63 Rabbit Breeds To Keep as Pets (All You Need To Know)

Rabbits have truly captured the hearts of people all over the world with their soft, velvety ears, adorable twitching noses, and seemingly endless reserves of energy. If the thought of adding a rabbit to your family has ever crossed your mind, get ready for an exciting adventure as we delve into the wonderful world of rabbit breeds. Each breed has its own special qualities and unique charm, weaving a rich tapestry of options for potential rabbit owners like you. So, in this article, we’ll discuss 63 rabbit breeds to keep as pets.

Here are 63 rabbit breeds that you keep as a pet:

  1. Alaska
  2. American
  3. Angora
  4. Argente Rabbits
  5. Astrex
  6. Aurora Negro
  7. Beige
  8. Belgian Hare
  9. Beveren
  10. Blanc de rabbits
  11. Bourbonnais grey
  12. Britannia Petite
  13. British Giant
  14. Brown chestnut of Lorraine
  15. Californian
  16. Canadian Plush lop
  17. Cashmere Lop
  18. Checkered Giant
  19. Chinchilla
  20. Cinnamon
  21. Continental
  22. Creme d’Argent
  23. Czech Red Rabbits Dalmatian
  24. Dalmatian
  25. Deilenaar
  26. Dutch
  27. Dwarf Hotot
  28. Enderby Island
  29. English Angora
  30. English Lop
  31. English Spot
  32. Fauve de Bourgogne
  33. Flemish Giant (Patagonian)
  34. Florida White
  35. French Lop
  36. Giant Papillon
  37. Harlequin
  38. Havana
  39. Himalayan
  40. Holland Lop
  41. Jersey Woolly
  42. Lilac
  43. Lionhead
  44. Marburger Feh 
  45. Mecklenburger Piebald
  46. Meissner Lop
  47. Mellerud rabbit
  48. Mini Lop
  49. Mini Rex
  50. Netherland Dwarf
  51. New Zealand
  52. Netherland Dwarf
  53. Palomino
  54. Polish
  55. Rex
  56. Rhinelander
  57. Satin
  58. Silver
  59. Standard Chinchilla
  60. Tan
  61. Thrianta
  62. Thuringer
  63. Tri-Colour Dutch

1) Alaska

Despite its name, the Alaska rabbit originated in Germany, not Alaska. 

Originally, this jet-black rabbit breed was created for its fur rather than as a pet. 

But it’s also a good pick for a pet because of its eye-catching appearance. 

It was once acknowledged by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), but this is no longer the case. 

However, the Alaska rabbit is acknowledged by the British Rabbit Council in the United Kingdom. 

It normally has a black coat and weighs between 6 and 8.5 pounds. 

Additionally, this breed originated in Germany and is distinguished by its shiny black fur.

2) American

The term “American Rabbit” refers to a variety of rabbits. 

Additionally, other rabbit breeds come from the US and are approved by groups that support rabbit breeds. 

In terms of appearance, colour, size, and fur type, these breeds differ from one another. 

The following prominent breeds of rabbit are thought to be “American” in origin:

  1. American chinchilla: This breed is distinguished by its dense fur, which resembles the Chinchilla rodent. It has a peculiar coat pattern, white-tipped guard hairs, and a bluish-black under colour. 
  2. American Fuzzy Lop: To create this breed, the French Angora and the Holland Lop were crossed. While its fur is longer and includes a mane around its face, it has the same body form as the Holland Lop. It is well known for both its beautiful appearance and friendly nature.
  3. American Sable: Crossbred Chinchilla rabbits are the ancestors of the American Sable rabbit. They have a body form that is similar to Chinchilla rabbits. Their coats are different colours, though. 

American chinchilla:

The history of the American Chinchilla rabbit begins in 1919 when two American breeders acquired Chinchilla rabbits from a British exhibitor at a New York City fair. 

Over time, these breeders grew larger. The most uncommon variety of Chinchilla rabbits is the American variety. 

It has a coat that is 1.25 inches long, thick, smooth, and glossy and weighs between 9 and 12 pounds. 

It has a moderately rounded body and is known for being kind and strong.

American Fuzzy Lop:

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) officially recognizes the American Fuzzy Lop breed of rabbit. 

Its appearance is comparable to that of the Holland Lop, but its wool is shorter and more angora-like. Up to four pounds should be the maximum weight for exhibiting.

It looks similar to a Holland Lop but has English Angora wool instead and has adults weighing 3 to 4 lbs. 

They resemble cats in appearance with their small, flat muzzle, lop ears, and compact, muscular frame.

By colour pattern, they are divided into “solid” and “broken” varieties. Blue Eyed White and Ruby Eyed White are variations.

American Fuzzy Lops have a lot of personality and are energetic, playful, and gregarious. 

They appreciate the company of other rabbits and the attention of their owners. 

They enjoy playing with toys like balls, pine cones, or softwood and are highly fluffy and make excellent pets. 

Additionally, they are a cross between French Angora and Holland Lop.

American Sable:

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes the American Sable rabbit as having its origins in colourful throwbacks of purebred Chinchilla rabbits that Otto Brock of San Gabriel, California, had in 1924. 

It is a hybridized Chinchilla rabbit with a physique similar to Chinchillas but a distinct coat colour. 

The body fades to a lighter tan colour, like the colouration of a Siamese cat, with the head, feet, back, ears, and top of the tail having a dark sepia hue. 

They typically weigh between 7 and 15 pounds and have black eyes with a ruby tint.

3) Angora

Angora rabbits are famous for their long, soft, luxurious fur. Due to their thick coat, they have a distinctive appearance and come in a variety of colours. 

Appearance: 

A compact body, rounded face, and huge, upright ears are characteristics of an Angora rabbit. 

Their long, silky hair, which is what sets them apart, needs to be groomed frequently to avoid matting and preserve its quality. 

Angora rabbits come in a variety of breeds, including the English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora, and Satin Angora, all of which have slightly different appearances and hair traits.

Weight: 

Depending on the breed and kind, Angora rabbits can weigh different amounts. 

  • English Angoras typically weigh between 5-7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg), 
  • French Angoras between 6-9 pounds (2.7-4.1 kg), 
  • Giant Angoras between 9 and 12 pounds (4.1 to 5.4 kg).

