly.


Unlike some bunnies, the Cinnamon rabbit does well with having another bunny of the same breed for companionship, as happy rabbits tend to live longer when they have someone to keep them company. However, if your bunny is not spayed, be wary of breeding – Cinnamon rabbits can produce about 2-4 litters of bunnies per year with litters of 4-6 babies.


These rabbits also love to jump and run, reaching speeds up 30-40 miles per hour, so having a fenced backyard where you can let your bunny roam free is recommended. When they aren’t bouncing around and having a wonderful time, they’ll enjoy some peace and quiet with their human companion. They’ll also benefit from having a couple of toys to choose from to sink their teeth into and play with. Because they are so friendly and calm, they usually do not have a problem being petted or even picked up by any stranger who happens to fall in love with your Cinnamon.


Photo credit: applegarthgardens; Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association

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Diana Faria
Diana Faria

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Dogs experience a range of emotions, but researchers have found that anxiety, in particular, is surprisingly prevalent among canine companions.

Study Reveals Older Dogs Who Sleep Badly May Have Dementia

It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Never Scoop Again With Litter-Robot, The Purrfect Gift For Cat Lovers

Cats like a clean litter box just as much as cat owners do, but scooping clumps can be a hassle. Whisker’s Litter-Robot, the highest-rated, self-cleaning litter box for cats, eliminates the need to scoop the litter box. The newest model, Litter-Robot 4, provides a clean bed of litter for your cats after every use. It features patented sifting technology that sifts out waste after every use and deposits it into a tightly-sealed waste drawer, helping to keep odor under control. For Black Friday, you can scoop one up for less, with $75 off bundles with the Purrfect Litter-Robot accessories you will want.What Sets the Litter-Robot Apart? Litter-Robot 4 features an advanced, patented, sifting technology with QuietSift™ for nearly-silent sifting. That’s right, you don’t have to scoop and you don’t hear the litter being sifted. What could be better?

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done! While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation. Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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