Types Of Pet Rabbits with Temperament and Care Tips
Having a pet rabbit is like having a living-breathing, utterly cute fluff ball as a lifelong companion. However, if you are considering getting a rabbit as a pet, then do understand that not all rabbit breeds are the same. There are some rabbit breeds that will love your cuddles while there are some who will put up a fight to ensure you cannot pet them. You will be shocked to find out that some popular rabbit breeds that are considered the best options as pets have moody (in some cases, aggressive) temperaments. Get ready for this – Netherland Dwarf Rabbits, Lionhead Rabbits, French Lop & Holland Lop Rabbits, Belgian Hares, and Checkered Giants to name a few.
Don’t let this information crush your or your child’s dream of having a friendly bunny as a pet. Next for you, we have listed 4 cooperative or gentle types of popular rabbit breeds considered the best options as pets, and yes, all of them happen to be mega-cute and snuggly.
1. DUTCH RABBITS
Even though it has “Dutch” in its name, this particular breed hails from England and happens to be a medium-sized breed. They are usually black or brown in color with characteristic white markings present on their face and upper body mainly. In fact, they can be identified by their distinctive inverted V-shape of white fur covering their muzzle and nose extending up in between their eyes.
TEMPERAMENT: Calm, gentle, energetic, intelligent, and sociable.
MUST-KNOW CARE TIPS:
* IF THIS BREED IS LOCKED UP IN ITS CAGE FOR TOO LONG AND/OR IF IT DOES NOT GET AMPLE ATTENTION, THEN DUTCH RABBITS WILL BE CRIPPLED WITH DEPRESSION. THEY REQUIRE STIMULATION AND LOTS OF TOYS THAT WILL MATCH THEIR ENERGY TO KEEP BOREDOM AT BAY.
* AGAIN, AS THEY ARE ENERGETIC, YOU WILL NEED A SPACIOUS HUTCH FOR THEM. HOUSING FOR ONE DUTCH RABBIT SHOULD HAVE AMPLE SPACE FOR HIM/HER TO HOP 3-TIMES IN A ROW FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, STRETCH OUT OR LIE DOWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE HUTCH’S WALL, AND STAND UP USING ITS HIND LEGS WITHOUT TOUCHING THE TOP OF THE HUTCH WITH ITS EARS.
* THEIR DIET CHART SHOULD INCLUDE 30% OR LESS IN PELLETS, AND 70% OR MORE IN HAY WITH ABOUT 10% OF THE DAILY INTAKE AS TREATS IN MODERATION.
They are very easy to train and maintain or groom. A Dutch rabbit (Lifespan: 5–10 years) makes a great family pet as this breed does not get startled by active kids.
2. REX RABBITS
The 2 main Rex rabbit breeds are the Mini Rex rabbit and the Standard Rex rabbit, and both of them have almost the same temperament. This breed is known for its dense fur, which has a very close resemblance to a Chinchilla’s soft fur. This medium-sized breed originated in France and unlike other rabbits in its size range, their ears will stand upright.
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, playful, intelligent, calm, athletic, and motherly/affectionate.
MUST-KNOW CARE TIPS:
* THEIR CUTE BUNNY TEETH CAN BECOME A PROBLEM AS IT GROWS CONTINUOUSLY. THUS, YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE HAY FOR HIM/HER TO CHEW ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND ENSURE THE TEETH ARE MANAGEABLE. DO MAKE SURE THAT THE HAY THE REX RABBIT WILL HAVE ACCESS TO IS NOT MOLDY AND/OR WET.
* THEY DO GET STARTLED EASILY AND HENCE, MAINTAINING A STRESS-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR THIS BREED IS A MUST. IF THEY ARE EXPOSED TO CONTINUOUS/FREQUENT LOUD NOISES, THEY WILL DEAL WITH HIGH ANXIETY WHICH WILL LEAD TO MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS.
* LARGE HOUSING IS REQUIRED EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SMALLER IN SIZE THAN MANY OTHER BREEDS. FOR AN AVERAGE-SIZED REX RABBIT, THE CAGE SHOULD BE 2 FEET HIGH AND 4-TIMES HIS/HER LENGTH IN DEPTH AND WIDTH.
This breed will love your cuddles and will actively stay beside you. Rex rabbits (Lifespan: 5–6 years) are naturally protective and maternal, making them great pets for singles and seniors.
3. ENGLISH LOP RABBITS
This breed is the first lop-eared type that was created by humans and not mother nature for exhibition purposes. Their well-known furry long ears are the longest of all breeds. This large-sized breed has a soft and silky short coat with fly-back fur. This breed was developed in England and has the nickname “the Dog of the Rabbit World”.
TEMPERAMENT: Easy-going, laid-back, and fun-loving/playful.
MUST-KNOW CARE TIPS:
* AS AN ENGLISH LOP’S EAR IS ABOUT 12% OF ITS SURFACE AND THEY TEND TO BECOME FLOPPIER AS HE/SHE AGES, YOU HAVE TO TAKE PROPER CARE OF THE EARS AND ENSURE YOU DO NOT OVERFEED THEM. BECAUSE OF THEIR SIZE, THE EARS ARE PRONE TO INFECTION. THUS, REGULAR CHECKUPS EITHER BY YOU OR A VET ARE NECESSARY.
* THEIR TEETH GROW CONTINUOUSLY AND THEY HAVE A SOMEWHAT “LAZY” PERSONALITY, THUS, PROVIDING THEM SOMETHING OTHER THAN HAY TO CHEW ON WILL KEEP HIM/HER HAPPY AND HEALTHY. CHEW STICKS ARE RECOMMENDED AS THEY ARE KNOWN FOR INCREASING A RABBIT’S MENTAL STIMULATION.
* FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, KEEPING THIS PARTICULAR BREED IN AN ENCLOSED HUTCH IS NECESSARY. HOUSING NEEDS TO BE BIG ENOUGH (MODERATE-SIZED) SO THAT THE ENGLISH LOP CAN STRETCH OUT WITHOUT TOUCHING THE WALLS (AT LEAST 2-TIMES LONGER THAN THE RABBIT’S SIZE).
Because of their docile nature, English Lop rabbits (Lifespan: 5–8 years) are great pets for seniors and people working from home.
4. CALIFORNIAN RABBITS
This large-sized breed will be perfect for both indoors and outdoors as they can even withstand snow. This American breed was made by cross-breeding a Chinchilla and a Himalayan rabbit and is known for its dense coat. Californian rabbits are identified by the black or dark points on their feet, ears, and nose. Their medium-sized cute eyes are red in color.
TEMPERAMENT: Docile, affectionate, playful, easy-going, and good-natured.
MUST-KNOW CARE TIPS:
* This breed loves to explore its surroundings and play with toys and humans. So, if this rabbit is kept caged for a long time, then it will massively affect its mental and physical health negatively. Regular interaction or bonding sessions and mentally stimulating toys will help. Do make sure that the toys or the interactions do not startle the rabbit as they are generally very shy and timid.
* The plush coat they are known for requires brushing at least twice a week to keep them in optimal condition. You have to brush at least 3-times a week during the springtime as this breed sheds during this period.
* You will need an extra-large-sized cage for this type of rabbit breed. As you have to provide space for a Californian rabbit to hop around, the cage needs to be at least 6-times the length of the rabbit. Do not place the cage near direct sunlight as this breed tend to get overheated quickly.
This shy breed will require ample bonding sessions. However, once bonded, this breed will not leave your side and will demand pets & cuddles. Thus, Californian rabbits (Lifespan: 5–9 years) are great pet rabbits for teenagers and adults looking for companionship.