Personality and Characteristics: 

It’s widely recognized that angora rabbits are calm, friendly creatures. 

Depending on their upbringing and socialization, each Angora can have a different temperament, however many of them are known to be loving and calm. 

They like interaction and can develop close ties with their owners. 

They may, however, be more sensitive than certain other rabbit breeds, therefore delicate handling is advised.

Maintenance as Pets: 

Angora rabbits can make lovely companions, but maintaining their fur requires special attention. 

To avoid matting, which can cause discomfort and health problems, regular grooming is necessary. 

Gentle combing should be done during grooming sessions to get rid of loose fur and avoid knots. 

The frequency of grooming may need to be multiple times each week, depending on the type of Angora.

4) Argente Rabbits

A traditional French breed of rabbit famed for its show prowess is the Argenté. It is approved by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC), and it can be found in several variations, including Argenté Bleu, Brun, Crème, Champagne, Noir, and St Hubert.

Although the breed names (Brun, Noir, etc.) refer to the lower hair shaft, the top coat of these breeds is usually silver. 

They are solid-coloured at birth, and between six weeks and four months, their adult colour appears. 

Their backs are slightly arched, and they have compact frames and well-developed hindquarters. 

They have straight front legs and a broad skull, and they are short and fine-boned.

The Argenté rabbits are small, weighing around 6-10 pounds (2.7-4.5 kg).

Argentés are wonderful pets because of their kind dispositions.

Argentés rabbits are typically easy to maintain. Regular grooming preserves the quality of their coat. 

Ensure that the enclosure has appropriate bedding, fresh water, and a healthy diet. Socialization and interaction improve their quality of life.

For adult rabbits, we recommend to feed Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food from amazon to provide extra high-quality nutrients.

5) Astrex

A subgroup of domestic rabbit breeds known for their distinctive hair texture includes Astrex rabbits, a subspecies of rex rabbits. 

The Rex breed, which is approved by ARBA and BRC, is one of many with velvety furred rabbits. 

These rex breeds include astrex rabbits. Their unusual fur has a reverse curl that gives it a ruffled appearance. 

Medium-sized, round-bodied Astrex rabbits weigh between 7.5 and 10.5 pounds. 

They were born in 1919 in France from a litter of wild grey rabbits. 

In comparison, Astrex rabbits have a wider skull, upright ears, and smaller feet. 

The dewlap, chin flap, and nose flap on female Astrex rabbits are all skin flaps. They stand out due to the texture of their fur.

6) Aurora Negro

The Aurora Negro Rabbit is rare and a giant species that originated in Guatemala and weighs between 8 and 10 pounds.F

Its fur can be grey, black, white with black patches, or blue-grey. 

A new breed of rabbit was created between 1991 and 1994 by crossing 37 distinct kinds of rabbit. 

In 1994, researchers crossed an Angora rabbit with a Baladi Black rabbit in an attempt to successfully breed the Aurora Negro. 

“Aurora” is derived from the word “Angora,” and “Negro” refers to the animal’s dark-coloured fur.

The Aurora Negro Rabbit is primarily used for meat production, but it has also gained popularity as a domestic pet. 

It has reached several nations, including Greece, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. 

Hay makes up the majority of the rabbit’s diet. Its unusual fur, size, and uncommon combination of traits make it a fascinating breed with both useful and friendly qualities.

7) Beige

An uncommon breed of rabbit is the beige one, which weighs between 5–6.5 lb (2.3–2.9 kg). 

It has thick, silky fur that is light sand all the way down to its skin, with some slate-blue ticking and shading all over its body.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association does not recognize it, despite the British Rabbit Council’s recognition of the breed.

8) Belgian Hare

Despite being a species of domestic rabbit, the Belgian Hare is a rare breed that has been meticulously cultivated to resemble wild European hares. 

It normally weighs 6 to 9 pounds and is distinguished by its long, muscular legs and slim frame. 

This breed is renowned for having a body that is long and sleek, has an arched back, and has well-rounded hindquarters, giving it the appearance of a hare. It has a rich red colour and black ticking.

Belgian Hares demand special maintenance. Whether inside a building with a waterproof roof or outside in a shed, they want enough space to move around. 

You can provide a playpen from amazon, so that your rabbit have enough space to rest and exercise with safety.

The ideal enclosure has a 1-meter height and a 3 by 2-meter size. It’s crucial to offer frequent exercise. 

For flooring, pick hardwood shavings rather than softwood or fine particles.

They’re smart and lively, even recognizing their names, yet they’re sensitive and need gentle handling. 

Due to their fast metabolism, they require more food—around 2 cups of leafy veggies and up to 2 tablespoons of fruit or carrots per 6 pounds of body weight daily.

Belgian Hares need a diet that includes hay to maintain their digestive health. 

They should stay away from legume hays due to their high protein and calcium. 

Safe vegetables are romaine lettuce, parsley, and dandelion. 

However, avoid veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage as they can lead to digestive problems. It’s important to have fresh water available at all times.

9) Beveren

The historic and large fur breed known as the Beveren rabbit originated in Beveren, Belgium. 

Blue, white, black, brown, and lilac are some of its coat colours, though not all of them are approved by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). 

The Pointed Beveren is a rare version with the same shades and white-tipped hairs. The original form is the blue variation.

Beveren rabbits are well known for their pleasant personality traits, cleanliness, and intelligence. 

They also have an active and active attitude and frequently like exploring the outdoors. 

In the colours of Black, Blue, and White, ARBA can identify them. 

Their coats should measure an average of 1¼ to 1½ inches in length, are thick and shiny, and have a soft rollback. 

Senior Bucks and Senior Does are in weigh from 8 to 11 pounds and have a characteristic mandolin shape.

10) Blanc de Rabbits:

Blanc de Bouscat

The large white rabbit known as the Blanc de Bouscat was first created in France in 1906. 

It is a hybrid of breeds like the Flemish Giant, French Angora, and Argente Champagne. 

It is relatively uncommon in the UK, and France, it is thought to be a breed that needs protection.

This breed has received official recognition from the British Rabbit Council. 

