You’ve been thinking about raising a rabbit for a while now, but you’re quite overwhelmed with the number of breeds available today. We understand. Indeed, choosing the best breed of rabbits can be overwhelming.
With so many choices available, the task of finding the perfect rabbit for you is no easy task. Fortunately, we wrote this article to provide you useful tips and guidelines regarding finding the best breeds of rabbits for pets.
Before we give you our top 8 best breeds of rabbits, we must ask ourselves a few questions first, such as, am I ready to raise a rabbit? Do I have enough resources to feed them and take care of them? Do I have enough space for them to hop around? How large or how furry should my rabbit be? What rabbit color should I pick? Where can I buy the best breeds?
By asking yourself these questions, choosing the best breed should become a lot easier. Also, we must consider several factors first before we proceed in buying and raising a particular rabbit breed. Remember that not all rabbits have the same care requirements. Not all rabbits have the same temperament. Some rabbits are great for outdoors, while some are recommended for indoor keeping.
If you think that you’re ready and that you already considered these things, then it’s time for you to pick from the best breeds. Here are the top best breeds of rabbits for pets. Enjoy!
Top 8 Best Breeds of Rabbits for Pets
Dutch Rabbits
If you want a rabbit breed that is attractive and easy to maintain, then the Dutch rabbit is the best pet for you. It’s considered one of the most popular pets today, and this is because of its beautiful black and white or white and brown color pattern combination. They are also one of the calmest rabbit breeds that you can find today.
Your children are going to love them since they are friendly. But you need to know though that Dutch rabbits are quire shy at first, and so make sure that you encourage these beautiful pets first. Give them some treats when introducing yourself.
Aside from having distinctive black and white appearance and have a gentle personality, Dutch rabbits are also easy to care for. You need to note though that these rabbits require more exercise and should be able to run often. Therefore, you need to have a larger space when taking care of them. These rabbits have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years and can weigh from 4 to 5.5 lbs.
Mini Rex
If you think the Dutch Rabbits are too large for your household, then we recommend that you check out Mini Rex. It’s a super cute bunny that is known for its short necks and long and erected ears. You’ll also be going to love its smooth and dense fur. Their colors and patterns may also come in different varieties. And because they have a rounded body, cuddling them gives you greater warmth.
When it comes to personality, Mini Rex is quieter and calmer compared to other rabbit breeds. You also need to note that it’s pretty normal for these breeds to squirm, especially if you held them too tightly. Compared to Dutch Rabbits, Mini Rex requires less grooming and maintenance due to their shorter hair.
It can live up to 5 to 7 years. They can weigh from 3.5 to 4.5 lbs. Mini Rex is incredibly friendly and cute; this is why these rabbits are one of the top choices in France, which is their place of origin. You can also find lots of Mini Rex in America today.
English Spot
English Spots are also very popular. They possess distinctive colors and markings. They are also one of the oldest rabbit breed pet. For more than a century, English hops are found in many households. They are well-loved by many families all over the world. They are also like Dutch Rabbits, which have black and white spots. However, they have a longer archer body profile.
These rabbits can weigh from 5 to 8 lbs. and has a length of 1 foot. You’ll also find these breeds in black, blue, gold, gray, tortoise, and lilac color. Indeed, these are beautiful creatures that have unique and impressive physical attributes.
Aside from being cute and adorable, English Spots are also easygoing and friendly. They are also intelligent rabbit breeds. You need to note though that they easily get bored and so you have to include some interesting things and activity for them to play and have fun.
Dwarf Hotot
Want something cuter and smaller? Then the Dwarf Hotot is definitely for you. It has a size of 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. and considered as one of the smallest pet rabbits. But what they lack in size they make up for their cuteness and loveliness. This particular breed is known for its small and upright ear. They are also known for their white coat and dark spots or “eyeliners” on their eyes.
Dwarf Hotot is also among the friendliest and sweetest rabbit breeds out there. The owner must show great care for them. They require more interaction and need to be feed healthily. Also, these rabbits loved to be handled frequently, which is why they are perfect for kids.
