Written by: Tarah Schwartz
Rabbits are affectionate pets that adore consideration from their favourite people, however some breeds are extra pleasant than others.
Via my intensive expertise with rabbits during the last 15 years or so, I’ve met a number of the friendliest breeds of rabbits on the earth. For over a decade, I bred and confirmed rabbits throughout the nation. Of all of the breeds I had the pleasure to satisfy, these are 10 of the friendliest rabbit breeds.
Californian
As a former ARBA breeder of Californian rabbits, I wholeheartedly suggest them as one of many friendliest breeds of rabbit. The Californian is a medium-sized rabbit, often weighing between 8 and 11 kilos. They’re a muscular rabbit with a delicate, dense coat. They’re all the time white with coloured factors and pink eyes. The ARBA breed customary states that the markings on their nostril, ears, ft, and tail should be as darkish as attainable.
The breed was initially developed within the 1920’s by rabbit breeder George West of California. He created the breed by crossing New Zealand Whites with Himalayans and Chinchillas. His intent was to create the proper meat breed, however he unwittingly additionally created an ideal pet.
Californian rabbits thrive in each indoor and outside enclosures, as long as they’re protected against the weather. They’re an energetic breed and require loads of house to stretch their legs and roam. Additionally they love taking part in with toys and can fortunately entertain themselves with any bunny-safe toy.
Californians could be shy, however with correct socialization they’re affectionate and cuddly rabbits. Certainly one of my most profitable present rabbits was a Californian male named Max who would greet guests to my residence by leaping into their laps to snuggle.
Mini Lop
Mini Lops are one of many smaller breeds of rabbits, weighing in at simply 3 to six kilos. They’ve a compact, thick-set physique and ears that lop vertically on either side of their head. Mini Lops have a shiny, dense coat of medium size. They arrive in all acknowledged colours, each stable and damaged sample.
The Mini Lop breed was initially created within the 1970’s by crossing German Lops with smaller Chinchilla rabbits. The purpose was to create a extra compact, engaging model of the German Lop. The breed was formally acknowledged by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Affiliation in 1980.
What Mini Lops lack in measurement, they make up for in persona. They’re extremely pleasant, playful, and simple to coach. Some Mini Lops could be skittish round boisterous kids, so they might do greatest in calmer households with older kids.
Mini Lops haven’t any explicit well being issues other than situations that may have an effect on rabbits of any breed. They’re extremely clever and may simply be litterbox educated. As one of many friendliest rabbit breeds, Mini Lops are a favourite of educated rabbit lovers.
Rex
The Rex breed is a medium-sized rabbit weighing between 7 and 10 kilos at maturity. They’re recognized for his or her attribute delicate fur. Their coat lacks the lengthy guard hairs sometimes of different breeds, leading to a brief, dense fur with an opulent and velvety texture. The ARBA breed customary accepts 16 completely different coat colours together with stable and damaged patterns.
The Rex truly originated in 1919 from a litter of untamed rabbits in France. The rabbits had a singular recessive gene that gave them their plush coat and breeders selectively bred the rabbits to develop the trendy Rex breed.
When you’ve met a Rex, it’s not too arduous to see why folks rapidly fell in love with the breed. They’re a docile breed that’s simply as pleased to be petted as they’re to discover their environment. Rexes bond rapidly to their caretakers however can be equally pleasant to strangers so long as they’re correctly socialized.
Although their coat could look excessive upkeep, most breed specialists truly suggest much less frequent grooming than most breeds to stop harm to their coat. As with most rabbits, they do greatest with a fellow rabbit for companionship. Rexes don’t require any particular care past that of the common rabbit.
Mini Rex
In case you love the velvety coat of the Rex rabbit, however choose a smaller breed, look no additional than the Mini Rex. Mini Rexes are among the many friendliest rabbit breeds and have the identical plush coat as a full-sized Rex, however in a smaller bundle. Mini Rexes weigh simply 3.5 to 4.5 kilos and are available in 19 completely different coat colours.
