Rabbit Breeds

Flemish rabbits

The Flemish Giant Rabbit

There are many diverse breeds of domestic rabbits, with different sizes, personalities, and care requirements. Just like with dogs, rabbits are specially bred to achieve certain desired features like coat color and texture, size, and body shape.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 48 rabbit breeds while over 50 rabbit breeds were recognized by the British Rabbit Council.

The Flemish Giant Rabbit is recognized as the largest rabbit species in the world. Its male species can tip the scales at over 13 pounds. It is also described as the “king of rabbits” because of its large size, longevity, and personality.

These giant rabbits can attain an immense size very quickly. So much so that Flemish giants can weigh at least four pounds by seven or eight weeks of age. 

A Flemish rabbit is a sweet and lovable companion that can be kept indoors. Originally, these breeds of rabbits were bred for meat, but a high bone to meat ratio ended that practice and breeding for the show became more popular.

Origin

The Flemish Giant is an older type of breed. Its origins can be traced back to the 1500s in Flanders (now Northern Belgium). There, giant rabbit breeders fused a variety of meat and fur breeds to produce the ultimate meat and fur rabbit. 

The initial record of the Flemish Giant as a breed was later dated in 1860. Rabbit breeders wrote down breed criteria for the first time in 1883. Some years later, in the 1890s, Flemish Giant rabbit breeders transported the Flemish Giant to the United States, where rabbit husbandry was holding off. 

Flemish Giant rabbit breeders thought that proposing the Flemish Giant to American rabbit breeding stock would develop the production of both meat and fur. 

It wasn’t until after 1910, though, that the Flemish Giant’s fame began to soar. This was the year that this rabbit breed began appearing at exhibitions and livestock shows.

While no one is 100 percent sure of the origins of this breed, some experts speculate that they are descended from breeds raised for fur and meat like the Patagonian and Stone rabbits. Others say that they descended from the Argentinian Pentagonian rabbits.

However, Bob Whitman, creator of Domestic Rabbits and Their Histories: Breeds of the World, surmises in his book that the Argentinian Pentagonian hare is a rodent. Thus, cross-breeding would be undesirable. He speculates that the breed did descend from breeds from the old Flemish region like the Stone and Patagonian of that range.

Today the Flemish Giant rabbit is still considered a source of meat and fur. But numerous people keep them as pets, too. 

Lifespan

For the most part, the Flemish Giant is a healthy breed that lasts around five years but can live up to the teens.

Characteristics

Flemish Giant rabbits have a unique look and it’s not just their size that makes them stand out among other bunnies.

Physical Description

As stated by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), there is no maximum weight considered for a Flemish Giant. The breed is a semi-arch breed of rabbits, implying that the arch in the animal’s back starts at the base of the shoulders and curves up and over toward the tail.

  • Body: Long, lean, and strong
  • Head: Should be in symmetry to the body
  • Ears: Erect with a dense base and doesn’t lop
  • Toenails: Uniform color, except in white rabbits
  • Fur: Dense, glossy, and in equal length. It rocks back when stroked from back to front 

Colors

ARBA distinguishes seven colors in the Flemish Giant. Each color has some specifications that experts can look for when assessing the animal:

  • Black – The coat should be solid black and the eyes are brown
  • Blue – The coat is dark blue and the eyes are bluish-gray
  • Fawn – It has a light-gold coat with an undercarriage that is white and it also has brown eyes
  • Light-gray – The coat is light-grey with black ticking at the tips and it has brown eyes
  • Sandy – It has a reddish sandy coat with dark ticking and it has brown eyes
  • Steel gray – It has a charcoal gray coat with lighter gray ticking and it has brown eyes
  • White – It has a pure white coat with pink eyes

Size

If you want a giant bunny, then Flemish rabbits are an excellent choice.

Flemish bunnies are well-known for their size. Most fully matured Flemish rabbits weigh around 14 pounds, although some were reported to be as heavy as 21 pounds. This also explains why they have  dewlap or a fold of skin under their chins. Hence, they look like they have double chins.

Some members of this class can attain the size of a medium-sized pet dog like a Shetland Sheepdog, and the longest Flemish Giant rabbit ever recorded was four feet and three inches long!

Flemish Giant rabbits have a large, muscular body with broad hindquarters. These rabbits are recognized as a “semi-arch” breed, as their spine has a prominent, though not produces an extreme arch. 

Flemish Giant bucks and does have several different characteristics. Bucks possess a much larger, wider head. Does, on the other hand, usually have a full dewlap. It can take Flemish Giants up to a year and a half to attain maturity.

Temperament and Personality

Numerous have described the Flemish Giant as a gentle giant. As a breed, they tend to be calm, obedient, and sweet-natured. Of course, distinct personalities can vary. Also, your rabbit’s background may affect how it interacts with you and your family. On the whole, the Flemish Giant makes an exceptional family pet.

The Flemish Giant is normally a docile breed. No wonder they make excellent companions and loving family pets. When they are kept indoors, they will hop around the house and sit on their owners’ laps. They can even be taught to use their litter box.

However, these rabbits can grow timid if they are handled roughly, and they can cause serious scratches and bites if they feel the need to struggle. So, children should be managed at all times around them.

The Flemish Giant is a smart pet. They’re also capable of learning some useful skills. Also, their size enables them to live safely with other pet animals, and several enjoy doing so.

Regardless, Flemish Giant rabbits are still rabbits and they can still be treated as prey animals. They may become afraid or threatened more easily than you might expect from an animal that large. And, as we all know, threatened animals sometimes kick, scratch, and bite.

So it’s essential to take special care with Flemish Giants, as they’re large enough and muscular enough to cause real damage if they feel threatened.

Proper Care and Grooming Needs

The Flemish Giant has short fur. It only requires minor grooming every week to keep their coat in good shape. You can just brush their coat once a week with a slicker brush. 

If the rabbit starts to molt, brush its coat twice a week. The rabbit will normally shed its coat twice a year in the spring and in the fall. The specific time of shedding will depend from animal to animal.

The tips of their nails should also be trimmed occasionally unless the rabbit gets adequate exercise to wear them down naturally. Be careful, though, as rabbits often hate having their nails done.

Because Flemish Giant rabbits are so huge and powerful, you might want to cover yours in a towel before starting the clip. You might also want to ask a friend for some help. Even better, plan a regular clipping with your vet.

Once a week, examine your rabbit all over. Look for:

  • Cuts, scratches, and wounds
  • Check the eyes and ears for some discharge
  • Look for symptoms of flystrike

Also, give special attention to your rabbit’s backside. Urine and feces can draw flies and aggravate sensitive rabbit skin. Age and injury can make it more difficult for a rabbit to groom itself. So, if your rabbit requires help cleaning itself, use pet-friendly wipes for safe, gentle cleanup.

WARNING: Do not bathe a bunny, ever!

Feeding a Flemish Giant Rabbit

Like most rabbits, Flemish Giants require a diet that consists of large quantities of hay, water, and a smaller portion of rabbit pellets. They also should get fresh vegetables every day and fruit once or twice a week.

As far as the number of pellets, several Flemish Giant breeders advise free-feeding them as they are unlikely to overeat. Others suggest free-feeding until they turn one year old. From there, you can give your pet bunny 1/4 cup of pellets for every five pounds of weight.

Meanwhile, you should serve two to four cups of vegetables for every five pounds of weight and fruits in tiny amounts once or twice a week.

Many experts prescribe the following dietary parameters:

  • Your rabbit should consume its weight in grass daily
  • Alternately, your rabbit’s diet should make up a minimum of 70% of hay
  • 18% of protein pellets should make up no more than one-third of your rabbit’s regular diet
  • Keep your bunny treats to 10% of your rabbit’s diet or below

Also, make sure that your Flemish Giant has easy access to lots of fresh water at all times. All rabbits are susceptible to heat, especially the Flemish Giants. Having an abundance of water available can help to lower their body temperature.

