Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

There are several different breeds of rabbits. Any breed can be kept as a pet – it’s simply a matter of preferred characteristics. Some breeds are more outgoing; others are laidback and mild. Size can also vary greatly. The weights range from 2 to 12 pounds. There is also quite a variety of colors and markings to choose from.

The Angora breeds are quite beautiful and useful. You can save the angora wool as it is shed and spin it into yarn. There are 4 main angora breeds: English, French, Satin, and Giant. Of the 4, the English is the smallest weighing in at around 6 pounds average. The giant angora only comes in white, while the other three come in different color varieties. These rabbits will need regular grooming so if time is limited for maintenance activities another breed might be a better choice.

The more commonly kept pet breeds of rabbit are the Dutch, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, and Holland Lop. These are smaller breeds all under 7 pounds. The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest at about 2 pounds. It comes in a variety of colors and makes a great apartment pet. The Mini Rex is playful and active although double the size of the Netherland Dwarf at about 4 pounds. The Mini Lop and the Holland Lop have ears that hang down instead of up. The Holland Lop is the smaller of the 2 weighing in at around 4 pounds while the Mini is about 7. The Mini Lop is considered a good first pet because of their easy going nature.

Some of the larger breeds are typically bred as meat producers, but they also make fine pets. These breeds include the Florida White, Californian, New Zealand, Rex, Palomino, and Champagne D’Argent. These rabbits range anywhere from 9-12 pounds and require a bit more room to roam than other breeds. The Champagne D’Argent is a very old breed with beautiful black fur that turns silver as it ages. The Rex straddles the fence between being a fur and meat producing rabbit.

Whatever breed you choose, please be sure before you buy. Get to know the breed through a breeder, 4H Club, or information on the internet. Rabbits kept indoors can live up to 12 years so it is a long term commitment for you and the rabbit.