Though the Rex coat originated in France, the Mini Rex was developed in the US within the 1980’s. Breeders meant to mix the velvety coat of the Rex with the extra compact physique measurement of dwarf rabbits.
Mini Rexes are sometimes extra energetic than their full-sized counterparts, however nonetheless show the identical pleasant and affectionate conduct towards their favourite folks. They benefit from the firm of different rabbits and love taking part in with their favourite toys. Though they might be small, Mini Rexes want loads of house to discover and train.
Though Californians had been the primary focus of my breeding program, I couldn’t assist however fall in love with Mini Rexes too. Certainly one of my males, Ozzy, would all the time observe me by the home as I went about my enterprise as a result of he all the time wished to be concerned. Most Mini Rexes that I’ve encountered have been simply as candy, curious, and playful as my expensive Ozzy.
Dutch
Dutch rabbits had been as soon as one of the vital standard rabbit breeds, due partially to their pleasant nature. Dutch rabbits are a medium-sized breed, weighing between 3.5 and 5.5 kilos at maturity. They’ve compact, well-rounded our bodies and an unmistakable colour sample. The Dutch rabbit is available in 7 completely different colour varieties, every with the attribute white markings on the face, torso, and ft.
Regardless of the Dutch rabbit’s identify, it was not developed within the Netherlands however moderately in England. Rabbits had been incessantly imported to England from Belgium for the meat market and English consumers most well-liked the dimensions and markings of the Petit Brabançon breed, which had been much like these discovered on the Dutch rabbit at this time. Breeders chosen rabbits with essentially the most even markings, resulting in the distinctive look of the trendy Dutch rabbit.
The Dutch rabbit is a well-liked alternative for pet rabbit homeowners as they’re pleasant, calm, and simple to coach. Dutch rabbits do effectively in each indoor and outside enclosures, supplied they’re protected against the weather, predators, and excessive temperatures. They’re a super alternative for calm properties with older, accountable kids.
Lionhead
Lionhead rabbits are a more recent breed and could be acknowledged by the thick, wooly mane round their necks. They’re a dwarf breed, sometimes weighing between 2.5 to three.5 kilos. They’ve shorter ears than many dwarf breeds, often simply 2 to three inches lengthy. Lionheads could be single- or double-maned, which merely signifies whether or not a rabbit has one or two copies of the mane gene.
Lionheads are an extremely pleasant breed, however they is probably not preferrred for first-time rabbit homeowners. They could be a bit skittish, however an skilled caretaker may have the data essential to assist their Lionhead really feel comfortable and permit their persona to blossom. As soon as you know the way to make your Lionhead snug, you possibly can count on to have a playful and affectionate companion.
Like all rabbits, Lionheads are sociable creatures and do greatest with not less than one different rabbit for companionship. They will simply be litterbox educated, so they’re appropriate as home rabbits. Since Lionheads are brachycephalic, which implies they’ve a flatter face than many different breeds, they’re extra vulnerable to respiratory and eye issues than the common rabbit. It’s additionally widespread for some Lionheads’ manes to grow to be thinner with age.
Holland Lop
Just like the Mini Lop, the Holland Lop is a dwarf lop-eared breed. The identify Mini Lop may suggest that they’re the smaller breed, however the Holland Lop is definitely the smaller of the 2. Based on the ARBA breed customary, the utmost allowable weight for an grownup Holland Lop is 4 kilos, although they are often as small as 2 kilos.
The Holland Lop breed started within the 1940’s when Dutch breeders started crossing French Lops with Netherland Dwarfs in an try to create a smaller lop-eared breed. They hoped to protect the pleasant nature of the 2 breeds however mix their bodily attributes.
The unique creators of the Holland Lop can be happy to see their breed as it’s at this time. Holland Lops are one of the vital standard breeds for pet rabbits attributable to their friendliness, intelligence, and calm demeanor.
Holland Lops haven’t any particular care necessities past the fundamentals of rabbit husbandry. They’re an energetic breed, so that they do require sufficient house and enrichment to train their physique and thoughts. They take pleasure in taking part in with bunny-safe toys, particularly if they will chew on them.