Flemish Giants have a craving to match their size. If you’ve owned various types of rabbits before, the hunger of the Flemish Giant may surprise you. Feel free to supplement your big pal’s diet with lots of rabbit-safe fruits and vegetables which may include the following:

  • Parsley
  • Spinach
  • Beet greens
  • Mustard greens
  • Dandelion greens
  • Radish tops
  • Carrot tops
  • Apple (seeds removed)
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Watercress
  • Celery (sliced into very small pieces)
  • Edible flowers
  • Pear
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Mango
  • Bell pepper

A Word of Caution

Rabbits’ digestive systems are complex and sensitive, so they are prone to digestive difficulties. To lessen this risk, add new foods slowly and one at a time. This will allow your rabbit’s digestive system to adjust properly.

Once your rabbit has adjusted to different types of vegetables and greens, you may now feed them with a variety daily. Provide them small amounts of many different foods, rather than a high amount of one type. This will help them to improve and maintain healthy gut bacteria.

Also, be extremely sparing with fruit. Bunnies like sugar, just like all humans do. But, just as with people, too much is also bad for them. It can not only lead to weight gain but also tummy upsets. So let them treat fruit like dessert or as a training treat!

When feeding your pet bunny peppers, apples, cherries, peaches, and apricots, make sure that you remove all seeds, pits, and stems, as these can be very intoxicating for them.

Proper Handling

Rabbits, in general, can be delicate; and giant rabbits demand special handling. Their bones can break quickly and unexpectedly. Also, nervous bunnies can hurt themselves trying to flee from what they perceive to be a danger.

You might think that due to their size, giant rabbits are less vulnerable than smaller bunnies. That’s not necessarily true. Their spines, in particular, can be prone to ruptures, as can their hind legs. Their size and weight can also cause handling them awkwardly. 

These are big rabbits, so they require a lot of support if you’re going to carry them up. Try supporting their upper body with an arm around their chest and front legs. Wrap the other arm around its lower half and make sure that you support the rear legs. Gently but securely hold the rabbit to your chest, and make sure you don’t clutch him or he may begin to panic and struggle. 

If he seems afraid at all, comfort him in a soft, calm voice. If this doesn’t encourage him to settle in your arms, just gently lower him to the ground or into his pen and release him.

Most Flemish Giant rabbits like interacting with their owners. They like to be stroked and cuddled too. But avoid picking giant rabbits up unless it’s required to do so. 

Common Health Conditions

According to The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, giant rabbits are inclined to sore hocks. Sore hock is a condition created by standing on wire floors or in unsanitary conditions. It is typical in breeds like the Flemish Giant.

You’ll also want to be careful about feeding your rabbit too many treats to circumvent health issues that can crop up if he becomes overweight.

The best method to keep your rabbit healthy is to understand your pet well enough to recognize when he isn’t feeling his best. Early treatment can create a difference in recovery. Take care of your Flemish Giant and he will be an outstanding and loving companion.

Breeding

This breed matures between eight and twelve months old or when it reaches nearly 14 pounds. This is the ideal time for them to have their first litter.

After a doe turns a year old, her pelvic bones start to join. This makes it more stressful for her to deliver her kits, and a stressful delivery can mean death for her and her unborn kits.

Gestation Period

The normal length of pregnancy is 31 days, and most litters average five to a dozen kits. Meanwhile, large litters usually indicate that some kits won’t receive as much milk as others. Kits that fall behind in their growth before they are weaned typically never grow to their full potential.

Enclosure

Every rabbit requirements at the minimum:

  • Sufficient horizontal space to hop three times in a row
  • Vertical areas to stand up on its hind legs without its ears touching the ceiling
  • Floor space enough to stretch out in all directions

For a Flemish Giant, you’ll be required to obtain the most massive hutch you can buy. As mentioned earlier, because of the size of a Flemish giant, the summer heat can be a big problem. So lay your hutch out of direct sunlight. 

Of course, a hutch is still not enough.

Your Flemish Giant will also require a vast exercise space. Try to invest in an extra-large run or two. Better yet, fence off a large portion of your garden for supervised giant-sized fun.

And if your Big Bunny’s play space is inside your house, make sure to rabbit-proof any area where your rabbit will be.

  • Employ a metal (not wooden) gate to designate your Rabbit Room
  • Hide or remove all cords and cables
  • Protect the legs of your furniture from extra-large teeth
  • Conceal or hide baseboards
  • Remove any houseplants or anything that can be poisonous to rabbits

Special Considerations

While Flemish Giants can survive cool temperatures, they don’t stand temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit very well. If they are held in a cage, they require more room than a smaller breed because of their huge size. Even the door of the cage may require it to be larger. They also tend to eat more than the smaller breeds of rabbits.

How Much Does a Giant Flemish Cost?

Expect to shell out between $20 to $50 for a Flemish Giant. Show-quality rabbits can typically range from $75 to $300 or more.

The Flemish Giant website for breeders and owners presents a helpful chart for determining the price range of owning a Flemish Giant, including housing, accessories, and food. On the low end, you can expect to allocate $665 of your yearly budget for a single Flemish Giant rabbit as a pet and around $2,700 for a show-quality bunny.

Final Thoughts

If you are determined that a Flemish Giant might be a good pet for you, the next step is to set appointments to visit a few breeders and get to know some of these rabbits in person. 

A big bunny can surely be a lot of fun. But it’s crucial to consider both your needs and your rabbit’s needs. This is to make sure that a Flemish Giant rabbit is suitable for your household.

Although each breed has specific characteristics, every rabbit within that breed is still an individual with characteristic quirks. Be sure to take your time before you commit to bringing one of these rabbits home to guarantee that the two of you will be compatible.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!
How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!

Click here to order the ebook How to raise healthy & happy rabbits!

Need other things for your rabbit?
Click on the links below for:
Rabbit food
Rabbit Toys
Rabbit cages and houses
Rabbit health and hygiene

The Holland Lop

The Holland Lop is a dwarf rabbit that normally weighs about four pounds once fully grown. Their body is wide but short. Thus, they tend to have a dense body shape.

They act similar to a cat, resting frequently on their rear legs and only slightly on their two front feet. The Holland Lop’s head is large with a distinct puff of fur at its back, which has become distinguished as the “crown”.

While their stubby body and fuzzy round head would have been more than enough to make these bunnies adorable, it’s their floppy ears that make this breed district and endlessly lovely.

Without a doubt, the Holland Lop’s most prominent trait is their large fur-covered ears which fall on either side of their heads. The ears are well-furred and full, having a similar shape as a teaspoon (rounded tips and wider at the bottom). The lazy ears that frame their cute faces only add to the appeal of these bunnies.

These rabbits were bred to be as cute as possible, so you can expect them to sneak their way into your heart at first sight.

The Holland Lop is one of the most famous rabbit breeds, thanks to their easy-going, sweet, and friendly nature.

History and Origin

Not all breeds of rabbits made it into this world naturally. Some were produced with the help of careful breeders who aspired to guarantee that their clients got the best bunnies that money could buy.

The Holland Lop got its origin in the 1950s in the Netherlands. A Dutch breeder Adriann de Cock wanted to merge the features of a French Lop and a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

These are two very distinct breeds, so it was an interesting mix, to say the least.

Sadly, The resulting offspring of six were unsuccessful. This was because their ears were upright and did not have the loping influence of the Holland Lop we know and adore today.

In 1952, de Cock took a doe from that offspring of six and cultivated her with an English Lop buck. After several hit and misses of breeding from these offspring, de Cock triumphantly bred a Holland Lop with the French Lop’s signature floppy ears. And the rest, as they say, is history.

This breed of rabbit was noticed by Netherlands’ Governing Rabbit Council in 1964 and by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1976. Ever since then, the whole world has appreciated having the incredible Holland Lop in their lives.

Colors

This breed of rabbit comes in various colors and groups.

They are split up into two classifications: solid (one color only) and broken (which include bits of one or two other colors). They also come in various patterns, including chestnut agouti, chinchilla, chocolate, and opal in the “Agouti” group; tortoise, seal, smoke pearl, and dark spots in the “Shaded” group; and cream, fawn, frosty, orange, tricolor, and red in the “Wide Band” group.

