Earliest Britain records indicate that domesticated rabbits came to Britain in the 1100’s. In the 1500’s, long-haired rabbits, thought to be the earliest Angora rabbits, were praised in England for their fur and became quite popular. During the 16th and 17th centuries, many writings began to appear describing rabbits of several different breeds, colors and sizes.
 

Rabbit fanciers then began breeding rabbits for show. The first rabbit show in England was in the middle 1820’s displaying Lop eared and Dutch rabbits. By mid-1870s, Himalayan, Angora, and Silvers were included in the shows. The 1800’s also saw the creation of the very first rabbit fanciers clubs.
 

The earliest documentation of domestic rabbits in America is in 1840 when Lop ear and Angora rabbits were imported. If domestic rabbits resided in America prior to that time, their breeding was done quietly with no fanfare. By 1910, the National Pet Stock Association of America (later re-named American Rabbit Breeders Association) was formed to set standards for breeds developed and shown in America. Today, rabbit fanciers continue to improve rabbit breeds and develop new breeds.