Russian Ermine Rabbit

Russian Ermine Rabbit

 

a breed of small, normally coated rabbits raised for pelts. It was named for the similarity of its coloring to that of the ermine. It was developed in Great Britain in 1857 and has long been raised in Russia. The average body length is 52 cm, and the liveweight is 3.8 kg. Females are fertile (up to eight young per litter) and have abundant milk. The pelts are used as imitation ermine. In the USSR the breed is not common but may become popular, since it provides one of the best pelts in beauty and quality. The principal producer of the breed is the Central Station of Young Naturalists in Moscow.