Are you planning to purchase a pet rabbit for your home? Well, that is the best decision you can make. Rabbits can be the best companion thanks to the love and affection they provide. They not only adore human company but also bond perfectly with other types of pets.Before we get into details about the best type of rabbit that makes a great pet, let us first understand why rabbits make great pets.Why Rabbits Make Great Pets
- They can get along with children
Another reason why rabbits make a great pet is that they get along with children. They are playful animals that like to be lifted gently or cuddled. Make sure not to squeeze them because they might feel trapped and try to free themselves by all means.
- Rabbits are social animals
Many people love pet rabbits because they are social and affectionate. They can make a strong bond with you and the whole family, just like cats and dogs.
- They are easier to feed
Rabbits are herbivorous pets, so their diet consists mostly of seeds, cereals, fruits, and vegetables. With this simple diet, you will not encounter any problem feeding them.
- They are easier to train
Rabbits are very intelligent animals. For this reason, they are easier to train just like a cat or a dog. They quickly respond when they are called by name, perform tricks, and even follow instructions.
- Rabbits are Crepuscular
Crepuscular simply means they are not nocturnal or diurnal animals. They are very active at dusk and early in the morning, a schedule that is perfect for most people with a busy lifestyle.
- They don’t make a lot of noise
There is not appealing like having a silent pet. Rabbits fall into this category of quiet pets. They will not fill your house or compound with noise, just like dogs. Since they are silent animals, they will cheer you up with their quiet company.
- Rabbits do not need a large cage.
They can be housed in a medium-sized cage, large enough to place a food box, water container, and for a rabbit to exercise.
- They are very clean
Rabbits are clean and organized animals. They organize their own space, belongings, and continuously groom themselves. You have to brush their fur regularly to avoid knots because they lose plenty of hair.Rabbits Breeds That Makes a Great PetThere were at more than 300 breeds of domestic rabbits in more than 100 countries across the world. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) only recognizes around 60 breeds. That said, here are 16 breeds of rabbits that make great pets.
- Jersey Wooly
This breed was developed by crossing the Netherland Dwarf rabbit with a French Angora rabbit. The rabbit is small with compact body size and wooly coat. They weigh between 1 to 3 lbs. They have a lifespan of between 7 to 10 years range.
They make great pets because they are gentle and docile and their smooth Angora-like fur coat. If you learn how to take care of this breed, the rabbit can lead a happy and healthy life in your home.
- American Rabbit
American Rabbit is a breed recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. It has a body shaped like a mandolin and a fur-filled coat. It is large and weighs between 9 and 11 pounds when they are mature.
They make great pets because they have a sweet temperament, docile in nature, and excellent mothering abilities. These rabbits are a great choice for first-time pet rabbit owners because of their calmness. They don’t make great pets for kids because they are shy and may bite if not handled gently.
- Belgian Hare Rabbit
This is a breed of domestic rabbit that has been bred to resemble the wild hare. The breed weighs between 6 to 9 pounds and is known for its long and sturdy legs, slender and wiry frame. It was mainly developed as a meat breed, but they also make excellent exhibition rabbits and good pets.
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They make excellent pets and good companions because they are known to bet smart and intelligent. Because of their large size and energetic nature, the Belgian hare requires more maintenance and care compared to other breeds of rabbits. They can live indoor or outdoor.
- Californian Rabbits
The Californian rabbit, also known as the Californian is a breed of domestic rabbit initially developed for the meat and fur industries. They are pure white except for their tail, feet, nose, and ears, which are blue, black, lilac, or chocolate.
Californian rabbits make good makes for many pet enthusiasts because they are friendly and easy-going. If you are planning to keep this breed as a pet, then you will need to learn about their housing, feeding, and other care needs of this rabbit.
- Checkered Giant Rabbit
This large breed was developed in the Lorraine region of France. The breed was developed from the large French lop-eared rabbit, spotted rabbits, and a Flemish giant rabbit. The breed weighs around 5kg but can get heavier. It has a slender, muscular build body, long arched back, a wide head, and powerful legs.
This awesome domesticated rabbits make a great pet thanks to their excellent temperament. They can make good pets provided you give them attention and have the time to care for them properly.
- Dutch Rabbit
The Dutch rabbit is a small rabbit breed with short hair and a smooth coat. According to the American Dutch Rabbit Club, the breed weighs between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds. By the age of six, you will know how big your Dutch rabbit pet will grow.
Dutch are commonly used for showing off because of their unique markings. They are popular pet breeds because of their manageable size, calmness, and easy-going nature. They also make great pets because they are intelligent, and friendly. Additionally, they thrive on attention.
- Blanc de Hotot
Blanc de Hotot originated from France but spread throughout Europe and North America. It is medium-sized, compact, thick white with black rings on the eyes. They can easily be spotted by their black eyeliner, which contrasts the rest of the white body.