The awesome variety of coat colors within this breed only appends to the appeal and fame of these bunnies. Cuteness is guaranteed with a Holland Lop, and in no less than 15 various colors and color mixtures! The possibilities are almost limitless. 

Coat

The Holland Lop’s coat is of the rollback class. It is thick and medium in length. This soft and glossy coat does not demand much grooming to keep it in great condition. So in addition to being charming and lovable, the Holland Lop is a low-maintenance breed of rabbit. No wonder why children around the world go so ga-ga for these things!

As a great rule of thumb, a weekly or bi-weekly grooming session should be enough. Just simply brush your bunny with a smoother brush or a fur splitter (a.k.a. a wide-toothed comb) to have their coat tangle-free and shiny.

Of course, the idea of coat grooming is not only to maintain your rabbit’s beautiful appearance. Rabbits are keen groomers, and as a result, they will surely ingest a lot of their hair. Unfortunately, all of that fur munching might cause a deadly intestinal blockage in your little friend. So the aim of brushing this bunny is to lessen the amount of loose hair your pet will ingest.

Hair brushing is particularly critical during their molting season. At the shift of seasons, you may notice your rabbit will start to shed a little more than usual. During these heavy-shedding days, you will be required to brush your bunny a few times a day. It may seem like your little bunny won’t require those extra brushing sessions, but trust us, this is so crucial. 

On the flip side, bathing is never suggested for rabbits. They aren’t remotely fond of being washed and it can produce significant stress, which is the last thing you want for your pet. If your Holland Lop gets soiled, simply use a dampened cotton ball to clean their fur. It might need a longer amount of time to clean your pet this way, but will be so much better for the bunny in the long run.

Behavior

To support your Holland Lops’ personality to bloom, it is necessary to provide them plenty of time out of their enclosures or hutches.

Indoor rabbits should be let out of their cages with passage to stroll around at least in one particular room, if not your entire home. This will enable them to stretch out their legs, catch some sunshine, and interact with other people.

These little guys make for pleasing first pets whether it is for a particular person, a couple, or a family with younger or older children.

The Holland Lop is a relatively energetic bunny and would also prefer to spend some time outdoors when the temperatures are just right. Fenced yards are excellent, but if your house has an open yard, investing in an exercise pen is recommended. This will provide your rabbit a little bit of indulgence without letting them roam around into your neighbor’s property.

Bunnies might seem more adaptable than dogs or cats on paper, but when they get agitated they will get away from you rather instantly and get up to all sorts of mischief. You may well have a normal Bugs Bunny on your hands and demand to keep that little scamp under control accordingly.

In terms of toys, every rabbit has a personality and may appreciate some toys to chew up and entertain themselves with. It may be as uncomplicated as a toilet paper roll or as intricate as a mental pet toy from your local pet store. The only method to know for sure is to provide your bunny some options and see what they actually prefer.

You can’t force a bunny to play, you can only manage how they play and how much struggle they will get into. But don’t let any potential trouble-making situation get in between you and the bunny of your dreams.

Care

To keep a Holland Lop comfortable and healthy does not demand much time or effort.

In contrast to a dog or cat, rabbits are much less troublesome pets. Their diet and a proper ratio of indoor to outdoor time are two of the most essential aspects of their care. 

The first thing you should do is give decent rabbit housing. A Holland Lop might be a small bunny, but they’ll still require lots of room to feel happy and stay healthy in your care.

The majority of bunny owners keep their pets indoors since they are also known as family pets. That also leads to being the case with the Holland Lop.

If you are the type of rabbit owner who chooses to let their bunny hop freely around your house, you will be required to rabbit-proof your home. Make sure that there are no wires, chords, or other risky objects on the floor that your bunny could chew on. They should also have their own litter and a cage to run to when they feel like it. 

An indoor Holland Lop’s enclosure should have sides composed of strong wire to stop them from chewing through the cage. However, they should never have a cage with a wire at the bottom. Cages and hutches with wires at the bottom will only hurt your pet’s feet and lead to sore hocks. So, always make sure that your bunnies are only hopping on light and comfy bedding instead.

Pet owners must spot-clean the bedding every day to get rid of the feces and replace the whole bedding every week. It may be a bit of an annoyance for sure, but one that will make your bunny’s life so much more pleasant. 

The cage should also be big enough for your rabbit to stretch out conveniently. But since they’re relatively small, a Holland Lop can fit in an 18 inches by 25 inches cage. Although bigger is always better.

Of course, no matter how large the cage is, your pet will still require a lot of out-of-cage time to exercise and be content. In addition to freedom in a rabbit-proofed space, you can always take your Holland Lop for some outdoor recreation. Let them hop and play in a securely enclosed part of the garden or yard with your supervision.

As for your rabbit’s diet, it must consist of 70 percent of high-quality hay and the rest should be a balanced mixture of fruits, vegetables, pellets, and leafy greens. You may find that your rabbit fancies one type of fruit to another (like apples, for example).

While it’s excellent that your hopper has discovered a delicious fruit he loves to nibble on, perhaps you can practice his love for this fruit as an advantage and utilize it only during training as treats. This trick can be done for your animal to train them to perform simple commands such as heeling or hopping or litter training.

Health

Fortunately, the Holland Lop is not prone to any hereditary health problems. But giving proper care to your rabbit will make their life (and your veterinary bills) so much more satisfying in the long run.

Make sure that you frequently check their mouth for overgrown teeth, which can be painful. A diet high in hay will make sure that this will not happen, as the hay will normally file down your rabbit’s ever-growing teeth.

Spaying and neutering can be performed at a young age in a rabbit’s life. Your bunny does require not to be older than six months before it can be safely spayed (some veterinarians will conduct the process at four months, but most would rather wait until six months). Bucks, on the other hand, can be neutered at as young as three months old and it is generally recognized that neutered bucks make for less destructive companions (although admittedly Holland Lops are not perceived to be destructive at all, so neutering the buck may not do much)

Breeding

Holland Lops should be at least 6 months before they can start to breed. The bucks can be as young as 4.5 months, though it is normally best to wait until 6 months to ensure that they are ready for it.

For male rabbits, it is vital to make sure that their testicles have dropped. The gestation stage of a rabbit is normally 28 to 33 days, while most of them deliver on days 30-31. Before you let them breed, choose a date that you want for birth, so that you can be at home to accommodate her nesting box. It is also suggested to plan to guarantee that you will be there for two months wherein the babies require to be with their mother, just to avoid any concerns from arising before they are weaned.

Rabbits may give birth at any time of the year. However, warm summer months can make mother bunnies get exhausted. On the other hand, wintertime can be risky for the babies as they are born hairless.

Therefore, spring and autumn are the most suitable times for a doe to get pregnant.

Spaying or Neutering

This can be performed while your rabbits are still at a young age. However, most veterinarians wait until their pets reach six months old to follow the most reliable practice of spaying.

Sure, bucks can usually be neutered at a young age, even as young as three months, to make them less vigorous. But the truth is, they are naturally unaggressive. This suggests that neutering the bucks is not totally required.

Where to Get One?

When it gets to price, the extent of getting a Holland Lop depends on whether you are purchasing it from a breeder or not. Price may also depend on whether you are buying one for a show or a pet.

Looking for a trustworthy breeder is very crucial to make sure that you are only receiving a healthy rabbit and not one with genetic issues.

If you want your Lop for a show, you would also want to have a purebred race with no genetic disorders.

Supplies and Cages

The home of your Holland Lops should be covered with a wire enclosure and a plastic bottom. The bottom of the cage must have soft bedding lined up so that it is comfortable for your rabbit.

Since they are very small, there is no need to provide a bigger enclosure. You can also acquire rabbit hay feeders that you can attach to the side of the cage. This will allow your rabbit to pull them out and eat when they feel hungry.

For their bedding, you may want to apply aspen or wood pellets. Pelleted horse bedding may also be used. Avoid supplying them with cedar or pine. The cage may be cleaned by either applying a cage safe cleaner or white vinegar. Avoid using bathroom cleaners, as well as other cleaning supplies which may be toxic for your pets.