Himalayan
At first look, it’s widespread for folks to confuse a Himalayan rabbit with a Californian. This was a standard expertise that I had when touring to rabbit exhibits. Although they share the same coat sample, essentially the most noticeable distinction is their measurement. Himalayan rabbits are smaller than Californians, often weighing between 2.5 and 4.5 kilos.
Like Californians, Himalayan rabbits’ markings can truly change relying on the temperatures they’re stored in. Heat climate could trigger their darkish factors to lighten or grow to be “frosted” with white hairs. Colder temperatures could trigger the markings to darken and a few rabbits might also develop darkish coloring across the eyes or in the course of their white coats. These misplaced markings are known as “smut”.
Himalayans had been used within the growth of the Californian breed and for apparent cause. They’re extremely pleasant rabbits which might be recognized for his or her light temperament. Himalayans are one of many friendliest rabbit breeds are a well-liked alternative as each pets and present rabbits.
Himalayans are a relaxed breed that take pleasure in dwelling in quiet households. They like older, extra accountable kids over younger, boisterous kids. Like all rabbits, they require fairly a little bit of care and a spotlight and aren’t appropriate pets for households with out the time to dedicate to their wellbeing.
Flemish Large
Because the identify suggests, the Flemish Large is one of many largest breeds of home rabbit. On common they weigh about 15 kilos, however the largest Flemish Giants are nearer to about 22 kilos. A Flemish Large holds the file for being the longest rabbit on the earth at 4 ft 3 inches lengthy. The ARBA breed customary acknowledges seven completely different colours for the breed.
The Flemish Large is an previous breed, as the primary breed requirements had been written in 1893 in Belgium. They rapidly gained recognition attributable to their distinctive measurement and delicate demeanor. By round 1910, they had been a standard sight at rabbit and livestock exhibits.
This breed is called the “Mild Large” due to its docile temperament and affectionate nature. Like all rabbits, frequent interplay and ongoing socialization is a requirement of their care. Flemish Giants thrive on light and affectionate care. They will grow to be fearful or aggressive if they’re dealt with irresponsibly.
Flemish Giants are a big breed and so they require more room than the common rabbit. Cages with wire mesh flooring must be averted as they will trigger sores because of the breed’s weight. Flemish Giants are additionally considerably extra delicate to the warmth than different breeds, so that they should be protected against excessive temperatures.
Netherland Dwarf
One of many smallest but friendliest rabbit breeds is the Netherland Dwarf. Weighing simply 1.2 to 2.5 kilos, the Netherland Dwarf has an enormous persona in a small bundle. Netherland Dwarfs have compact, or “cobby”, our bodies. They’ve characteristically brief ears and rounded heads. The ARBA breed customary acknowledges over 20 completely different coat colours.
Although the Netherland Dwarf had a status for fearfulness and aggression throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, the trendy breed has a extra steady and pleasant temperament. Netherland Dwarfs are a delicate breed and will do greatest with a quiet, skilled proprietor.
Just like the Lionhead, Netherland Dwarfs are brachycephalic, so that they do have an elevated danger of dental, respiratory, and eye issues. Although they might be small, Netherland Dwarfs are extraordinarily energetic and require loads of house for recreation. They love taking part in with their favourite chewable toys and cuddling with their favourite folks.
Though the ten breeds listed below are a number of the friendliest round, it’s essential to keep in mind that all rabbits are people with distinctive personalities. Even when a breed is thought for its friendliness, a person rabbit will nonetheless have his or her personal distinctive likes and dislikes. All rabbits require ongoing socialization and a spotlight to ensure that them to really feel snug sufficient to precise their emotions and personalities.
Keep in mind, rabbits aren’t a low-maintenance pet or a “starter” pet. They require fixed care and a spotlight and aren’t the kind of pet that may be cared for solely by a younger baby. They’re additionally social animals that must be stored in teams of not less than 2. In my expertise, rabbits are an extremely rewarding pet that may convey a lot pleasure, so long as all of their wants are met.