Because of their size, they don’t require you to install large cages. They can live a happy and healthy life even in a small cage or enclosure. You should also make sure that you don’t overfeed them. Let your kids play with them and build a bond together. With proper care and nourishment, these rabbits can live from 7 to 10 years.
Holland Lop
It’s safe to say that all rabbits are cute, but not all rabbits are like Holland Lop. These adorable rabbits are known for their large and floppy ears. They either have solid or broken coloring. Holland Lops are also very active and energetic, making them the best pets for kids who love to play. You have to be patient, though, since they tend to resist being picked up and held.
When it comes to ease of care, this particular breed needs more brushing, especially during the summertime. Also, it’s recommended that you allow them to roam around your backyard freely. They are incredibly friendly, and they love the outdoor life. If you provide them the right nutrition and proper care, you can expect these rabbits to live from 7 to 14 years.
They are originally from the Netherlands and are now officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. They can weigh between 2 to 4 lbs. Their energy and excitable nature make them very fun to play with.
Mini Lop
Another beautiful pet that you can own is the Mini Lop. This particular breed is perfect for those who are looking for rabbits that have rounder bodies. They have large heads and thick ears. They also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It’s also among the top-selling rabbits in the world today.
Aside from being cute and adorable, Mini Lops are also very easy to maintain. What they need is enough space to be able to run out of their cages or enclosures. You also have to watch out for them from time to time since they like to chew on random objects.
Mini Lops are sweet, calm, friendly, and easy-going. They are indeed an ideal pet for children. They enjoy your cuddles and would like to interact with human beings. It also gives them joy if you held them more often.
Lionhead
Lionhead needs no introduction – but we’re going to write anyway because they deserve it. Also considered as one of the most popular rabbit breeds of all time, Lionheads are known for their distinctive flyaway coats. They have a long and unruly fair on their head part, which truly makes them look like a lion.
Imagine raising a lion bunny. It sounds and looks like fun! This particular breed is very easy to maintain, and ease of care is great even for beginners. However, you need to note, though that they require more grooming and fur care since it can easily get tangled. Nonetheless, they are perfect for kids since they are affectionate and energetic.
This breed also loves to be picked up and carried. With proper care and nourishment, Lionheads can live from 7 to 10 years old. If you want a rabbit that is cute, cuddly, and has lots of furs, then the Lionhead is for you.
Mini Satin
Want a rabbit that shines? The Mini Satin has a shiny coat that makes you think you are raising a shiny, animated pillow. They are so cute, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. What’s more, is that they are very gentle and calm. Although they can be quite squirmy if you held them frequently.
The appearance of the Mini Satin breed is irresistible. They have a rounded body and have a full head. And when it comes to taking care of them, they don’t require much from you. You can keep them even in small spaces, and they can live happily, even in small apartments. Also, they are not that active compared to other breeds.
It’s important that you feed them properly. Their lifespan can reach from 5 to 8 years old. If you love to own a rabbit that has a very soft, shiny, and lustrous fur, then we highly recommend that you get a Mini Satin. Undoubtedly, your kids are going to love them for life.
Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf might be the smallest in the list with a size of 1.1 to 2.5 lbs. only. These are extremely small rabbits that have small and short ears. But don’t be deceived with their size, these cuties are very energetic and are very fun to watch. However, they can also be shy and skittish sometimes. And so, they might not be best for children.
However, if you’re looking for a rabbit that doesn’t require huge space, then the Netherland Dwarf is the right breed for you. You need to take note, though, that these rabbits require more regular exercise. You also have to monitor is diet.
Although they are not best for kids, for adults, this particular breed will not disappoint. They’re incredible companions. They love a stable and quiet environment. If you prefer to be alone but wanted a rabbit, then we could not recommend this breed more.
Final Thoughts
When buying a rabbit, be sure that you always check the reputation of the breeder. Don’t forget to ask for tips or information on how to raise the rabbit that you’re about to buy. The best breeder or pet store is the one that can provide you outstanding customer care service. If all is set and your mind and heart are ready, then it’s time for you to raise, breed, and love these incredible rabbit pets.
