The European (Domestic) Rabbit is the ancestral form of all domesticated rabbit breeds. It is 35-45 cm in length and has short ears tipped with a black spot. The limbs are short and the weight is 1-2 kg. The fur is gray with white highlights on the back and the underside is white. The lower part of the tail is also white.

They inhabit sandy, hilly terrain with shrubs and woody plants or coniferous woodlands. European (Domestic) Rabbits live in colonies that occupy large burrows with many chambers and entrances. They generally do not stray further than 60 feet from their burrow. European (Domestic) Rabbits will warn each other of danger by thumping their hind limbs on the ground. They are most active at night, leaving their burrow in the evening and returning by early morning.

European (Domestic)Rabbits prefer to feed on grasses and herbaceous plants but will also eat bark and twigs if grass is not available.

Hierarchy is established within colonies each breeding season. Males will defend their territories which includes all females in a breeding group. Rabbits are very prolific animals with each female producing 3-4 litters a year. Each litter will have at least six offspring.

The European (Domestic) Rabbit originated in W and S Europe through th Mediterranean region to Morocco and N Algeria; later introduced on all continents except Antarctica and Asia. Now found worldwide as domesticated forms.