Friendly Rabbit Breeds: Which Rabbit Breed Makes The Best Pet?

When choosing a rabbit as a pet, the breed is one of the main factors to consider. Rabbits vary greatly from breed to breed in terms of temperament, lifespan, care needs, and ease of handling. With over 60 rabbit breeds and over 500 varieties worldwide, there are plenty to choose from; this article provides information on the breeds most commonly seen as pets.

Rabbit breeds are classified into four sizes: dwarf, small/medium, large, and giant. As a general rule of thumb the smaller the breed the longer the lifespan, dwarf breeds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years while giant breeds have a shorter lifespan of 5-6 years.

Size also influences temperament, as larger breeds tend to be more laid back and friendly, while smaller or dwarf breeds can be very energetic, high-strung, and more difficult to handle. Long-haired breeds, like the Angora, need almost daily brushing, while very short-haired breeds, like the Rex, don’t need brushing at all.

Therefore the ‘best’ breed of rabbit for a pet in terms of friendliness and ease of care would be a large breed, eg English Spot, New Zealand, Californian, Standard Rex or French Lop. Dutch and Himalayan rabbits are also friendly and calm, despite being small to medium in size.

The most common pet breeds seen today are dwarf or small breeds, for example, Netherland Dwarf, Dwarf Lop, Mini Lop, Holland Lop, Lionhead, Mini Lion Lop, Polish, Mini Rex, etc. These have been bred to look small and cute with rounded heads, however these breeds are at a much higher risk of dental disease which can be very expensive to treat. They are also not recommended for inexperienced rabbit keepers or children, as their lively and energetic nature makes them more difficult to handle.

Copyright 2011 Hannah Davis / Bunnyhugga.com All Rights Reserved