A regular spot cleaning of their bedding is recommended, along with replacing it each week. This helps in getting rid of the feces, which is necessary for keeping both the rabbit and its home fresh and clean. This is not just ideal for the hygiene of the rabbit, but also for the owners, as it reduces the annoying smell.

Holland lops are very neat animals. They will even refine themselves and each other. They are characterized as crepuscular, which means that they are mainly engaged in the daytime and evening.

Their feedings are mostly prepared in the evening and they sleep for an average of 8 hours. By nature, these breeds of rabbits are born without fur, and with their eyes closed. They prefer living in groups, which is something to consider if you want to have a Holland Lop for a pet.

Other Notes

Holland Lops love to chew on things. They will even chew on wooden fittings and wiring if possible.

To avoid these disasters and possible accidents, give your pet some hay or chew toys in addition to their food. Make sure that everything that runs to their mouth has not been sprayed with pesticides or any chemicals. It is essential to be careful about providing just any yard clippings to your lops.

Younger lops require alfalfa hay as it provides them enough calcium, required for their growing bones. The adult ones, on the other hand, fancy legume hay.

These rabbits are advised to be kept in pairs as they prefer companions. It has been noted that being with another rabbit adds to the happiness of the rabbit, even enabling it to live longer. Plus, these rabbits are very social when in the wild.

Deworming is also prescribed for Holland Lops. It is a major concern and needs to be performed in the spring and fall. For this, you can use a pea-sized amount of deworming paste and place it in their mouth.

FAQs

How much should a Holland Lop weigh?

Holland Lops normally weigh around three to four pounds. This is a perfect weight. In the show ring, however, three pounds is the model weight.

These rabbits are well recognized for their cobby and short bodies, round heads, and overall huge appearance despite being small-sized rabbits. As an owner, if you see that the weight is different from the typical weight stated, it may be essential to pay attention to the health of your pet.

What are the uses of Holland Lop Rabbits?

At an average weight of 3.5 pounds, Holland Lops are no doubt regarded as the ideal house pets. They are distinct from other rabbit varieties, such as the American Fuzzy Lop, being non-aggressive pets. They also have fur, rather than wool.

If you are searching for a real dwarf, rabbit race, Holland Lop rabbits are the ideal pets to consider. They are small and make great family pets.

At what age are Holland Lops viewed as fully grown?

Dwarf breeds like the Holland Lops are normally considered fully grown when they reach 6 months.

How much should Holland Lops eat?

An average-sized Holland Lop can eat ½ cup of pellets each day. They can be provided whenever you want, though the suggested schedule is ¼ cup of pellets in the morning and another at night.

They can also be supplied all at once, especially when you are going out for the day or as training treats throughout the whole day.

Do Holland Lops smell?

Unlike other domestic pets, such as dogs, rabbits do not have a body odor. This means that you will not notice any odor coming off them. On the other hand, if they are going through certain conditions, such as an ear infection, it may give off a musty smell that is not that pleasant.

From time to time, a buck or an adult male rabbit may also create a musky scent, especially when he is around a female.

Do Holland Lops bite?

At times rabbits nip just to gain attention. If this is what you saw with your pet, other owners suggest squealing loudly to alert the rabbit. They may also bite severely aside from nipping, also just for attention. Another reason for these activities is when they are very aggressive or territorial.

Do Holland Lops shed a lot?

In general, Holland Lops runs through a big and clean molt at least once a year. Afterwards, they will retain a nice coat for some months. With this type of molt, you can eliminate the excess fur every day, brushing your bunny to remove as much dead fur as possible.

Note that when your rabbit goes through this stage, he or she is not sick. Rabbits that are wool breeds look normally terrible when they shred.

How long do Holland Lops usually live?

Mini and dwarf rabbits normally live for about 9 to 10 years. In contrast, the bigger breeds of lop-eared rabbits typically last for about 5 to 6 years. Holland Lop rabbits usually survive for about 5 to 7 years. Just like other breeds, a lop rabbit can also remain up to 10 years after they go through the neutering method.

What do Holland Lop rabbits eat?

Rabbits can eat starchy vegetables, such as carrot roots, as well as other fresh fruits. However, they should be provided with just a few tablespoons in a day.

One thing that should be learned when feeding lops is that they should not be served with human foods, such as grains or corn. It is safe to adhere to pellets, hay, and leafy vegetables for their diet.

Do Holland Lops are easy to care for?

Since Lops are not that big, they are usually easy to handle. They only require basic grooming.

Do Holland Lops hold grudges?

Rabbits, in general, tend to hold grudges when mistreated. They can keep sulking for several days and would often step away.

If you notice that your rabbit has turned away completely, folding its ears to its back, then a tremendous grudge is going on.

Final Thoughts

The Holland Lop is a cute bunny and a wonderful pet. So if this post has piqued your interest in any way, run to your nearest pet store and try to see if they have a Holland Lop.

The pet of your dreams might just be a quick drive away. So get out there and look for your personal Roger Rabbit today!

People are interested in the following.

Holland Lop Rabbits The Complete Owner’s Guide to Holland Lop Bunnies – How to Care for your Holland Lop Pet, including Breeding, Lifespan, Colors, Health, Personality, Diet and Facts.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!
How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!

Click here to order the ebook How to raise healthy & happy rabbits!

Need other things for your rabbit?
Click on the links below for:
Rabbit food
Rabbit Toys
Rabbit cages and houses
Rabbit health and hygiene

Top Breeds of Rabbit

Rabbits are enjoyable pets and companion animals. And they come in different breeds that finding the right one for you can be overwhelming.

In relation to this, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) formally recognizes 50 unique breeds, varying from the playful Californian rabbit to the adorable English Lop.

If you’re thinking of adopting a bunny, we have everything you need to know to help find the ideal companion. This guide to the best rabbit breeds will help you know the top breeds and their variations, so you can determine the pet rabbit that is best for you.

American Rabbit

The American rabbit is a medium to large breed, that weighs 10-12 pounds and has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years This class of rabbit has fine, silky fur that is either “blue” (dark bluish grey) or white.

American rabbits are adaptable and easy-going, with an inclination to be lazy.

The American rabbit breed is not likely to have any particular diseases or health problems, but rabbits should always be observed for behavioral alterations that show illness. They should be inspected regularly and get an annual checkup with a veterinarian.

American rabbits do not require any specific food or diet, but all rabbits necessitate access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, the American Rabbit will relish the occasional treat.

American rabbits require a shelter that is big enough for them to stretch out and get some exercise.

They should be brushed each week or two and awarded chewing toys, playtime, and attention.

Belgian Hare Rabbit

The Belgian Hare is a medium to large breed of rabbit that weighs 6-9 pounds and has a lifespan of 7-11 years.

They have a light rust-colored fur with an orange shade over their entire bodies, with a slighter undercoat visible on their bellies and around their eyes.

Belgian Hare rabbits are remarkably active and curious, with a tendency to be timid. They require lots of room for exercise and are smart enough to be trained to do some tricks and play games. They are sometimes unpredictable and surprise easily.

The Belgian Hare breed is not prone to any particular diseases or health difficulties, although it would be best to have them checked regularly. More so if they are showing any signs of illness

Belgian Hares do not require any special food or diet, but they also require access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, the Belgian Hare will enjoy the special treat.

Belgian Hares require much more room than other domestic rabbits for movement and exercise. It’s an excellent idea to let them run indoors or outdoors, and provide them with toys and activities that encourage movement. Some people suggest hanging a Belgian Hare’s water very high, to promote the rabbit to stretch while drinking.

Their short, glossy fur needs minimal brushing but rubbing their coats once a month will better keep them healthy.

Blanc de Hotot

Originally from France, the Blanc de Hotot can easily be recognized by its “black eyeliner” that contrasts the rest of its white body. As a bonus, these bunnies behave well with children and other pets, as long as they grow up with them. Dedicated brushing time and taking walks outside are amazing approaches to bond with them.