The American Rabbit Breeders Association, though, does not approve of it.

Blanc de Hotot

A medium-sized breed of rabbit that originated in France is called Blanc de Hotot. 

Its little, white body is surrounded by striking, eyeglass-like black rings that encircle its dark eyes. 

Normandy, France, was where it was initially bred in the early 1900s, and it afterwards expanded to Europe and North America.

The breed has tiny, eye-glass-like black rings around each of its always-white eyes. 

It has a short neck, broad chest, and a compact, slightly rounded, muscular body. 

Instead of black eye rings, the original breed standard mentioned grey lower eyelids and black eyelashes. 

Because there are so many guard hairs, the fur is shiny and looks frosty. 

Normal weights for males and females are 8 to 10 pounds and 9 to 11 pounds, respectively.

Its energetic and active temperament has earned the Blanc de Hotot its reputation. 

Despite the possibility of dewlaps (excess skin beneath the chin) in females, it is not common for males in exhibitions.

An intriguing option for rabbit followers, the species has a distinctive appearance and fascinating history.

Blanc de Popielno

The Popielno White, also known as the Popielno White or Popielaski Biay, is a breed of pet rabbit raised primarily for its meat. 

It was first created in the Polish village of Chorzelów in 1950, and it was later refined there. 

This rabbit is an albino kind, which implies that it lacks pigment and has white hair and pink eyes. 

Rabbits from the Blanc de Popielno breed typically weigh between 8.8 and 11.0 pounds (4 and 5 kilograms). 

They have a history connected to particular places in Poland where they were raised and are prized for their meat.

Blanc de Termonde

Domestic rabbits of the Blanc de Termonde breed originate in Belgium. 

It was originally developed to produce meat commercially using Flemish Giant and Beveren rabbits.

This kind of rabbit is an albino, meaning it has pink eye and a white coat, sometimes also known as “ruby-eyed white. 

It normally measures 4.0 to 5.5 kilos (approximately 8.8 to 12.1 pounds) in weight.

The British Rabbit Council (BRC), where it carries a rare appellation, has granted the Blanc de Termonde official recognition. 

However, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) does not accept it. 

It is also regarded as being rare in Italy where it is known as the Bianco di Termonde.

These rabbits are known to eat fresh vegetables and leafy greens as part of their diet.

11) Bourbonnais Grey

A rare and distinctive breed of rabbit from France is called the Bourbonnais Grey. 

This rabbit is medium in size and distinguished by its distinctive slate-blue hue. 

It normally gains weight until it reaches 4 to 5 kilograms or roughly 11 pounds. 

Due to its scarcity and distinctive appearance, this breed is distinguished.

12) Britannia Petite 

The Britannia Petite rabbit is extremely small and can only weigh up to 2.5 pounds. 

It is approved by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and in the UK, it is known as the Polish. 

Although these bunnies are energetic, they might be a little challenging to handle. 

Agouti is available in several hues, including white with ruby eyes, black otter, black, and chestnut. 

They are slim, have delicate bones, and have a silky, smooth coat. 

Additionally, they rank among the smallest rabbit breeds in existence.

13) British Giant

The Belgian Flemish Giant breed is the ancestor of the large British Giant rabbit. 

It is the size of a small dog and has a maximum weight of 7 kg. 

It originated in the UK in the 1940s using Flemish Giant rabbits of various shades imported from the US. 

Despite being smaller than the European Flemish Giant, the British Giant has a broader variety of colours. 

Additionally, outside the United Kingdom, this breed is not well recognized.

14) Brown Chestnut of Lorraine ( Brun Marron de Lorraine )

French rabbit breed Brun Marron de Lorraine, often known as the Brown Chestnut of Lorraine, is named for the Lorraine region. 

It is a unique breed whose development may be traced back to Ch. Kauffmann’s experiments with Tan and Garenne rabbits. 

It is defined as a small, well-rounded rabbit that weighs between 2 and 2.4 kilos and has chestnut brown fur. 

Its distinguishing characteristics include dense short fur, an angular head with prominent eyes, and a uniform chestnut brown colour with defined orange-brown outside fur. 

The ears’ inner side is bluish with a black border, and the belly’s under colour is bluish as well.

15) Californian 

The American Rabbit Breeders Association has given their blessing to the popular breed of Californian rabbits. 

In addition, in the 1920s, it first appeared in Southern California. 

These rabbits are referred to as Himalayan colouration because of their white bodies with darker markings on their ears, feet, nose, and tail. 

They have pink eyes, and on average, they weigh 8 to 12 pounds. 

Its medium size, round body shape, and short, smooth coat make the breed distinctive.

16) Canadian Plush Lop

Having a distinctively arched shape, the Canadian Plush Lop is a breed of curly rabbit. 

It has excellent bunny agility, is sociable, and typically weighs four to six pounds as an adult. 

The dwarf gene is absent from it. When these rabbits are kits, their coats are curly. 

Later, when they go through their first full adult moult, they have less curly “eclipse” coats. Finally, the curls come back. 

One of just three curly-rex breeds, they are the only arched lop breed. 

Its temperamental focus on people is what makes this breed unique.

17) Cashmere Lop

The Cashmere Lop rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit that is distinguished by its lengthy and dense fur. 

It also has a smaller version called Miniature Cashmere Lop. 

In the 1980s, the British Rabbit Council identified Cashmere Lops as different from Dwarf Lops. 

This breed was developed in England comes in a variety of colours and carries a 4-5 lb weight.

18) Checkered Giant

A centuries-old breed of rabbit in the US is the Checkered Giant. 

In 1919, the American Rabbit Breeders Association gave it official recognition. 

These huge rabbits, as their name implies, weigh at least 11 pounds and possibly even more. 

They have a white body with remarkable checkered patterns, making them highly recognizable due to their distinctive markings. 

Additionally, they’re frequently referred to as “the Rabbit Beautiful.” 

These bunnies are known for being quite energetic and require lots of areas to play and run around. 

They have a body that is lengthy and hare-like in appearance.

White fur with black or blue patterns is normally how they are coloured. 

These patterns are visible on their eyes, cheeks, ears, eye circles, spine, numerous body patches, and even a butterfly-shaped mark on their nose. 