Their sweet disposition makes them an excellent choice for pet lovers looking to have their first pet. They also do well with other pets and with children as long as they grow up with them. Taking them outside for a walk and regular brushing are fantastic ways to create a strong bond with them.
- English Spot
This breed of rabbits sleeps during the day and becomes most active in the morning and night. The average lifespan of this breed is about five to eight years. English Spot rabbits make good pets because they are usually very good with children and sweet.
The English Spot rabbits love to be stroked and cuddled when approached in the right way. Since they are playful, the rabbit needs some toys for playing and exercising. Otherwise, avoid disturbing your rabbit when it is relaxing or sleeping.
- Flemish Giant Rabbit
This is one of the largest breed of domestic rabbits commonly considered a utility breed that is bred for fur and meat. This breed can also make a good pet for anyone who is looking for a trusted companion.
These giant bunnies make good companions and loving family pets. They are social pets that thrive when they are taken care of and considered as part of the family. That is not all. They are also smart and easy to train. Once they fully trained, you can allow them to roam free around your home.
- French Angora Rabbit
The French Angora Rabbit is one of the domesticated rabbit, primarily bred for the Angora wool. These long fibers gathered by plucking, combing, or shearing. They possess a clean face and front feet, with some tufting on the rear legs.
Other people love to keep the breed as a pet, for showing off. Either way, they are intelligent and quite docile creatures. They make good pets for many pet lovers as long as you are prepared to spend some time grooming them.
- Harlequin Rabbit
The Harlequin is a colorful rabbit breed originally from France. The breed is best known for markings and coloration, rather than body and fur type. They weigh between 2 to 3 Kg depending on the sub-species. The breed was developed by crossing together the semi-wild Tortoiseshell Dutch rabbit with a wild rabbits.
Harlequin Rabbit Breed
They make good pets because they are smart, playful, and can be affectionate. They are arguably the gentlest breed of all the breeds we have mentioned here. They cope well with even the most stubborn child.
- Holland Lop Rabbit
Holland Lop is a domesticated rabbit breed that was recognized by the Netherlands’ Governing Rabbit Council and the Netherlands’ Governing Rabbit Council. The breed weighs a maximum weight of 4 lb., making it one of the smallest rabbit breeds you can take as a pet.
They have short, dense fur and have the typical floppy ears and endearing faces of all lop rabbits. They make great pets for many pet lovers because they have the affectionate disposition and sweet looks. Like most rabbits, Holland Lop Rabbits generally do not feel safe when being held unless they are held correctly.
- Lionhead Rabbit
Lionhead Rabbits are a small breed of rabbits with compact, rounded bodies. They are the best companions that live between seven and ten years. Their beauty, perkiness, and good-natured attributes make them excellent pets for adults alike. They are also tolerant of children.
This breed of rabbit is friendly and well-mannered with a good personality. They enjoy regular attention of other rabbits and their owners a lot that they find it difficult to be on their own. Understanding the basics of care and the special needs of this breed will help ensure they live a long and healthy life.
- Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit breed originated in the Netherlands but recognized by both the British Rabbit Council and American Rabbit Breeders Association. They weigh around 1.2 pounds on average, making them one of the smallest rabbit breeds you can ever purchase as a pet.
They make perfect pets because they are cute, cuddly, and petite. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is a bit more skittish and can retain a more energetic disposition compared to other pet rabbit breeds. Purchasing this particular rabbit breed will add a lot of interest and fun to your home.
- Tan Rabbit
The Tan rabbit is a small fancy breed that originated from England but gained popularity in the United States in recent years. They come in four-color varieties, which include lilac, chocolate, blue, and black. Full-grown Tans weigh between 4 to 6 pounds.
This breed of rabbit is lively, playful, and energetic. They enjoy running and playing around the house or cage. They are intelligent breeds, so it is easier to train them new tricks and agility courses. Though the breed is by no means a quiet rabbit, they have a friendly, sweet, and out-going temperament.
- Standard Chinchilla
This is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the rabbit fancier’s history. The breed weighs between 5 to 7 lbs. and can live between five to eight years.
Many pet enthusiasts choose standard chinchillas as their pets because they are docile, calm, and enjoy being held. The only downside of keeping this breed as a pet is that they are susceptible to overgrown teeth and need a spacious room to stretch and play.Wrapping UpAs you can see, there are several breeds of rabbits, which you can keep as a companion without any stress. Some of these breeds need frequent grooming, while others need to be let out to run more often. Still, others simply need a lot of attention and human interaction, as well as strict dietary restrictions.If you are in the market for a rabbit that makes a great pet, always choose a low-maintenance rabbit breed.