Californian Rabbits

The Californian Rabbit is a large breed of rabbit that weighs 8-11 pounds and has a lifespan of 5-10 years. It possess a thick coat of fur that is rough to the touch. They are typically white with grey Himalayan markings.

Californians are generally mild and quiet. However, they can also be a loving pet that wants to play and cuddle. 

Californian rabbits are not prone to any particular diseases or health issues, but rabbits should always be observed for behavioral shifts that show illness, inspected regularly for any signs of illness, and get an annual checkup with a veterinarian who really knows rabbits.

Californian rabbits do not require any special food or diet, but all rabbits require access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, Californians will surely enjoy the occasional treat.

Californian rabbits have dense fur and a thick undercoat that makes them evenly suited to be held outdoors or indoors. This large breed of rabbit does require a good amount of space for exercise and thrives with lots of human interaction. Their thick coat requires brushing at least once a week, and more frequently during shedding season.

Checkered Giant Rabbit

Weighing in at about 13 pounds, a Checkered Giant is an excellent pet for couples or seniors who are looking for a companion. This breed of rabbit is more individualistic than others and is less affectionate, but is still curious and gentle. You can easily spot a Checkered Giant Rabbit by the butterfly-like marking on its nose.

Dutch Rabbit or The Hollander

The Dutch rabbit is a mini to small in size breed of rabbit, weighing 4-6 pounds, and has a lifespan of 5-8 years.

They have short, soft, shining fur, and all Dutch rabbits have white legs, bellies, and shoulders. They also possess a white blaze from their noses all the way to their foreheads. Various breeds of Dutch rabbits have different shaded colors on their ears, tails, and rumps. Some of them have black rumps and ears, some have grey, and some have brown.

Dutch rabbits are soft to touch, calm, and sociable. They thrive with the attention and companionship of people and other rabbits. That’s because they are loving, curious, and trainable.

The Dutch rabbit breed is not prone to any particular diseases or health issues, but all rabbits should always be observed for any signs of illness. Thus, taking them to the vet for an annual checkup is advisable.

Dutch rabbits do not require any particular food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any rabbit, Dutch rabbits will also enjoy the occasional treat.

Dutch rabbits require enough space for healthy exercise and interaction, but this small breed of rabbits doesn’t need as much room as larger breeds. Their coats should be brushed once a week, and every day during the shedding season.

English Lop

The English Lop is a medium-sized breed of rabbit that typically weighs 9-10 pounds and has a lifespan of 5-7 years.

The English Lop has a short, soft coat and comes in a huge array of colors and patterns. This breed of rabbits is calm and gentle, but also active, spirited, and friendly. They are smart and easier to train than some other breeds, and not as inclined to chewing.

The English Lop is not prone to any particular diseases and it does need regular care and attention for its ears.

English Spot

The English Spot is a medium-sized breed of rabbit that weighs 5-8 pounds and it has a lifespan of 5-9 years.

English Spots are distinguished for their notable spotted coats, with dark eye circles, cheek spots, and colored ears, the strip of shade down their backs, and a butterfly-shaped nose marking. They come in a mixture of colors and possess short, dense fur.

The English Spot was cultivated as a show animal, so they are compliant, calm, and easy to handle. They are fairly active, but not very energetic.

The English Spot is not prone to any particular diseases or health issues, although it would be best to observe your pet for any signs of illness. It would help if you bring them to a vet for regular checkups.

English Spot rabbits do not require any particular food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, an English Spot also enjoys an occasional treat.

English Spots do require enough space for exercise and activity for 1-2 hours a day, but they are fairly calm rabbits and do well indoors. Their short coats can be brushed every couple of weeks, and more often during the shedding season.

Flemish Giant Rabbit

As you might have guessed, the Flemish Giant is an extra-large breed of rabbit and weighs 9-15 pounds, and has a lifespan of 5-8 years.

The record-holding Flemish Giants have weighed up to 22 pounds and been longer than 4 feet long. They possess short, dense, glossy fur and come in a wide variance of solid colors.

Flemish Giant rabbits are often described as the “gentle giants” because they are sweet and docile. They can easily get along with people and with other animals and are smart enough to train.

The Flemish Giant is not prone to any particular diseases or health issues, but all rabbits should always be observed for behavioral shifts that show illness, inspected regularly for any signs of illness, and must get an annual checkup with a veterinarian who really knows rabbits.

Flemish Giant rabbits do not require any particular food or diet, although providing larger servings would be ideal. In addition, always give your pet clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, the Flemish Giant also enjoys an occasional treat.

Flemish Giants require particularly huge hutches and runs to get healthy exercise. Still, they should not be given two-level hutches, as it is not comfortable for them to climb ramps or steps. 

Flemish Giants are large enough and smart enough to be harness-trained, so they can be carried out on a harness. But that isn’t a replacement for free running and jumping exercise. 

Like several rabbit breeds, Flemish Giants are more likely to chew, but because of their bigger size, they can do more damage. So healthy chew toys and good rabbit-proofing are very important. They should be brushed every few weeks or as required during the shedding season.

French Angora Rabbit

The French Angora rabbit is a large breed that weighs 7.5 – 10.5 pounds and has a lifespan of 7-12 years.

The French Angora possesses long, thick, soft fur, called “wool” that comes in various colors and patterns. But because of their long, thick fur, French Angoras are very prone to wool block,” and need to be brushed frequently (often every day) to stop digestive problems from self-grooming. 

Symptoms of wool block include reduced appetite, fewer droppings, and degraded energy.

While French Angora rabbits themselves are fairly pleasing and low-maintenance, their coat requires constant carel, even if you don’t plan to use their wool. They need to be brushed, often on a daily basis. They need frequent blow-drying to keep the fur dry and free of debris (although rabbits should never be bathed).

A French Angora’s coat can grow as much as six inches every season and requires to be sheared or trimmed 3-4 times a year. They also require regular exercise and healthy activities like any rabbit. When given sufficient exercise and interaction. They can be very friendly, sweet, and agreeable pets.

French Angora rabbits do not require any particular food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, the French Angora also enjoys an occasional treat.

Harlequin Rabbit

The Harlequin rabbit is a medium to large breed of rabbit and weighs 6.5 – 9.5 pounds and has a lifespan of 5-8 years.

Harlequin rabbits have short, soft fur with climatic stripes of contrasting colors in dramatic shades. The breed standard should possess ears that are different colors from each other and the face, but there is a huge variation in what the different colors are. 

Harlequins are inquisitive, outgoing, and playful. They are smart, good natured, and can learn tricks easily. 

The Harlequin rabbit is not prone to any particular diseases or health issues, but rabbits must always be observed for any signs of illness. Hence, you should bring your pet to the vet for regular checkups.

Harlequin rabbits do not require any particular food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, the Harlequin Rabbit will also enjoy an occasional treat.

Harlequin rabbits require a huge amount of space for exercise, and they are a more energetic breed that demands more activity than some. Harlequins may be brushed every week or two, and more frequently as required during its shedding season.

Holland Lop Rabbit

The Holland Lop is a dwarf type of rabbit breed, weighing only 2-4 pounds and has a lifespan of 7-14 years.

They possess medium-length fur that is dense and glossy. They also come in a huge variety of colors and patterns.

The Holland Lop was bred to be a pet, and they are recognized for being sweet and friendly. They are relatively inquisitive and energetic and are fun to play with.

The Holland Lop is not inclined to any particular diseases or health issues, but the lop rabbits do require special care and attention, especially with their ears. While the ears of the Holland Lop are not so low that they normally drag on the ground or risk being stepped on, they should still be routinely inspected and cleaned.

Holland Lops do not need any specific food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Because of their size, food portions should be less than from other larger rabbits. Like any other rabbit, a Holland Lop also enjoys an occasional treat.

Holland Lops can be quite active sometimes and require room for exercise and play but need less room than other breeds due to their small size. Their hair is medium-length and should be brushed once a week or more frequently, and the ears should be checked and cleaned daily.

Lionhead Rabbit

The Lionhead rabbit is a miniature breed of rabbit that weighs 2.5 – 3.5 pounds and it has a lifespan of 7-10 years.