19) Chinchilla

The American Chinchilla, Standard Chinchilla, and Giant Chinchilla are the three varieties of Chinchilla rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. 

All of these varieties of chinchilla share the soft, silvery fur of the South American chinchilla rodent, which is frequently kept as a pet. 

The colour of the fur is a mixture of distinct greys, with varying tones of light grey in between. The base is dark slate blue and gets deeper toward the top.

These rabbits display a distinctive Chinchilla grey colour and weigh 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. 

They have delicate features and a fragile build. They are born with black hair, but at two months old, white hairs start to develop.

20) Cinnamon

The name “cinnamon rabbit” refers to its short, glossy red fur. 

By breeding a Chinchilla female rabbit with a New Zealand male rabbit, this breed was created in the 1970s. 

A Checkered Giant/Californian female rabbit was bred with one of the male progeny from that union. As a result, some young rabbits developed red fur. 

Medium-sized cinnamon rabbits are excellent pets since they are recognized for being kind and caring.

21) Continental

The Continental rabbit, sometimes known as Contis or Continental Giants, is probably related to the Flemish Giant. 

They are a huge breed that may weigh up to 16 pounds and exist in both white and colourful variants. 

The American Rabbit Breeders Association does not recognize the Continental rabbit, although the British Rabbit Council does.

These bunnies can weigh as much as 12.4 pounds and more. 

They come in many tones of black, white, grey, and chestnut colours. 

Their life span, which ranges from 5 to 7 years, is nevertheless actually short.

22) Creme d’Argent

Argente rabbits originate from France and are famous for their thick, shiny, and smooth fur that comes in various lovely colours. 

Among the four Argente rabbit types acknowledged by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, the Crème d’Argent is recognized for its soft white fur with a vibrant orange hue underneath. 

This unique breed is found only in the United States and the United Kingdom.

It weighs around 8 to 11 pounds and has a creamy white fur coat with an orange undercoat. 

Additionally, it sports a distinct butterfly-shaped marking on its nose.

23) Czech Red rabbit

The breed of pet rabbit known as the Czech Red originates from the region that is now the Czech Republic.

In 1959, it was recognized as a distinct breed of rabbit. The average weight of these rabbits is between 2.50 and 3.20 kg. 

Their fur might be grey or reddish-brown in hue. In 1940, a man from Modany by the name of Theodor Svododa assisted in selecting and creating this kind of rabbit. 

The number of recognized Czech Red rabbits being bred is about 150. 

The female rabbits have a more typical body shape that is frequently employed in the rabbit meat market, but the males have a somewhat curved body shape.

24) Dalmatian

The Dalmatian rabbit, also known as the Dalmatian Rex, is a medium-sized rabbit that weighs around 6 to 8 pounds. 

It has a coat that is mostly white but has spots of black, blue, brown, orange, or fawn.

Even though the American Rabbit Breeders Association doesn’t recognize this breed, it is acknowledged by the British Rabbit Council, the British Mini Rex Club, and the National Dalmatian Rex Rabbit Club.

Originally coming from Germany and France, Dalmatian rabbits are quite lively and friendly. 

However, they are rare and their numbers are decreasing in Europe.

25) Deilenaar

The Deilenaar rabbit comes from the Netherlands. It’s a medium-sized bunny, weighing around 5 to 7 pounds, and it wears a beautiful coat of chestnut red fur. 

In the United Kingdom, this kind of rabbit is rare, especially within the Fur Section.

The British Rabbit Council knows and appreciates the Deilenaar rabbit, giving it recognition. 

However, across the ocean in America, the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association doesn’t have this breed on their list. 

So, it’s a special rabbit with a lovely red coat that rabbit lovers in the UK get to know well.

26) Dutch

Known for its distinctive two-colour markings, the Dutch rabbit is a familiar and well-liked breed, often found among the top 10 popular rabbit breeds. 

It’s a compact breed, typically weighing between 3.5 to 5.5 pounds. 

Despite its name, the Dutch rabbit originated in England and holds a historical lineage dating back to the 1850s. 

Renowned for its friendly and lively nature, the Dutch rabbit has become a favoured choice as a pet.

In terms of appearance, the Dutch rabbit displays a striking combination of colours. 

The primary coat colours are white with options like black, blue, brown, chocolate, steel, and tortoise. 

Notably, the characteristic pattern involves white covering the front of the face, the body, and the back feet, while the remaining portions are adorned with the chosen colour. 

This unique colour arrangement adds to the Dutch rabbit’s charm and makes it easily recognizable.

27) Dwarf Hotot

The Dwarf Hotot rabbit is quite special in appearance. It’s completely white and has these adorable black “eyeliner” markings that encircle its dark eyes, which makes it stand out. 

This cute rabbit is connected to the larger Blanc de Hotot, a White Hotot breed, which is where it got its good looks from. 

Despite its small size, weighing less than 3 pounds, this bunny is full of charm. 

It’s a friendly and curious little creature that loves to stay active, and its rounded body adds to its endearing appeal. 

If you’re thinking about having one as a pet, it’s great to know that the Dwarf Hotot tends to do best as the only pet around. 

28) Enderby Island

The Enderby Island Rabbit, also known as Enderby or Enderby rabbit, is a special kind of pet rabbit. 

It originally comes from a faraway place called Enderby Island, which is part of New Zealand. 

Enderby Island Rabbits are mostly silver-grey with a kind of dark blue underneath. 

Their heads, ears, and tails are dark, sometimes even black. 

Some of them are born a creamy colour because of a special gene, and grown-up rabbits weigh about 2 kilograms. 

When baby rabbits are born, they’re either black or creamy, but as they grow up, they start turning silver. Their fur can be a light silver colour or a darker slate colour.

29) English Angora

The English Angora rabbit is a delightful breed cherished for its charming appearance and luxurious wool. 

Weighing between 4+1/2 to 7+1/2 pounds, it’s a small-sized companion. 

These rabbits sport wool growth on their ears, face (except the nose area), and front feet, giving them a distinct and cosy look. 

Their thick bodies are covered in dense wool. Despite their gentle nature, they’re best suited for those committed to regular grooming. 

The wool requires grooming twice weekly to maintain its condition.

