Do you prefer fluffy bunnies with thick, soft coats? Or do you prefer a slim and sleek rabbit? Maybe you prefer something in between. There are literally hundreds of rabbit breeds to choose from. While that may seem like a mind-blowing number, it really just means there is a perfect rabbit breed waiting for you to discover.
Below, I’ll cover an impressive portion of the available domestic rabbits and give you a little information about each. Interested in a particular breed of rabbit? Follow the links to in-depth articles in order to get more information.
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American Checkered Giant Rabbit
The American checkered giant gets its name from the fact it can weigh more than 11 pounds once fully grown. Despite their size, these gentle, sweet rabbits are a favorite for their favorable dispositions and their beautiful black or blue markings. They are among some of the largest rabbit breeds, so you will need to have adequate room for one. If getting an American checkered, make sure you will have a cage big enough for the rabbit to comfortably live in.
These sweet bunnies are alert but friendly. They are active and playful, making them a fun pet for gentle, supervised kids. They need a larger cage than some other breeds, but they don’t require as much coat maintenance as the longer-haired rabbits.
American Chinchilla Rabbit
Named after the fluffy rodent, the American chinchilla rabbit is a lagomorph, like all other rabbits. It gets its name from its soft, silky fur that resembles the chinchilla, but they are not related. American Chinchilla rabbits are very common.
The American Chinchilla rabbit is also referred to as the “heavyweight chinchilla” because of their significant large build.
The American chinchilla rabbit can get up to 12 pounds and has a sturdy build. They are docile and sweet-natured, making them a good choice for families. Because they don’t have strict requirements for care, this is also a good breed for a novice rabbit owner.
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit
With a name like this, you can imagine how soft and fuzzy this breed of rabbit is. In fact, their hair is actually wool—you can spin it into yarn! They come in a variety of coat colors and always have an almost unkempt appearance due to the texture of their fur. They can live up to 10 years, and they have their origins in America.
Sweet, docile, and gentle, the American fuzzy lop will happily sit in your lap. They weigh about 4 pounds, so even small kids can enjoy a calm cuddle. They make great pets for respectful children. They do need frequent brushing, however, so this isn’t a good pet for people who don’t have time for grooming.
Angora Rabbit
The angora rabbit is one of the most recognizable names thanks to their wool making such great sweaters. They are a high-maintenance bunny that requires fastidious grooming to keep its fine wool in top shape. However, you may be able to have their hair trimmed off on a regular basis, in order to better maintenance their grooming.
There are several sub-types of angora rabbits. These include the English angora, French angora, giant angora, and the satin angora. The English angora can weigh as little as 5 pounds, while the giant angora can weight over 9 pounds. Before getting an angora rabbit as a pet, make sure to clarify with the person selling them what kind of angora rabbit you are getting.
The angora rabbit is generally sweet-natured and curious. It’s not as excitable as some other breeds, but it does enjoy play time with humans. They need some space to hop around, so this breed is best with a yard or with an indoor play area.
Britannia Petite Rabbit
As the name implies, the Britannia petite is a small bunny. In fact, it weighs a mere 2.5 pounds. This slender, delicate rabbit comes in a variety of colors. One distinguishing feature is the large, round, alert eyes. This breed is also known for being incredibly energetic. In fact, many owners and show-goers show their Britannia in rabbit agility competitions.
It is a sleek and fragile rabbit, so not well-suited for families with small children. While they are curious and friendly, they can be anxious and excitable. This breed is best suited for gentle and calm households that have space to let this little fella run. They may need considerably more exercise than some other breeds.
On average, the Britannia petite lives between 5 to 8 years. However, some have been known to make it up to 10 years.
Californian Rabbit
A simple, easy to please rabbit, the Californian is a favorite among families. It is sweet, curious, gentle, and playful, making it an ideal rabbit for older children and first-time rabbit owners. As their name suggests, they originate from California.
It has a dense, shedding coat with a fluffy appearance. They need regular grooming, but not nearly as much as some other breeds. Once a week is usually enough, but you may wish to bump that up to twice.
This breed enjoys play time with humans. They need a lot of time outside of their enclosures, so be sure to set aside cuddle and play time each day to keep your Californian happy. The Californian can weight up to 10 pounds on average, and can live as long as 5 to 10 years.
Continental Giant Rabbit
The Continental is a gentle giant breed of rabbit. They originally came about as the descendants of Flemish giants. Both the Continental and Flemish giants are known for their outrageous size; after all, they are the biggest of the rabbit breeds.
Continental rabbits can be traced back to the 16th century. They are one of the largest breeds of rabbit that you can find. They have a lovely disposition. In fact, many owners describe them as being “dog like” and very loyal. They only require very minimal grooming. However, they need a large cage and will probably eat significantly more than smaller breeds of rabbit.
On average, the Continental Giant weighs between 16 to 25 pounds, but one of the largest ones has been recorded as weighing over 50 pounds. However, their size drastically shortens their lifespan since most Continental giants only live to about 5 years of age.
