Rabbit facts

Which Breed Is Right For You?
by Amy and Zach Phillips-Gary

In many ways, adopting a house rabbit is somewhat akin to welcoming a
human baby into your family. On other pages of this website, we've
drawn this comparison in terms of essential products and supplies as
well as litter box training. When it comes to actually adopting a
bunny, however, there tends to be more choice in the type of rabbit
you are inviting into your home than there usually is when a new
human baby is conceived, born or even adopted from outside one's
family.

It can be helpful to have an understanding of some general
differences among rabbit breeds before setting foot in a humane
society, pet store, or contacting a breeder. Matching your
particular family and lifestyle with this information can help make
the experience with your house rabbit much smoother and more
enjoyable. Of course, each rabbit has his/her own personality which
can relate to the breeding parents as well as to the environment in
which the rabbit has lived so far. **Ultimately, it is vital that
you spend time with the bunny you are considering adopting before
making that final decision. Even if it is only an hour or more, you
will get a glimpse of how approachable and willing to be handled the
rabbit is.

Breeds vary in terms of size, fur color, fur consistency, and
temperament among other factors. Below we discuss some specific
characteristics of the seven more common breeds found in the U.S. and
following that is a table with a more extensive list of rabbit breeds
arranged by size. Again, use these breed descriptions as a guide to
not only help you make a decision about which breed to adopt in the
first place, but also how to best provide for the bunny you choose.
For example providing a small size cage for your French Lop would be
unwise and unhealthy for the rabbit because they tend to grow large.

Angora
Angoras actually have wool instead of fur which can be plucked or
clipped and used to make clothing. They are one of the oldest breeds
and tend to weigh between 6-9lbs. when full grown. Wool colors
include white, smoky, and tan. Given their unique coat of wool, if
you decide to adopt an Angora rabbit, you need to be willing and able
to give them the frequent grooming they require. Angora temperaments
are said to be sociable.

Dutch
Dutch rabbits, which actually originated in Belgium, are one of the
most popular breeds of pet rabbits today. They tend to be about 4.5-
5lbs. when full grown. Their recognizable fur pattern is white with
either black, brown, tan or gray striping. Although some Dutch breed
rabbits can be jumpy and wary, most are quite sociable, easy going
and good natured. They make a great choice for first-time rabbit
owners as we can personally attest!

English or English Spot
One of the first of the "fancy" breeds popular during the mid-
nineteenth century, today the English are still known as very
attractive rabbits. Size tends to be between 5-8lbs. with short
dense fur in a distinct pattern usually white contrasted with dark
areas. They are known as sociable bunnies.

Lionhead
This is one of the more recent rabbit breeds, developed in the 1990s.
Their "mane" of fur around the face makes them look lionish, hence
the breed's name. These small bunnies tend to weigh around 3.5lbs.
In addition to the "mane," Lionheads' fur tends to be a little longer
than other breeds though is certainly not as long as an Angora's
coat. Fur color varies and tends to be solid. They are known to be
friendly rabbits.

Lop
While there are many variations-particularly in size-with this breed,
they are known for their longer ears that hang down beside their
faces. Size varies from the small Mini Lop which weighs about 3.5-
5lbs. to the German Lop at 7lbs. to the French Lop which can weigh
over 12lbs. Some Lops require more grooming with their longer fur.
However, most have short solid colored fur. Temperament is also
known to be varied in the Lop family. While Dwarf Lops tend to be
good- natured and are said to be an ideal first rabbit for the novice
owner, French Lops occasionally are bad tempered. Of course, many
French Lops are friendly and good-natured.

Netherland Dwarf
Definitely one of the smaller rabbits around, the Netherland Dwarf
only grows to weigh around 2.5lbs. with small ears as well. A wide
range of colors and patterns are found among this bunny breed. They
are popular among show rabbit breeders. Some sources note the
Netherland Dwarf as a "bad tempered" breed, however, and not an ideal
pet for smaller children. As was mentioned above, this is a
generality and each rabbit's personality is different.

Rex
Rex rabbits were once popular in the fur trade because of their
unusual coat which is rather velvety and soft. Thankfully today
their fur is appreciated on live bunnies as pets! Again, sizes vary
among types of this breed with Mini Rex rabbits weighing around 3-
4lbs. and other Rex types weighing between 6-9lbs. Fur color varies
as well including orangish and bluish Rexes but tends to be solid.
Rex bunnies are claimed to be the most easy to handle and are not as
jumpy as smaller breeds.

DWARF/SMALL MEDIUM LARGE GIANT
2-6lbs. 6-9lbs. 9-11lbs. 11 lbs. or more
American Fuzzy Lop American Sable American Checkered Giant
Britannia Petite Belgian Hare American Chinchilla Flemish
Giant (Patagonian)
Dutch English Angora Beveren French Lop
Dwarf Hotot English Spot Californian Giant Chinchilla
Florida White French Angora Champagne d'Argent Giant
Papillion
Havana Harlequin Cinnamon
Himalayan Lilac Crème d'Argent
Holland Lop Rex English Lop
Jersey Wooly Rhinelander Giant Angora
Mini Lop Satin Angora Hotot
Mini Rex Silver Marten New Zealand
Netherland Dwarf Standard Chinchilla Palomino
Polish Alaskan Satin
Silver Silver Fox
Tan

*Breed table was found in The Simple Guide to Rabbits by Bobbye Land
2004

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