This breed is particularly favoured as a pet due to its endearing facial features reminiscent of puppies or teddy bears. 

Proper wool texture makes upkeep easier; however, if the wool is cottony, it demands more care. 

As for beginners in wool spinning, the wool might pose a challenge.

English Angoras can have broken colours, like white with black spots, though this doesn’t meet ARBA standards and would disqualify them in competitions. 

When showing an English Angora, the toenails should match in colour. 

Their ears might adorably fold over at the tips, and the facial wool can sometimes cover their eyes. 

Notably, this breed is the sole Angora with wool that covers its eyes, adding to its unique appeal.

30) English lop

Renowned for its remarkably long ears (the longest among all rabbit breeds), the English Lop holds the distinction of being the original lop-eared rabbit breed. 

This implies that all other rabbit breeds with lop ears can trace their lineage back to the English Lop. 

These rabbits, known for over two centuries since the early 1800s, enjoyed immense popularity as pets, particularly during Queen Victoria’s reign. 

With its utterly charming appearance, the English Lop is recognized for its tranquil and amiable nature, making it an ideal and affectionate companion.

Tipping the scales at more than 9 pounds, these rabbits come in a variety of colour groups such as agouti, broken, shaded, ticked, or wide-band. 

Their most distinctive feature is their exceptionally long lop ears, which add to their captivating and endearing appeal.

31) English Spot

The charmingly speckled English Spot rabbit has its roots dating back to England during the 1800s. 

This breed made its way to the United States shortly before the 20th century, and it was embraced with enthusiasm. 

One of the most striking features of the English Spot is the unique pattern on its white fur. 

This includes a butterfly-shaped mark on its nose, circles around the eyes, spots on the cheeks, markings along the spine that resemble herringbones, ears with colour, and a line of spots running down its body.

In terms of size, English Spots typically weigh between 5 to 8 pounds. 

Their coat colour can be a combination of white with shades like black, chocolate, blue, gold, lilac, grey, or tortoise. 

What’s intriguing about their appearance is that they have a long and gracefully arched body, much like that of a hare. 

This distinct blend of history, markings, and physique makes the English Spot rabbit a truly captivating and unique breed.

32) Fauve de Bourgogne

The Fauve de Bourgogne is a rabbit breed that is medium in size and has a sturdy build. 

The appearance of this breed is orange-red which makes it different from other breeds.

33) Flemish Giant (Patagonian)

The Flemish Giant rabbit gets its name from Flanders, Belgium, where it’s thought to have originated way back in the 17th century. 

This rabbit breed has been known in Europe for a long time. 

What’s interesting about it is that it doesn’t have a maximum weight limit. 

Some Flemish Giants can weigh a whopping 20 pounds or even more.

Around the 1890s, these rabbits were brought to the United States. 

They turned out to be pretty helpful in the rabbit meat industry because of their big size. They made it easier to produce heavier rabbits for meat.

People often call them “the Gentle Giant” because of how sweet their nature is. 

This rabbit has an exceptionally friendly personality, which makes it a great choice as a pet.

In terms of size, they can range from 10 to 20 pounds, which is quite big. 

They come in different colours like black, blue, fawn, light grey, sandy, steel grey, and white. 

They have a long body with a sturdy build, though they shouldn’t be overweight.

All in all, the Flemish Giant rabbit is known for being one of the largest rabbit breeds out there. 

Their history, size, and friendly personality make them unique and interesting animals to have as pets.

34) Florida White

The Florida White rabbit was first developed in the 1960s for scientific purposes, but nowadays, it’s a well-liked choice as a pet and for rabbit shows. 

Despite its origin, it has become popular for its small size and appealing appearance. 

As the name implies, this breed is consistently snow-white in colour and stands out with its distinctive red eyes. 

When fully grown, the Florida White rabbit doesn’t exceed 6 pounds in weight. 

It has a rounded body shape, contributing to its charming overall look.

35) French Lop

The French Lop likely comes from a mix of the English Lop and the Giant Papillon rabbit, a big spotted breed that’s sadly extinct now. 

French Lops are huge and strong rabbits, and there’s no highest weight they can reach. 

Just like the English Lop, they have big, floppy ears that hang down, though not as long. 

These bunnies are gentle and easygoing, with a nice and friendly nature.

When it comes to their size, French Lops weigh 10 pounds or more. 

They can have different fur patterns like agouti, broken, self, shaded, ticked, or wide-band groups. 

And they’re built with a lot of muscles and heaviness, giving them a solid appearance.

36) Giant Papillon

The Giant Papillon rabbit, a big and spotted breed, is no longer found, making it technically extinct. 

Yet, some folks argue it’s very much like the German Giant Spotted breed, blurring the lines of its extinction status. 

It had close ties to another breed, the Checked Giant rabbit, which looked almost the same.

These rabbits were quite substantial, weighing around 13 to 14 pounds. 

They stood out with their white fur marked with patterns, a bit like the English Spot breed, except the markings were patches on their sides instead of spots. 

Sadly, the Giant Papillon’s existence has faded away, possibly making it extinct.

37) Harlequin

The Harlequin rabbit, a French breed originating in the 1880s, is truly unique. 

It boasts two distinct colours blending in various combinations. 

There are two types: Japanese Harlequins and Magpie Harlequins. 

Japanese ones combine orange or fawn with black, blue, chocolate, or lilac, while Magpie Harlequins mix white with the same darker shades. 

Their special pattern is like a dance of colours – think of it as patches of different hues alternating across their fur.

Imagine a Harlequin rabbit with half its face white and the other half black, then picture the magic of the pattern flipping on its ears – the white side now wearing black, and the black side adorned with white. 

These rabbits typically weigh between 6.5 to 9.5 pounds, and their coats exhibit captivating contrasts: black, blue, chocolate, or lilac harmonizing with white, orange, or fawn.

 It’s like wearing a coat of colours in a playful, elegant waltz.

38) Havana

The Havana rabbit is often called the “Mink of the Rabbit Fancy” because of its soft and luxurious fur that resembles mink. 

Even though it’s small, it has a nicely rounded body shape. Interestingly, despite its name, this breed originated in Holland, not Havana.