Dutch Rabbit
If you’d like a simple, friendly rabbit that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, the Dutch might be a good option for you. This compact breed is great for families and singles; it’s adaptable and versatile, making it easy to integrate this little bunny into any family.
This is one of the oldest domesticated rabbit breeds, and it shows in their sweet demeanor and friendly disposition. Striking colors are nice to look at, and the coat is easy to maintain.
Weighing in at about generally 5 pounds or so, the Dutch rabbit is a good choice for all kinds of people. They are especially good for first-time rabbit owners. On average, they generally live for between 5 to 8 years. The Dutch rabbit is also known as the Hollander.
Dwarf Hotot Rabbit
This rabbit weighs in at a mere 3.5 pounds. It is a compact rabbit that makes a great pet for singles, seniors, and families with older children. The dwarf hotot is also a good rabbit for first-time owners. They are usually solid white with large, round, dark eyes.
This small bunny can live between 7 and 10 years and does very well in apartments or other small spaces. They’re sweet, affectionate, and energetic. These friendly little bunnies love playtime with their humans. They also love playmates of the same species, so you should consider getting two Dwarf Hotots so that each always has a playmate.
One of the most distinguishing features for this breed of rabbit is the round, broad head topped with small erect ears. It looks a little like a white chocolate Easter Bunny. These little guys originated in Germany.
English Lop Rabbit
The English lop rabbit has incredibly long, floppy ears. In fact, those long ears are one of its defining features. They make great pets for seniors and first-time rabbit owners. They’re also very good for families with children. They come in a variety of colors, and they have great personalities. They have an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years.
The English lop is a medium-sized rabbit. It can weigh up to 10.5 pounds. This breed a rabbit does not need regular grooming, as they tend to groom themselves just fine. You may occasionally wish to use a slicker brush to help remove stray hairs. But do pay attention to their ears and check for wax buildup.
Flemish Giant Rabbit
Another of the impressively large giant breeds, the Flemish giant can weigh an astounding 14 pounds. This is a sturdy breed that is good for families with children, first-time owners, and in homes with indoor and outdoor enclosures. Flemish giants have an average lifespan of 7 years, since giant rabbit breeds don’t tend to live as long as smaller ones.
Because of its size, the Flemish giant needs a little more room than smaller breeds. They have friendly, docile personalities. This breed of rabbit has relatively low maintenance requirements. An occasional brushing will help remove shedding hair, and it’ll keep their coat silky and soft.
Harlequin Rabbit
The medium-to-large sized harlequin rabbit has striking color combinations and patterns. It lives for five to eight years and can weigh up to 10 pounds. They are curious rabbits, fond of playing with their human companions. They are active, so they need some room to run. They’re also very affectionate rabbits.
The harlequin is a good choice for singles, families with children, and first-time rabbit owners. Though they do need some room to run and play, they still do exceptionally well in apartments.
Harlequin rabbits are named after their unique-looking color pattern. This is why they are also called the “clown” of rabbit breeds. The Harlequin rabbit originated from France, and they have been popular for a long time now.
Havana Rabbit
The compact Havana rabbit weighs in at about 5 pounds. This calm and affectionate bunny is great with children, first-time owners, and seniors. They are equally happy in an apartment or a house, but they should be kept indoors. The Havana rabbit has an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years.
The Havana rabbit has four officially recognized colors. Those colors are chocolate, blue, black, and broken. The broken color pattern is a lot like a Dalmatian. However, they are most famously known for the dark chocolate color variety. With their short, soft fur, they don’t require a lot of brushing, though they do enjoy grooming time with their humans.
And despite their name, these rabbits are from Holland and not from Cuba. They earned their name because the chocolate Havana rabbits fur is as dark as the color of Cuban cigars.
Himalayan Rabbit
The Himalayan is both one of the oldest breeds, and also one of the calmest in personality. The breed is so old that it’s origins are still primarily unknown. Himalayan rabbits are very popular to have as pest for children.
This docile, gentle rabbit is a good choice for families with children. It’s happy either indoors or outdoors. The Himalayan rabbit’s coat is short and soft, making it exceptionally easy to care for. A weekly brushing with a slicker brush is usually all it takes. They typically weigh between 2 to 4 pounds as adults, and have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
The Himalayan rabbit is always white with a variety of colored markings. The ears, nose, and feet are typically black, blue, chocolate, or lilac. Because of their appearance, they are often mistaken for the Californian rabbit.
Jersey Wooly Rabbit
Another tiny rabbit on our list of dwarf breeds, the Jersey wooly rabbit can weigh as little as 1 pound once full grown. On average, they generally weigh up to 3 pounds. It lives an impressive 7 to 10 years, and it is great for apartment living. This delicate, sweet bunny does surprisingly well in families with children, but it’s also a great rabbit for first-time owners. They are known for their docile nature, and they do well with a lot of attention from their families.