Lionhead rabbits have a unique “mane” of fine, soft hair that surrounds their head; they can have a single, thin, wispy mane, or a more solid “double mane.” They come in a huge array of solid colors but don’t typically have patterns. 

The fine, soft wool of the Lionhead requires daily brushing, especially during the shedding season. They also need space for healthful play and exercise, but their size does not require a large space. They also enjoy simply relaxing in lap for a cuddle.

Lionhead rabbits are very affectionate and fancy being picked up, cuddled, and held. They are gentle, playful, and good-natured pets. 

Lionhead rabbits do not require any specific food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. This mini breed of rabbit only eats smaller portions than full-sized rabbits. Like any other rabbit, Lionheads also enjoy occasional treats.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is a dwarf breed of rabbit that weighs just 1 – 2.5 pounds and it has a lifespan of 10-12 years.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits have short, soft hair in a broad array of colors and patterns. Netherland Dwarf rabbits are generally shy and can be timid, and require a lot of gentle socialization and interaction to subdue their shyness and bond with humans.

The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is inclined to a jaw condition known as malocclusion, which makes them incapable of wearing down their teeth. Rabbits experiencing malocclusion require trips to the veterinarian to have their teeth filed. And it’s necessary to find a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits because these tiny breeds can be delicate and difficult to handle.

Netherland Dwarfs do not need any specific food or diet, but all rabbits must have access to clean water, fresh hay, and nutritious food pellets. Like any other rabbit, a Netherland Dwarf also enjoys an occasional treat.

The short hair of a Netherland Dwarf only requires brushing, especially during its shedding season. These tiny rabbits require very small space to have sufficient room for play and exercise and should be kept indoors because they require protection from the weather and predators.

While most rabbits are prone to chew and require healthy chew toys, the Netherland Dwarf typically does less harm than larger breeds.

Tan Rabbit

The Tan Rabbit first appeared in 1880 in England and its popularity rose over a century later. The full-arched breed is usually energetic but isn’t suggested for young children or seniors. That’s because the active rabbit demands a lot of time outside its cage to run around and can be difficult to keep up with.

Final Thoughts

Rabbits make wonderful pets because they are friendly, smart, and curious companions who are also adorably charming and soft to pet.

They are intelligent enough to learn simple tricks, including getting trained to use the litter box.

With some primary attention to food, housing, and rabbit-proof safe places, they are reasonably low on maintenance and extremely enjoyable pets.

best breed of rabbit for first time owners

What are the best breeds of rabbits for first-time owners?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

First-time pet rabbit owner? The right breed of pet rabbit is less troublesome in regular households.

It is fun to own a pet rabbit if you commit to taking the responsibility of a pet regardless of breed or species.

I will introduce you to all the basics of owning a pet rabbit, as well as the best breed of rabbits for first-time owners.

Rabbits are cuddly pets, but also rabbits are not recommended as beginner pets.

If you have never owned any pet, I would suggest you get something like a dog or a cat. Can you guess why I said that?

Although rabbits are small pets regardless of their breed, there is some maintenance for owning pet rabbits.

Are rabbits high maintenance?

Any species of pet comes with maintenance. There is nothing such as high maintenance or low maintenance for owning pets.

Rabbits as pets need some sustenance, which is typical for owning any pet animals.

Any person before buying a pet rabbit must consider the maintenance and learn a lot about rabbit care before owning a pet rabbit.

Being ignorant about the responsibility of a pet rabbit will only endanger this small cute house pet.

So what are the responsibilities you have to commit to as a rabbit guardian?

There are several initial costs for owning a pet rabbit. Fortunately, most of these costs are for one time only. 

Let’s begin with:

Clean habitat for rabbits.

One cannot ignore the importance of preparing a clean habitat for rabbits. Regardless of the breed you own, you need a clean environment with a running space for your pet rabbits.

A giant breed of rabbit indeed needs a bigger running space, likewise the smaller rabbits. Rabbits need time outside their cage. I never vote for raising rabbits inside an enclosure.

My favorite way to raise rabbits is indoors and in a free-range environment.

If you cannot do that, then prepare a rabbit cage with a running space. Limit the running area using a playpen.

And the floor of the cage must have bedding or any kind of mat to prevent rabbits from having sore hocks.

So initially you have to pay for buying these three items:

  • A rabbit cage or hutch;
  • Playpen for rabbits;
  • Flooring for rabbit hutch;
  • Litter box for rabbits;
  • Chew toys for pet rabbits.

You must be wondering why your rabbits need a litter box?

Rabbits need to be potty trained.

Without potty training, all breeds of rabbit will litter within the cage. Usually, rabbits prefer to excrete in a specific corner of their enclosure. But potty training will make the cleaning job easier for you as a guardian.

So potty training pet rabbits is essential to maintain a clean habitat for them.

If they scatter their feces all around, and the guardian avoids cleaning the cage for a long time, the dirty habitat will become an unhealthy environment for the pet rabbits.

To maintain a clean habitat, a guardian has to train pet rabbits to use a litter box. The process of training rabbits to use a litter box takes around a fortnight to a month.

RELATED: How to potty train rabbits?

Once a rabbit is potty trained, maintaining freshness in the habitat will be a lot easier for the guardian, as well as you will have a healthy, happy rabbit regardless of their breed.

The health of the rabbit also depends on the type of food you feed your rabbits.

Balanced diet for rabbits:

If one thing is common in all types of rabbits, then that is the diet they must have. Understand that rabbits have a very delicate digestive system.

They need a lot of fibers in their diet to sustain good health.

All rabbit breeds’ diet must look like this:

  • 80%-90% – Hay;
  • 10%-20% – Fresh greens and vegetables;
  • 5%-10% – Pellets.

Regardless of which species of pet you have, they will need food. And all animals have food that they must avoid.

However, cats and dogs or other domestic pets do not have a delicate stomach like rabbits.

Anything slightly out of the ordinary in their diet can cause fatality for rabbits. Rabbits get sick very quickly, or they avoid showing signs of sickness.

Not showing any signs of sickness may result in the demise of your pet rabbit even before you can recognize what went wrong.

To prevent rabbits from certain viral diseases, pet rabbits need vaccinations.

Vaccinating pet rabbits.

I cannot say if it is necessary for pet rabbits at your location to get shots injected. Shots for rabbits are not routine in some continents.

But if a viral disease is common in wild rabbits in your location, then it is likely the vaccine for those viruses is available at your nearest vet.

So it is one initial cost after adopting a pet rabbit. It is a crucial one because if the viral disease is widespread in the wild rabbits near your place, your pet rabbits are vulnerable without the vaccines.

Regardless of what type of rabbit breed you own, your rabbit will need that shot to prevent themselves.

Hence, you will have to take your rabbit to a veterinarian after adopting the rabbit and inquire whether vaccines are available or not.

There is another time you have to visit the veterinarian for your pet rabbits.

To spay or neuter your pet rabbits.

Desexing pet rabbits is essential to maintain the excellent health of your rabbits.

All types of rabbit breeds need desexing. Especially a female rabbit that needs desexing to prevent them from uterine cancer.

Female rabbits are prone to uterine tumors, which grow bigger as the rabbit grows older. At a particular stage, the uterine tumor causes uterine cancer in pet rabbits.

On the other hand, neutering a male rabbit will stop them from marking territory. As a result, a male rabbit will not spray urine anymore around the running space.

It is essential to neuter/spay pet rabbits before potty training them.

Which rabbit breed is best for me?

As you already know by now, rabbits are not a beginner-friendly pet. But yet if you are confident enough to be a responsible and excellent rabbit guardian, then the rabbit is the right pet for you.

Rabbits are cuddly pets and social animals.

Regardless of which rabbit breed you adopt, you have to decide to keep that rabbit for at least the next eight to ten years.

Do you think it is going to be difficult?

If you are confused that ten years is a very long commitment to have a pet, then no breed of rabbit is right for you.

Nevertheless, if you insist on getting your pet rabbit, I can say that dwarf rabbits breed or any breed of lop-eared rabbit is not for you.

