Bunny Breeds That Fit Your Needs

You probably already know what you want your future bunny to look like. Now, all you have to do is find the perfect one. The problem is, what bunny are you actually picturing? Most people would go to the pet store or hopefully the shelter and look at all the available bunnies and pick the cutest one. The problem is, some rabbits need more care than others and it's very important to be informed about the rabbit breed you are committing to. Rabbit breeds vary in size, weight, coloration, hair length and quality, ear length and positioning, and eye color. Some of these traits (mainly size and hair length and quality) will factor into how you are going to care for your rabbit while other traits are just for aesthetics.

Size Matters. Rabbits come in all sizes from dwarf (2.5 lbs) to giant (16 lbs). I will categorize all the rabbit breeds that I know based on size because that was my main consideration when choosing my bunny.

Dwarf Breeds

American Fuzzy Lop (3 to 4 lbs)

Fuzzy Lops have a flat face and large lopped ears. They have a long dense coat and are available in many colors. Their hair is somewhat more coarse than other rabbits so it does not mat as easily as other long-haired rabbits. But, since Fuzzy Lop have a longer coat, it is necessary to brush and groom this bunny daily. The temperament of this breed is extremely varied from loving to skittish. Male Fuzzy Lops tend to be calmer while the females seem to be a little more shy.

Britannia Petite (2.5 lbs maximum)

Britannia Petite is the smallest of the common breeds. They have a short coat and are typically white with red eyes in the US. They should be groomed at least once a week. This rabbit is more hyper and tend to nip more than other rabbits. They are very curious and therefore tend to get into more trouble. They will need a lot of toys and human interaction so that they won't get bored. With this breed, it is extremely important to bunny proof your house and to watch him constantly when they is allowed to roam.

Dwarf Hotot (2.5 lbs maximum)

This breed of rabbit is typically white with thick black markings around its eyes. His coat is short so weekly grooming sessions should suffice. This rabbit has short upright ears and a round compact body. Dwarf Hotots are generally very calm and enjoy attention. These little guys hail from Germany and are becoming more common.

Holland Lop (4 lbs maximum)

These Holland Lops come in many different colors, have short lopped ears, a flat face, and deeply set eyes. They have a medium coat which means that a biweekly grooming may be necessary. This breed of rabbit is generally calm but the females are easily startled.

Small Breeds

Dutch (3.5 to 5.5 lbs)

These small breed rabbits have white noses, chests, and underbellies, and have dark ears, cheeks, and hindquarters. This was the most popular breed of rabbit before dwarf rabbits were introduced. They have a short coat that may only need to be froomed during shedding season. These rabbits are even tempered and great starter rabbit.

Florida White (4 to 6 lbs)

These rabbits look a lot like Britannia Petite rabbits but are at least twice as big. Pure white is the only flavor that these bunnies come in. They have upright ears, red eyes and a short coat. Brush this rabbit once a week and his coat will stay nice and shiny.

Havana (4.5 to 6.5 lbs)

Havanas come in black, chocolate, or blue. Their coloration is very intense compared to other rabbits and their coat is the shiniest in all the rabbit kingdoms! These rabbits have very distinct personalities and are very personable. They make great companion pets. Grooming is needed once a week or less because of their short, sleek hair.

Himalayan (2.5 to 4.5 lbs)

These bunnies have a distinct coloration pattern. They have white bodies with black ears, muzzles, and paws. They have an extremely long and narrow body with medium sized ears plastered to its body. The eyes are generally pink and their coat is short and easily groomed. This rabbit is very tolerant of any disturbances so if you choose to adopt a pet rabbit for a child (which I do not recommend) this is the best rabbit to get.

Mini Rex (3 to 4.5 lbs)

Mini Rex is known for his velvety coat. His coat is short and plush and will require grooming. Do NOT use a brush on this rabbit unless there is a distinct tangle! Instead, slightly wet the palms of your hands, then run them on your rabbit in the opposite direction of hair growth. This will remove the loose hairs and should be done weekly. This bunny has a great attitude and are very active.

Medium Breeds

English Spot (5 to 8 lbs)

This rabbit has the body shape similar to a wild hare. They are white with darker markings and have short, easily maintained coats. It may only be necessary to groom and brush this rabbit during shedding season. These rabbits are very tame and very laid back.

Large Breed

American Sables (7 to 10 lbs)

These larger rabbits have various shades of sepia in their coat and amber colored etes. These bunnies tend to shed in patches and for a long period of time. This means that they should be groomed and brushed at least twice a week. They are known to be very friendly and responsive.

Giant Breeds

Flemish Giant (16 lbs maximum)

Welcome the gentle giants! These burly bunnies are very solid and strong. They are calm and like to be petted. They should be groomed throughly every week with a brush. Because of their size, their diet is slightly different from other rabbits. Some of these big guys loved to be walked.

Since most people typically adopt dwarf or small rabbits, I will focus on the care of these rabbits. Most of this information also applies to larger rabbits but food quantities should be altered. If you need information about any other sized rabbit, please email artemispethelp@gmail.com.