The name “Havana” comes from the colour of Havana cigars, which is quite similar to the rabbit’s fur colour. 

In the beginning, all Havana rabbits were chocolate-coloured. 

These charming rabbits made their way to the United States in the early 1900s, and they were officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1916.

Havanas usually weigh between 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. Their fur comes in various colours including chocolate, black, blue, broken (a mix of colours), and lilac. 

What sets them apart is their compact and nicely rounded body shape, which adds to their overall appeal.

39) Himalayan

The Himalayan rabbit is truly captivating, resembling Siamese or Himalayan cats with its distinct look. 

Imagine a rabbit with a pure white body and intriguing darker patches on its nose, ears, paws, lower legs, and tail – these are called “points.” 

These points can be shades like black, blue, chocolate, or lilac. Fondly nicknamed “Himmies,” these rabbits also stand out due to their special, cylindrical body shape.

Though the Himalayan rabbit’s origins are debated, it’s one of the oldest rabbit breeds. 

These little creatures, weighing around 2.5 to 4.5 pounds, have a gentle and calm nature. 

They’re quite easy to handle and get along with. Their beauty and serene demeanour make them a joy to have around.

40) Holland Lop

The little Holland Lop is a type of small rabbit that has a unique feature: its ears droop down. Imagine a rabbit with a big head compared to its body and cute, small ears that hang down. 

This special rabbit is among the top five most liked breeds approved by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. 

It’s very gentle and easier to hold than some of the bigger rabbits with drooping ears.

The Holland Lop weighs less than 4 pounds, which is light. 

They can come in different colours like Agouti, broken, pointed white, self, shaded, ticked, or wide-band colour groups. 

These rabbits are strong and have a build with muscles, and their ears are what make them stand out – they droop down in a lop style.

41) Jersey Woolly

The Jersey Woolly is a modern rabbit type officially accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1988. 

This small-sized breed has soft woolly fur that’s easier to maintain compared to other rabbits with woolly coats. 

Known for their friendly nature, Jersey Woollies are very well-liked in rabbit shows. 

They weigh less than 3.5 pounds and come in various colours with their distinctive long and fluffy fur.

42) Lilac

The Lilac rabbit is truly remarkable with its unique soft fur that has a lovely pinkish dove-grey colour. 

What’s fascinating is that this special breed came into existence at the same time in two faraway places—the early 20th century saw its creation both in England and the Netherlands. 

These adorable lilac-coloured rabbits, born from efforts in these countries, made their way to the United States during the 1920s. 

While the Lilac rabbit has become quite rare over time, it’s cherished for its distinctiveness.

These bunnies usually weigh around 5.5 to 8 pounds, and their standout feature is the beautiful lilac shade of their fur. 

They’re known for their compact bodies and dense coats, making them truly captivating and a delight to behold.

43) Lionhead

The Lionhead is a pet rabbit breed known for its unique mane of fur around its head, like a lion’s. 

These rabbits have a distinctive look with a high head position, a compact body, short furry ears measuring 2 to 3.5 inches, and they weigh between 2.5 to 3.75 pounds.

Lionheads are generally friendly and well-behaved pets, though they can be nervous if they feel unsafe. 

They’re smart and can even learn some commands like “come,” “play,” and “eat.” 

People are starting to use clicker training with them. They can be trained to use a litter box and can be good indoor pets. 

These rabbits are social animals and should ideally be kept with a companion. 

But be careful when introducing them to other rabbits, especially other Lionheads, as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened or scared.

44) Marburger Feh 

The Fee de Marbourg is a type of rabbit that comes from Germany. 

It’s also called the “Fairy from Marburg.” In the United Kingdom, it’s known as the Marburger Fee or just Marburger. 

It’s a medium-sized rabbit with a colour that’s mostly lilac, sometimes even pinkish. 

The Havana rabbit breed played a part in its development.

45) Mecklenburger Piebald

The Mecklenburger Piebald, also called Mecklenburg Pinto, is a medium-sized rabbit weighing around 9.9 to 12.1 pounds. 

It can be found in colours like agouti, black, blue, red, and steel. 

This rabbit breed was created by Rudolf Wulf in 1973 in Mecklenburg, inspired by the black-and-white cattle he bred. 

He used different rabbits like Giant Checkered, blue Viennese, and Alaska breeds to start his project. 

It was first shown in 1980. Later, a red colour was developed by crossing it with a red New Zealand rabbit. 

46) Meissner Lop

The Meissner Lop is a type of pet rabbit that the British Rabbit Council acknowledges. 

It’s a bit like the French Lop rabbit but has a slimmer appearance. 

The British Rabbit Council considers the Meissner Lop as part of its “Rare Varieties Club.” 

This means it’s not very common among rabbit breeds that the council recognizes.

47) Mellerud rabbit

The Mellerud rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit type from Sweden, either albino or black with white markings. 

It’s like the Gotland rabbit in shape. Adult weight is 6.6-7.7 lbs, does are longer with fine heads, bucks are rounder. 

Their eyes are brown, blue, or both. The coat is short, white or black with white spots. 

Melleruds are curious, a bit calm, and have smaller litters. They grow slowly and need less food. 

They’re tough, okay outdoors with protection. In addition, they eat hay and plants, pellets are treats and need fresh water always. In addition, you can provide high-quality Oxbow hay blends from amazon to feed healthy nutrients.

48) Mini Lop

The Mini Lop is a small rabbit breed known for its floppy ears. 

It has a compact and sturdy body, and its head is about the size of a softball. 

Weighing between 4.5 and 6.5 pounds, the Mini Lop falls in size between the Holland Lop (smaller) and the English Lop and French Lop (larger).

The Mini Lop comes in various colours like agouti, broken, pointed white, self, shaded, ticked, or wide-band. 

Its body is muscular and well-built, giving it a strong appearance. 

This breed is cherished for its adorable size and distinctive lopped ears.

49) Mini Rex

The Mini Rex rabbit is a newer breed officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1988. 

It’s a smaller variant of the well-known Rex rabbit, celebrated for its incredibly soft and plush fur. 

Unlike the standard Rex rabbit that can weigh up to 10.5 pounds, Mini Rex rabbits are much smaller, reaching a maximum weight of 4.5 pounds. 

