The Russian cony, or rabbit, is known by many names throughout the world and is perhaps more popularly referred to as the Himalayan. Though generally believed to be one of the oldest surviving breeds, little about the true history of the animal is known. Some believe, however, that the rabbit was originally an inhabitant of the Himalayan Mountain Range, though there is little evidence to support such a claim. Others argue that the breed was developed from a wild strain of silver-colored rabbits, citing the fact that many Russian rabbits today begin their lives with silver-gray coats, although their coloring changes as they mature, adults of the breed exhibiting a snowy white over most of the body, but a dark brown, black, or bluish-hue at the extremities.