Let me explain why I think dwarf rabbits are not beginner-friendly pets.

Dwarf rabbits have an unusual shape of teeth. You may not know, but rabbits have a chewing habit. This chewing habit helps them to wear off their teeth.

Why do they need to wear their teeth?

Rabbits incisors grow continuously throughout their life. To keep their teeth in the right size and shape rabbits chew on hay all day long.

But due to the unusual size and shape of dwarf rabbits teeth, some teeth grow even after the dwarf rabbit chews on hay throughout their lifetime.

Thus that can be a big problem for first-time rabbit owners. Unusually long teeth will be excruciating for dwarf rabbits and need medical attention.

And did you know that rabbit veterinarian costs more than a regular vet?

So I guess as a beginner pet rabbit owner, you might not want to adopt dwarf rabbits. Not adopting dwarf rabbit breeds will prevent you from the expenses of visiting a veterinary several times a year.

Likewise, several other breeds of rabbits I suggest first-time rabbit owners to avoid is due to medical issues as well.

Lop-eared rabbit breeds.

This breed of rabbits has needed medical attention often due to their ears.

The name of the breed suggests that the ears of this kind of rabbit are loppy.

Other types of rabbit breeds have erect ears. But due to the position of their ears of dwarf rabbit breeds are prone to infections.

You may not have to visit a vet often, but infected ears most of the time are not valid for rabbits. Furthermore, frequently looking after ears and treating infections may become disturbing for a rabbit guardian.

Long-haired rabbit breeds.

Long-haired rabbit breeds are not recommended for first-time owners because these rabbits may shed more hair than other rabbits. Similarly, long-haired rabbits need more grooming than any other rabbit breeds.

Are you ready to have a pet for the first time with all the maintenance that comes along with it?

Pet rabbits need maintenance like any other pet. Unlike other pets, rabbits do not need a lot of care, yet there are some things to consider before bringing a pet rabbit home.

So which pet rabbit breed do I think is best for first time owners?

Many websites will list a bunch of rabbits and point out the top 15 lists of beginner-friendly pet rabbits.

I find it odd, but many of those lists have mentioned long-haired and lop-eared breed of rabbits.

Which I think is not the right beginner-friendly pet rabbit breeds.

My first pet rabbit is a breed of Rex rabbits.

Thus I think rex rabbit is the best breed of rabbit for first-time owners.

Rex rabbits have soft fur, which points outwards instead of against their skin. Rex rabbits do not grow very large, and they do not have any issues with their teeth as long as you provide rex rabbits adequate hay, and a few chew toys, these breeds of rabbit will have no problems with wearing off their teeth.

As well as rex rabbits do not have loppy ears. As long as they are in a clean environment, they will not have any ear infections.

Mini rex rabbits.

Mini rex rabbits are similar to rex rabbits and the most common house rabbits today. Having a mini rex rabbit is not much different from having a rex rabbit. It is up to you which breed of rabbit you choose as your beginner pet.

New Zealand Red rabbit.

This breed of rabbits has short fur and is an excellent beginner-friendly rabbit. They look gorgeous for their red coat and don’t require much grooming due to the short length of their hairs. These rabbits are small in size and perfect as indoor pets.

Fauve de Bourgogne Rabbit.

Can you guess what the name of this breed of rabbit suggests about them? Well, this breed of rabbits originate from France and one of the oldest types of rabbit.

I think it is an excellent beginner-friendly rabbit breed because it has medium length fur, and the color is gorgeous.

However, these rabbits are not so common outside of France. If you get a hold of such rabbits in your location, do not hesitate to adopt one because these rabbits are beginner-friendly and a rare breed of rabbit.

Conclusion.

Any rabbit guardian will get used to the maintenance of having pet rabbits. I always say owning a pet animal is similar to having a newborn in the family.

The difference is that the newborn will grow and learn to do most things by themselves, but a pet animal will never be capable of doing most things by themselves.

If you are in a rabbit shelter looking forward to adopting a rabbit. I believe the best choice is to adopt a pair of rabbits.

A pair of rabbits that have a bonding between them is the best option for anyone to bring home as pets.

Also, I always tell people to adopt older rabbits from the shelter. Adult rabbits often miss our sights, or people think adult rabbits need more veterinary care. Thus they avoid adopting adult rabbits.

However, older rabbits can be excellent beginner-friendly pets too.

Older rabbits do not need much medical attention if they are fed a balanced diet and kept in a hygienic environment.

I know younger rabbits are attractive, but older rabbits will be happier to have a family to love until the last day of their life.

Click here to order the ebook How to raise healthy & happy rabbits!

Need other things for your rabbit?
Click on the links below for:
Rabbit food
Rabbit Toys
Rabbit supplies
Rabbit cages and houses
Rabbit health and hygiene

Read more

  • Do Rabbits Need Shots?
    All pet owners want their pets to have long, happy, healthy lives. The same goes for those who own rabbits. However, there is one concept that can be very complicated for rabbit owners: Vaccines. Do bunnies require vaccinations? Are they even safe? These questions pose a real concern for bunny owners. We all want our … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkins?
    Pumpkins are believed to be rabbits’ second-favorite orange vegetable, right after carrots. These winter squashes are mostly used as holiday pies, but they’re also packed with nutrition that’s important in a rabbit’s diet. Pumpkin is not toxic for rabbits but they should not be fed with it too often or in larger amounts. If you … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Bell Peppers?
    Picking the appropriate fresh vegetables to supplement your pet rabbit’s diet can be an excellent way to turn out their nutrition. While bunnies receive most of their nutrients from fresh hay, attaching a regular supplement of fresh greens and veggies will equip them with vital vitamins and minerals. While most vegetables can aid in keeping … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro?
    Cilantro gives a touch of fresh taste to a variety of foods. Just like any other spices, cilantro also carries antioxidants that can remove dejected and unwanted metal particles in our bodies. It has also been proven that cilantro carries an element that can fight off Salmonella. Thus, providing its partaker a more salutary digestive … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Corn?
    Fresh, dried, or cooked corn, all of them are not safe for your bunny. It is very unfortunate to say because some bunnies love to munch on fresh and sweet corn very much. While the hull of corn kernels carries complex polysaccharides. Normally, rabbits find it hard to digest complex polysaccharides. So, corn is considered … Read more
what breed is my rabbit

Don’t know your pet rabbit’s breed? Let me guide you to determine.

Assuming you own a couple of pet rabbits, and cannot determine the breed of your pet rabbits.

It is easy to recognize the breed of pet rabbits or at least guess the breed of their ancestors.

In this post, you will learn precisely how to determine what breed is your rabbit merely by observing their appearance.

Every rabbit breed has its unique characteristics. Commonly rabbit breeds are distinguished by their appearance.

Today, determining the breed of dogs is very easy. A simple DNA test can tell you who your pet dogs’ ancestors are. Nevertheless, In current days there are no existing DNA tests available for rabbits.

Thus the only way to recognize what breed a rabbit is by their appearance.

If not accurately, but at least we can guess which breeds are your rabbits relatives.

How can the weight of your pet rabbit help you determine your rabbit’s breed?

Depending on the weight of a rabbit, one can distinguish whether the rabbit is a:

  • Dwarf rabbit;
  • Standard rabbit;
  • Giant rabbit.

I don’t see giant rabbits to be very popular as pet rabbits. A giant rabbit can grow bigger than six pounds. However, some people like to keep giant breed rabbits as pets.

On the contrary, a more typical house rabbit weighs between four to six pounds. They are in the standard category of rabbits.

Now, the dwarf-sized rabbits are not so common yet popular among rabbit guardians.

Dwarf breeds of rabbits are adorable and weigh between two to four pounds. If your rabbits are small and weigh less than four pounds, then probably your pet rabbits are one of these breeds:

  • Dwarf Hotot;
  • Netherland Dwarf;
  • Polish rabbits;
  • Britannia Petite.

Can ears of a rabbit determine their breed?

Usually, we see rabbits with two different kinds of ears. Looking at rabbits with loppy ears or not, we can figure out what the rabbits breed is.