These rabbits have a charmingly rounded and compact body shape, reflecting their diminutive size.

In terms of personality, the Mini Rex is known for being gentle, friendly, and calm, making them great companions. 

Their delightful traits and manageable size make them popular among rabbit enthusiasts.

Mini Rex rabbits come in various coat colours, including black, blue, broken group (a mix of colours), castor, chinchilla, chocolate, lilac, lynx, opal, red, seal tortoise, and white. 

This wide array of colour options adds to the appeal of these charming rabbits.

50) Netherland Dwarf

The Netherland Dwarf is a tiny rabbit breed, weighing under 2.5 pounds, making it one of the smallest rabbit types. 

It’s available in 25 diverse colours, ranging from black, blue, and chinchilla to chestnut, chocolate, and more. 

The colour options even include unique ones like fawn, Himalayan, and lilac, among others.

Handling these rabbits gently is important, as some of them might be a bit shy. 

They belong to various colour groups like self, shaded, agouti, and tan patterns. 

The breed showcases colours like fawn, Himalayan, orange, steel, and tortoiseshell.

One distinct feature is that the Netherland Dwarf’s ears might appear shorter in proportion to its head. 

This breed is cherished for its small size and variety of colours, but its shyness should be considered when interacting with them.

51) New Zealand

Don’t let the name fool you – the New Zealand rabbit may sound like it’s from New Zealand, but it’s a breed born and raised in the United States. 

This special rabbit got the nod of approval from the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1916. 

It’s a medium to large-sized rabbit that comes in five cool colours: white, red, black, blue, and a mix of any colour with white, known as “broken.”

What makes New Zealand rabbits even more charming is their loving and calm nature.

They’re the kind of pets that enjoy your company and bring a sense of cosiness to your space. 

When it comes to size, these rabbits weigh in at 9 to 12 pounds, and their body is built with muscular elegance. 

So whether you’re drawn to their striking colours or their affectionate personalities, New Zealand rabbits are a wonderful addition to any rabbit-loving family.

52) Netherland Dwarf

The Netherland Dwarf is a small rabbit breed that came from the Netherlands. 

It’s tiny, weighing around 1 to 2.5 pounds. It’s liked as a pet or for showing because it looks like a cute baby bunny, even when grown up. 

People in the US and the UK recognize it. But sometimes, people mix it up with Polish rabbits, which have longer ears and a less round head.

This rabbit has a big head and eyes compared to its short and chubby body. 

Its ears are short and high on the head, and its face is round. Because of these baby-like features, which happen because of its small size, it always looks young.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits might not be the best for kids because they don’t like being picked up a lot. 

They can bite or scratch if they’re scared. They are better as pets for grown-ups. They need a quiet and loving home with lots of human attention. 

They’re quiet, neat, and can be trained. You need time to make friends with them because they’re shy, but once they like you, they’re cuddly.

They live around 7 to 10 years as pets. They eat hay, veggies, and special pellets. You can provide Oxbow pellets from amazon to feed high-quality pellets.

But sugary foods like fruits should only be a small part of their diet. 

The little ones need more pellets, but as they grow up, they should eat more hay. 

Dark, leafy greens are good for them too. Just remember, they need special care and love to be happy bunnies.

53) Palomino rabbit

The Palomino rabbit is a unique rabbit breed originating from the United States, known for its lovely golden or lynx colouring. 

These rabbits typically weigh between 8 to 12 pounds, making them slightly bigger than many other breeds. 

Just like the palomino horse, this rabbit earned its name from its beautiful colour.

The Palomino rabbit stands out with its warm fawny brown fur, complemented by charming brown eyes. 

Their size is a bit larger compared to other rabbit breeds. If you look at them, they might remind you of the New Zealand rabbit due to their appearance. 

There are two main colour variations within the Palomino breed: the striking golden and the appealing lynx. 

These rabbits bring a touch of natural beauty to any rabbit enthusiasts who get the chance to appreciate them.

54) Polish

Although its name might suggest otherwise, the Polish rabbit is believed to have its origins in Great Britain, though there isn’t absolute certainty about its origin. 

This rabbit breed has a rich history, with mentions dating back to as early as 1860. 

It’s a notably petite breed, weighing under 3.5 pounds, but it’s important to note that it’s not classified as a dwarf breed. 

What sets the Polish rabbit apart is its gentle and affable nature, making it a wonderful companion.

In terms of size, the Polish rabbit stays under 3.5 pounds, making it quite tiny. 

Its coat can come in different colours, including black, blue, chocolate, blue-eyed white, and ruby-eyed white. 

One of its distinctive features is its very short ears, which add to its charming appearance.

If you’re considering a pet rabbit that’s not only small in size but also friendly and calm, the Polish rabbit could be a perfect match. 

It’s rich history and unique characteristics make it an interesting choice for anyone looking for a delightful and manageable rabbit companion.

55) Rex

The term “rex rabbit” is used informally to describe various domestic rabbit breeds, including the recognized Rex breed. 

There are nine different rex rabbit breeds. These breeds are distinct from the types of fur they have.

The Rex breed is one of these recognized by ARBA and BRC. It’s medium-sized, with a round body and weighs around 7.5–10.5 pounds. 

The Rex has a broader head, upright ears, and smaller feet compared to other breeds. 

Female rabbits (does) have a flap of skin called a dewlap under the chin.

The word “rex” refers to the unique fur of these rabbits. It’s a result of a genetic mutation, making their fur very short and even, like plush or velvet. 

There are three types of rex fur: standard, short curly (Astrex), and long curly (Opossum).

56) Rhinelander

The Rhinelander rabbit was created in Germany during the early 1900s. 

It’s categorized as an “arched rabbit,” resembling the alert stance of wild rabbits, with a raised belly. 

This breed’s defining feature is its white coat with distinct markings in either orange and black or fawn and blue colours. 

The markings include six to eight round spots on each side of its rear body, a line down the spine, a butterfly-like mark on its nose, circles around its eyes, coloured ears, and round spots on its cheeks. 

In terms of weight, Rhinelanders typically range from 6.5 to 10 pounds.

