The Alaska Rabbit, also known as the Alaskan Rabbit, is a medium-sized breed instantly recognisable by its dense, glossy jet-black coat. Despite the name, the Alaska was developed in Germany around 1900 by rabbit judge Max Fischer and his colleague Schmidt of Langensalza, who crossed Havanas, Dutch, Himalayan, and Champagne d'Argent rabbits in an attempt to produce a pelt resembling the then-fashionable Alaskan Fox. The breed remains largely unrecognised in the United States but is well established in Europe, where it is shown under its original German standards.
Alaska Rabbits weigh between 3 and 4 kilograms and have a compact, barrel-shaped body with a short, broad head and upright ears. Their defining characteristic is the striking all-black coat, with any other colour considered a breed fault under the show standard. Alaskas are alert, lively animals with good social instincts, and they tend to adapt well to family life when handled regularly from a young age. They do best in spacious environments that allow room to run and explore, as they have an energetic, curious nature. Their relatively short coat is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hairs. The Alaska Rabbit is an excellent choice for rabbit enthusiasts looking for an unusual, visually striking breed with genuine historical character.