Most standard domestic breeds do not have loppy ears.

Rabbits that have their long ears dangling on the side are a different breed from rabbits that have ears erected and pointing upwards.

If your house pet rabbit has loppy ears, probably your rabbits are one of these breeds:

  • Holland lop rabbits;
  • Mini lop rabbits;
  • English lop rabbits;
  • French lop rabbits;
  • American fuzzy lops.

Loppy rabbit breeds are not as common as erect eared rabbit breeds as house pets.

So what is the other type of rabbit ears that determine the breed?

Whenever we think of rabbits, we imagine a fluffy animal with long ears that is standing straight.

This breed of rabbits have their ears pointing in the opposite direction of loppy ears.

Rabbit breeds that have erect ears pointing towards the roof of your living room are also the most widespread rabbit in domestic households.

Contrary to lopped ear rabbits, there are 37 breeds of erect eared rabbits, whereas only five breeds of lop-eared rabbits have recognition.

To determine the breed of such rabbits with stand up ears, you have to look into other factors as well.

But can you guess the third type of rabbit ear fashion?

The third type of rabbit ear is semi lopped ears. Semi lopped ears are common for Angora rabbit breeds.

Angora rabbit breeds have a long coat of fur.

So any rabbit that has a long coat of hair and semi lopped ears, they belong to the angora rabbit breed.

However, if your pet rabbit has partially lopped ears and has a short fur coat, then it is not an angora breed of rabbit. At this point, you must consider other factors to determine your rabbits’ breed.

Determining the breed of pet rabbits can take some time, and become confusing for many rabbit guardians.

If you are still confused about your rabbits breed, then continue reading. Something I have explained later, which may help you find out your pet rabbits breed.

Fur coats of rabbits can determine their breeds too.

Most of the rabbits have soft and short fur. Thirty-seven of the recognized rabbits breeds have soft and short hair. Nevertheless, the fur coat of rabbits is one of the critical factors to determine the rabbit’s family.

The three types of fur coat of a pet rabbit that can almost immediately determine the breed of rabbits are:

  • Flyback;
  • Rollback;
  • Standing fur.

To determine what kind of fur coat your pet rabbit has, you will have to stroke your rabbits from tail to head.

After doing so, flyback fur will immediately return to its original position after a stroke backward.

Pet rabbit breeds that have flyback fur are:

  • The dutch;
  • Himalayan;
  • English lop;
  • Polish;
  • New Zealand

Now, to determine the other breed of rabbits with rollback fur, you will have to stroke your pet rabbit the same way. After you stroke your rabbit from tail to head, the rabbit fur will return to its original position but noticeably slower than a flyback fur.

Breed of rabbits that have rollback fur coat are:

  • Dwarf hotots;
  • Holland lops;
  • Flemish Giants;
  • Mini lops.

The silver fox breed of rabbit has the third type of fur. They have the standing coat of fur. The standing coat of fur remains in a fixed position towards the direction of stroke. They do not return to their prior position without further stroke. This breed of rabbit is not very common.

Let’s look into something more unique than just the type of fur. Angora rabbit breeds have long, soft and wooly kind of hair.

You can quickly determine an angora rabbit breed merely by their long fur coat.

Once you determine you have angora rabbits, you have to look deep into the rabbits to distinguish between several breeds of angora rabbits. Common breed of angora rabbits are:

  • Satin Angora;
  • French Angora;
  • English Angora;
  • Giant Angoras;
  • American fuzzy lop;
  • The jersey wooly;
  • The Lionhead

Lastly, I want to tell you about satin fur coats. This type of fur coat rabbit breeds are not so common.

Rabbit breeds, such as:

  • Satin Angoras;
  • Mini Satins;
  • Satins in general

Have this kind of fur coat. This kind of rabbit has fur that creates a shining effect due to the translucent and reflective qualities of the fur coat.

My first pet rabbit was a rex rabbit. It had a short, dense, and super soft fur coat. If your rabbit has such a fluffy fur coat, it is likely a rex rabbit or a mini rex rabbit.

Rex rabbit breeds are excellent beginner pet rabbits too.

Different rabbit breeds have different body types and shapes.

Five different types of body that determines the breed of rabbits are:

  • Semi arch;
  • Compact;
  • Commercial;
  • Cylindrical;
  • Full arch.

Semi arch body types: This breed of rabbits has a long body and an arch that reaches its peak at the hip area of rabbits. Examples of semi arch rabbits are:

  • Flemish Giant;
  • English Lop.

Compact rabbit breeds: Rabbit breeds that have a less slope around the arch of their back belong to this rabbit family. Examples of this breed of rabbits are:

  • American fuzzy lop;
  • Netherland dwarf.

Commercial body type rabbits: Most domestic rabbits belong to this group of rabbits. Commercial breeds of rabbits have short, low, round bodies and a bit longer than compact body type rabbits. Examples of this rabbit breeds are:

  • Rex rabbits.

Cylindrical body type: This type of rabbits are long and narrow in shape. Their tubular body shape influenced the name of this breed of rabbit. There is only one rabbit that belongs to this breed:

  • Himalayan.

Full arch: There are not many rabbits that have a full arch in their back. A full arched rabbit has a curve that begins further down the back. These types of rabbits have long limbs and a visible bend in their belly area. Rabbits that belong in the full arch rabbit breed are:

  • Belgian Hare;
  • Checkered Giant.

Conclusion.

I believe now you can easily determine the breed of your pet rabbits.

If you have adopted a rabbit without knowing its breed, that’s not a problem. After all, the family of rabbits must not determine how you take care of your pet rabbits. All pet rabbits deserve the same amount of care and love from their guardian regardless of their breed.

All pet rabbits need care and responsible guardians despite their breed.

You may want to find out the breed of your pet rabbit out of curiosity.

Sometimes, you will notice a pet rabbit has a typical appearance from two different breeds. In this case, you can say your rabbit is a crossbreed.

Many times different breeds of rabbits mate and the babies have similar appearances of two different breeds.

It may not be easy for you to figure out what is the exact breed of your rabbit. You can give it a try and lastly visit this American Rabbit Breeders Association’s link to recognize the breed of your pet rabbits.

Want your rabbit to be happy and healthy?

How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!
How to raise happy & healthy rabbits!

Click here to order the ebook How to raise healthy & happy rabbits!

Need other things for your rabbit?
Click on the links below for:
Rabbit food
Rabbit Toys
Rabbit cages and houses
Rabbit health and hygiene

Read more

  • Do Rabbits Need Shots?
    All pet owners want their pets to have long, happy, healthy lives. The same goes for those who own rabbits. However, there is one concept that can be very complicated for rabbit owners: Vaccines. Do bunnies require vaccinations? Are they even safe? These questions pose a real concern for bunny owners. We all want our … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Pumpkins?
    Pumpkins are believed to be rabbits’ second-favorite orange vegetable, right after carrots. These winter squashes are mostly used as holiday pies, but they’re also packed with nutrition that’s important in a rabbit’s diet. Pumpkin is not toxic for rabbits but they should not be fed with it too often or in larger amounts. If you … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Bell Peppers?
    Picking the appropriate fresh vegetables to supplement your pet rabbit’s diet can be an excellent way to turn out their nutrition. While bunnies receive most of their nutrients from fresh hay, attaching a regular supplement of fresh greens and veggies will equip them with vital vitamins and minerals. While most vegetables can aid in keeping … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Cilantro?
    Cilantro gives a touch of fresh taste to a variety of foods. Just like any other spices, cilantro also carries antioxidants that can remove dejected and unwanted metal particles in our bodies. It has also been proven that cilantro carries an element that can fight off Salmonella. Thus, providing its partaker a more salutary digestive … Read more
  • Can Rabbits Eat Corn?
    Fresh, dried, or cooked corn, all of them are not safe for your bunny. It is very unfortunate to say because some bunnies love to munch on fresh and sweet corn very much. While the hull of corn kernels carries complex polysaccharides. Normally, rabbits find it hard to digest complex polysaccharides. So, corn is considered … Read more