Anyone who is planning to buy a rabbit must take the time to think about several pointers first. There is an overwhelming number of rabbit types and breeds out there. If you want to make sure that you’re making the right decision when buying a rabbit, you have to spend some of your time conducting online research. The task of finding the right type of rabbit for your lifestyle can be a daunting task, but research makes things a lot easier.
Before buying a rabbit, it’s important to note that not all rabbits are created equal. Some rabbits are larger than the others. Some breeds are also friendlier compared to other breeds. Indeed, this beautiful pet comes in different shapes, sizes, coats, furs, colors, and even prices. There are expensive rabbits, and there are those that are more affordable.
It’s recommended that you know the different types of rabbits before you start buying one. One of the advantages of knowing different types and rabbits of rabbits is that you will surely be able to choose a rabbit that is perfect for your personality, home, and lifestyle. Like for instance, if you’re contemplating on giving your children rabbits, then you must consider breeds that are sweet, friendly, calm, and able to pull off some few tricks.
If you’re having problems choosing the right type of rabbit that you’re going to buy and raise, then this article is for you. We wrote this just for you to provide useful information about the different types of rabbits. Aside from helping you determine different types and breeds, we’ll also provide you helpful tips and pieces of advice on where to buy these rabbits and how you can properly take care of them. If you’re ready, then it’s time for us to check the list of different types of rabbits.
Different Types of Rabbits
According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are 47 different breed rabbits out there that fit their rabbit breed standard. The number is indeed staggering – imagine choosing from more than 40 types of rabbits? Well, the good news is, we’ve divided these breeds into 5 types categories. Here are some of the type categories that you should check out before buying a rabbit.
Full-Arch Rabbit Breeds
Full-arch rabbit breeds are one of the most popular and widely known rabbits today. The shape of their body and form can be easily recognized. As its name implies, it has a fully arch body. These beautiful rabbits have a fully arched body type, which makes them look a lot more confident. And speaking of characters and behaviors, rabbits that belonged to this particular breed are always energetic.
They are one of the most alert rabbit breeds on the planet – hence, the design or anatomy of their bodies. Some rabbit breeders say that these types of rabbits are best for the rabbit show. They are also always alert, and you can easily still this when their ears are erected. Fully arched rabbit breeds include Britannia Petite, Checkered Giant, Belgian Hare, Rhinelander, Tan, and Checkered Giant.
Semi-Arched Types of Rabbits
You’ll also find semi-arched types of rabbits, and they are as popular as the fully arched ones. One of the most famous breeds that belonged to this particular category is English Lop. What makes this particular breed very attractive is their shape and curve that truly resembles that of a mandolin. This type of rabbit is definitely for people who appreciate aesthetics.
Pet lovers will easily notice that they have head and shoulders that are almost hugging the table or any spot where you’re placing them. The loins of these rabbits gracefully rise to the peak. Also, its hindquarters fall right to the tail. Semi-arched types of rabbits are indeed best for people who are searching for rabbits that have a more interesting shape. Semi arched types of rabbits include English Lop, Giant Chinchilla, Flemish Giant, American, and Beveren. And aside from being beautiful, these rabbits are also sweet and very friendly to human beings.
Commercial Rabbit Breeds
Another popular category that you should consider when choosing a rabbit is the commercial rabbit breeds. Commercial rabbits are also one of the most common body types that can be observed in most domesticated rabbits. These rabbits are raised for meat production. This is because commercial rabbits tend to grow faster compared to other breeds. Many experts in the rabbit community say that this type of breed looks almost the same as Compact Rabbit breeds – although much bigger.
One popular sample of commercial rabbits is the Californian rabbits. This particular breed is ideal for meat since they can easily, rapidly, and quickly grow. It is said that this breed can be harvested after 8 weeks of age. Another example of commercial rabbits in New Zealand rabbits. If you’re planning to raise a rabbit for business, then you might want to consider commercial types of rabbits. Other samples of commercial rabbits include Cinnamon, American Chinchilla, Harlequin, French Lop, Hotot, Palomino, and re rabbits. Although these types of the breed can also be raised for pets.
Compact Rabbit Breeds
These are great for those who wanted to raise smaller rabbit breeds. Because of their size, they require less space and food items. This also means that you’ll be able to save a lot of money. Although most compact rabbits are small, there are still many medium-sized rabbits that fit into this category. You’ll easily notice the roundness of their body and how tightly constructed their anatomy is.
Some rabbit breeders would describe compact rabbits as cobby, which is round and has a small neck. They look like pint-sized commercial rabbits, and children love them so much. But don’t be deceived by the size of this rabbit since they have a huge heart. They are also friendly and very smart. Here are some samples of compact rabbit breeds: English Angora, standard chinchilla, Dwarf Hotot, Dutch, Florida White, Havana, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Lilac, Mini Lop, and Mini Rex.
Cylindrical Rabbit Breeds
Last but not least, the cylindrical rabbit breeds. This particular breed is unique and rare. There’s only one representative from this category, and it’s the Himalayan rabbit. A lot of breeders all over the world wanted to own this type of rabbit because of their uniqueness. They have a cylindrical body. If you posed them on top of a table, you’d easily notice how unique the shape of their bodies is.
Himalayan rabbits are quite rare. This particular rabbit has a long, round, and slinky body. Their bodies look like that of a snake and have no apparent rise to the hindquarters are other rabbit breeds have. Most of their colors range from dark, white, and diluted. You can also find cylindrical rabbits that have spots or points like a Siamese cat.
Rabbits According to Size
Rabbits can also be categorized by size. Small rabbit breeds weigh about under 6 lbs. or 2.7 kg. Medium rabbit breeds are over 6 lbs. or 2.7 kg. and can go up to 9 lbs. or 4.1 kg. Large rabbit breeds are over 9 lbs. or 4.1 kg. through 11 lbs. or 5 kg. Meanwhile, Giant Rabbit Breeds are more than 11 lbs. or 5 kg.
What’s Your Purpose for Raising Rabbits?
Apart from considering the size, shape, fur, and price of the rabbit, you should also ask yourself what your reasons are for buying and raising a rabbit. Are you raising them for a hobby? Do you want to just raise pets for your kids to have an awesome companion? Or are you raising these creatures for meat purposes? Perhaps you want to earn an income through rabbit meat? Maybe you are into textiles, and you want to harvest the rabbit’s fur and create bags, clothing, or accessories. Or maybe you are into research who want to raise, bred, create, and study.
Tips for Choosing the Best Rabbit
Regardless of what your reasons are for raising a rabbit, you must have an idea of what kind of rabbit breed or category you are looking for. It’s also essential that you do extra research or ask for pieces of advice from your friends or families who have been raising and breeding rabbits for many years now. Again, you must consider the factors mentioned above to ensure that you achieve your goals when buying and raising rabbits.
It’s also recommended that you contact a reliable and reputable veterinarian. If you want to ensure that your rabbit stays healthy and free from any diseases or sicknesses, then you should know which vet clinic you should go to. Of course, before you entrust them with your beloved pet, make sure that you check their credentials, reputation, and background history. It’s also advisable that you check for reviews and ratings made by their customers in the past. And if you think that they have adequate experience in taking care of rabbits, then the best thing that you can do is to send your rabbit to their clinic for a checkup. Follow these guidelines, and there’s no doubt that you’ll find the right rabbit for you and your family.