57) Satin

The Satin rabbit has a close connection to the Havana rabbit. 

It all started when a special change happened in a Havana rabbit litter, leading the young ones to develop coats with a gleaming shine, just like satin fabric. 

Satin rabbits are available in 11 delightful colours. They make wonderful companions as they have a gentle, relaxed, and amiable nature.

These rabbits typically weigh between 8.5 to 11 pounds and are found in various colours like black, blue, broken group, Californian, chinchilla, chocolate, copper, red, Siamese, and white. 

They possess upright, full ears which contribute to their distinctive appearance.

58) Silver

The Silver rabbit has white hairs mixed with either black, brown, or fawn fur, creating a lovely silvery shade. 

This rabbit breed is quite ancient, going back to at least the 1500s as per written records. 

Silver rabbits are known for being friendly, playful, and loving. They usually weigh between 4 to 7 pounds. 

Their coat comes in colours like black, brown, or fawn, with the added touch of silver or white guard hairs.

Silver Fox

The Silver Fox rabbit was made in the United States, becoming the third American rabbit breed. 

Originally, it was called the American Heavyweight Silver, but the name changed to American Silver Fox and then got shortened to just Silver Fox. 

This rabbit has a thick, deep black coat that looks a bit like the silvered fur of an Arctic fox. 

Nowadays, it’s quite rare and is considered a special heritage breed by the Livestock Conservancy.

These rabbits weigh around 9 to 12 pounds and their coat is jet black with a silvery effect. 

When they’re born, they’re entirely black, but the silvery effect begins showing up when they’re about 4 weeks old.

Silver Marten

The Silver Marten rabbit came into existence by accident when breeders of Chinchilla rabbits introduced black and tan rabbits into their breeding. 

Surprisingly, in later Chinchilla litters, unexpected rabbits with black and silver fur appeared, leading to the creation of a new breed. 

Today, the term “silver marten” refers not just to the breed but also to the black and silver colour pattern. 

This colour pattern is also seen in other rabbit breeds such as the Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex, and Mini Satin.

Silver Marten rabbits usually weigh between 6 to 9.5 pounds. 

Their fur can come in various colours like black, blue, chocolate, and sable with silver-tipped guard hairs. This unique colouration adds to their distinct appearance.

59) Standard Chinchilla

The Standard Chinchilla is among the three Chinchilla rabbit types acknowledged by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), the others being the American Chinchilla and Giant Chinchilla. 

All Chinchilla rabbits have soft fur with a special silver hue that resembles the chinchilla rodent from South America, commonly kept as a pet. 

Their colour is a mix of grey tones, including dark slate blue at the base, darker blue at the top, and varying shades of light grey in between.

They typically weigh from 5 to 7.5 pounds and have a well-rounded body shape.

60) Tan

Tan rabbits first emerged naturally in the wild rabbit populations of England, captivating people’s attention. 

In the late 19th century, these distinctively coloured rabbits were caught and tamed. 

Tan rabbits exhibit a unique bi-colour pattern: reddish-orange markings contrasted with dark shading in black, blue, chocolate, or lilac on their backs, sides, and heads. 

They inherit a characteristic full-arched body shape from their wild ancestors. 

Tan rabbits, known for their liveliness and friendly nature, make wonderful pets. 

They typically weigh between 4 to 6 pounds. Their notable tan markings extend to areas like eye circles, nostrils, jowls, ears, the back of legs, toes, chest, belly, tail, and a collar-like marking around the neck.

61) Thrianta

The Thrianta rabbit is a unique domestic breed with bright red fur and fawn accents under its paws and tail. 

It originally came from the Netherlands and was further developed in Germany. 

It made its way to the United Kingdom in the early 1980s and later reached the United States. 

This breed is recognized by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC). 

While it’s rare in Australia, a few breeders are active there.

The Thrianta’s coat resembles the vibrant red colour of an Irish Setter and feels soft, dense, and of medium length. 

Its ideal appearance includes a compact, stocky body with short legs. According to ARBA, the Thrianta should weigh around 5 to 6 pounds when fully grown. 

The British Rabbit Council specifies a weight range of 2 to 2.75 kg.

62) Thuringer

These rabbits are good for meat and fur, and they also make friendly pets. 

Thuringers are sturdy with yellow-brown fur and black guard hairs. 

They can weigh 8-10 lbs and have ears around 4-5 inches long. Their eyes are dark brown or chestnut.

63) Tri-Colour Dutch

The Tri-Colour Dutch rabbit, also known as Japanese Dutch or Harlequin Dutch, was made in the Netherlands by mixing tortoiseshell Dutch and Harlequin rabbits. 

Its coat has white like a Dutch rabbit, but the coloured parts are a mix of orange with black, blue, or chocolate.

  1. Body and Type: The body is compact, the head held well, with strong shoulders. Ears are carried well and strong, not longer than 4 inches. The chest is wide and solid. Front feet are moderately sized, straight bones. Back feet are parallel to the body. The pattern on the head – cheeks are round without touching the whisker area.
  2. Design and Color: One cheek is orange, the other black, with ears matching the cheek colour. A white blaze starts from near the ear, and widens evenly, going between the eyes onto the neck. The white part should be wide, not between the ears. A coloured ring wraps around the body behind the front feet. The coloured half has alternating black and orange bands. Blue can replace black, and chocolate can replace black.
  3. Fur: Dense and shiny with lots of undercoat and guard hairs. Weight ranges from 3.3/4 to 5.1/2 pounds.

The Tri-Colour Dutch is known for its distinctive coat colours and markings.

Conclusion:

The world of rabbit breeds is both diverse and enchanting, providing a wide range of options for those eager to invite an adorable furry friend into their homes. 

Whether you’re captivated by the lively Netherland Dwarf or the grand Flemish Giant, each breed boasts its own distinctive traits in terms of personality, size, and care requirements. 

Regardless of whether you’re attracted to a particular breed’s looks, temperament, or size, rest assured that there’s a rabbit companion perfectly suited to you. 

As you contemplate embarking on this journey of companionship, remember the importance of researching and comprehending the specific needs of the breed you choose. This guarantees a joyful and rewarding life for both you and your newfound fluffy sidekick.


Reference: NCBI

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