People started breeding rabbits a long time ago.
At the moment, there are 83 species of animals.
One of these is the Squirrel breed.
Let's get acquainted with these representatives of the rabbit world in more detail.
Breed description
In the course of painstaking work, the breeders developed a new interesting look of rabbits, which gave the world not only delicate dietary meat, but also beautiful fur, which is valued in fur production. 
Inference history
The breed was obtained in the early 20th century (1916) in Germany by crossing rabbits of the Vienna Blue and Havana breeds. The new species was given the name Belka, because the fur of the animal was similar in structure to a squirrel coat.
Did you know? Tame rabbits began in the Stone Age, but the Roman Empire gave rise to the development of rabbit breeding as an industry.
Appearance and parameters
Protein breed standard:
- The weight of the carcass varies from 3 to 4.3 kg.
- The body length of an adult individual is no more than 50 cm. The body is dense, elongated, proportional.
- The limbs are massive, well developed and widely set.
- The head is medium in size with ears of regular shape, no longer than 15 cm, protruding upwards.
- The chest is large, the rabbit has a delicate breast.
- The back is wide and straight.
- The bones are thin but strong.
- The coat color is pale blue, the belly is lighter in tone. There are individuals of lilac color.
- At the age of 4 months the weight of baby rabbits reaches 3 kg, which is considered the most profitable slaughter weight.
Direction
Initially, the view was displayed as a decorative.
Find out what breeds of decorative rabbits are among the most popular. And also familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of the content of such breeds of ornamental rabbits as a colored short-haired dwarf, Viennese blue, and fox dwarf.
Over time, in the process of improving the quality of the species, the focus on meat and skin has been changed. But the main product is the skin, which is highly valued due to its coloring, which does not require artificial coloring. 
Character
Rabbits have inherited a friendly, affectionate character, they like to communicate and they get along well with people. In solitude, the animals can start to get bored and get depressed.
Very inquisitive and intelligent, easy to train, including well accustomed to the tray, which makes it possible to keep an animal at home without any problems.
Important! If the period of being alone can be long, it is better to have a couple of rabbits, as well as to purchase toys - balls, ringing balls.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive qualities of rabbits:
- Quality fur, valued in the fur industry.
- Animals are hardy and adapt well in any conditions.
- For food undemanding.
- The maternal instinct is well developed, therefore the survival rate of the offspring is high.
- The meat is tasty and tender.
Disadvantages:
- Low fertility.
- Low milk production.
Did you know? An animal can reach a speed of 55 km per hour while running, despite the fact that the hare runs 70 km per hour.
Why not popular in Russia and neighboring countries
The breed did not find its distribution in the territory of the former CIS countries due to the birth in the litter of not more than six rabbits and the lack of milk during feeding the pups. Farmers prefer more prolific breeds with a greater yield of meat and fur.
Fans and enthusiasts, breeders in private farms are engaged in the preservation of the breed and the maintenance of the species.
After learning about this interesting breed, about its unpretentiousness, you can start breeding Proteins, which can provide you with tasty and dietary meat. And you can just make this beautiful animal at home as a four-legged friend.
