The rabbit as we know it has existed and been recognized in all places in the world at one time or another. Rabbit fossils have been found dating back 30-40 million years. Evidence is available to suggest that the Phoenicians were responsible for exporting the rabbit to Spain in 1100 B.C.

Credit for the actual domestication of rabbits goes to the early French Catholic monks. They selectively bred and produced the rabbit we know to day as the Champagne De Argent. Champagne refers to the region of France, and De Argent, meaning silver.

It is probable that most of the rabbits that we now see are descendants of the hutch-raised rabbits of these early times. They are all offspring of the European wild rabbit. There are few if any breeds that have developed form the American wild rabbit.

Rabbits are mentioned often in folklore. Everyone knows the Easter Bunny. Rabbits feet are supposed to be lucky, especially if it is the left, hind foot. Lucky that is for the holder - not the rabbit. Rabbits have been looked upon as a symbol of fertility because of their undisputed ability to multiply.

There is very little evidence of domestic rabbits in America prior to the 1900's. The Belgian Hare was the first rabbit to catch the public's attention. Despite it's size the Belgian Hare was first a fanciers rabbit, and secondly a meat rabbit. With time, it evolved to fill the needs of the fancier, the commercial meat market, and the fur industry. The Belgian Hare opened the door for many other breeds of rabbits.

The National Pet Stock Association was formed in 1910 with a total of 183 members. They held their first convention in Grand Rapids Mi. in 1917. By 1946 there were 8,000 members. In 1952 the name was officially changed to The American Rabbit Breeders Association. Today the ARBA is a strong and successful organization, with over 45 recognized breed, and around 37,000 members.