As the name implies, this rabbit has a wooly coat. They require a bit more maintenance than a short-haired breed. At the very least, you will want to brush your Jersey wooly rabbit once a week. To prevent tangles and mats, you should consider brushing this rabbit three or four times a week. Be careful with what type of brush you use, since they have very sensitive skin.
The Jersey Wooly originated from New Jersey in the 1980’s. Today, they are an incredibly popular breed in the United States, and also in other surrounding countries. It is also believed that if you neuter or spay your Jersey Wooly, they could live even longer despite already have very long lifespans.
Lilac Rabbit Breed
Lilac rabbits are beautiful, alluring, and unique. The term “lilac” refers to both the breed, and the color of all rabbits of this breed. The Lilac breed of rabbits were first discovered in Great Britain in the early 20th century.
The medium-sizes lilac rabbit can live between 9 to 12 years. It is a fabulous rabbit for first-time owners, seniors, families with children, and indoor or outdoor enclosures. These rabbits typically weigh between 6 and 8 pounds and have a compact body shape. Lilac rabbits are known for being quiet and docile.
The Lilac rabbit has only one officially recognized color. The lilac color can be described as lavender, though it could appear purple, blue, or gray. This rabbit breed is relatively easy to care for. Its fur is short and soft, usually requiring only weekly brushing. According to the official breed standard, they should also have matching eyes.
Lionhead Rabbit Breed
As a fairly new rabbit breed in United States it was approved in 2014 as an official breed. Comes in many different colors. They are lots of fun to own. To find out more follow this article on Lionhead rabbit care
Mini Lop Rabbit
The mini lop is originally descended from the infamous German lop. Mini lops are known for their characteristic downward ears. Most mini lops are known for their friendly and playful personalities. They are also very smart, and there are reports of people being able to use clicker training to train them to obey commands.
The mini lop rabbit can live between 5 to 10 years. It is a medium-sized bunny weighing up to 6 pounds. This friendly and playful rabbit is a good choice for families with children. First-time rabbit owners may find this bunny especially easy to care for.
Despite this rabbit luxurious, medium length coat, they don’t require excessive grooming. The mini lop rabbit will enjoy a quick brushing once or twice a week. Because they are playful breed, the mini lop may demand your attention each day. Be sure to give your mini lop enough time out of its’ cage to play with it so that it does not get lonely.
Mini Rex Rabbit
The mini rex was first developed in Texas as the result of a cross between a dwarf rex and a lynx red. As a result, the mini rex we have come to know and love came into existence. They come in a rainbow of unique colors, and are usually fairly healthy.
The mini rex rabbit is one of the most unique-looking breeds. It has velvety fur with no long guard hairs. It is a small breed of rabbit weighing up to 4.5 pounds. In this breed, the females are usually bigger than the males. And like most smaller breeds, it has a nice long life span of about 10 years. This makes it a great pet for families with children and first-time owners. It is calm and curious, and also known to be quite friendly.
As far as rabbits go, this breed is very low maintenance. In fact, it’s recommended that you don’t brush the mini rex very often, as too much brushing can damage the coat’s texture. This breed will need more grooming during the times when it is molting.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
At an average weight of only 1.1 to 2.5 pounds, the Netherland dwarf is one of the smallest breeds of rabbit that you can bring into your home. This tiny, domestic rabbit is popular as both a pet or show rabbit. They can also live for about 10 to 12 years, which is much longer than most large or giant breeds of rabbits.
The Netherland dwarf comes in a variety of colors. With a tight, short coat, they do not require a lot of regular grooming maintenance.
If you’re considering a bunny as a pet for your child, the Netherland dwarf may not be a good choice. They are reasonably tame, but very small and very energetic. They may easily jump out of a child’s arms, and may be difficult to handle or catch because of their small size. These little guys need a significant amount of time to exercise every day.
New Zealand Rabbit
Despite its’ name, the New Zealand rabbit actually comes from North America. The New Zealand rabbit comes in white, black, blue, red, and broken color. However, the most popular variation of the breed is the solid white color. They are a very calm breed of rabbit, and they are well known for doing well with children.
The New Zealand rabbit is large and muscular. They are known for their beautiful coat, which takes a moderate amount of grooming each week.
New Zealand rabbits make wonderful pets if you are a first time rabbit owner. They are docile and easy to handle. The New Zealand rabbit will usually live between 5 to 6 years, or even up to 10 years if they are neutered. A full grown New Zealand rabbit will usually weight between 9 to 12 pounds.
Palomino Rabbit
The Palomino rabbit originated from Washington state in the United States. They are known for their golden color. This large breed of rabbit was originally debuted in 1952, and it was created by a breeder who wanted to make a new, unique breed of rabbit. This rabbit gets its’ name from the horse of the same color.
The Palomino rabbit weighs around 8 – 12 pounds on average, making it a rather large variety. They are incredibly docile, and they make great pets for families who have children. They are soft and fluffy, but do not require a lot of grooming.
Satin Rabbit
If you’re looking for a bunny with a unique look, why not consider a Satin? The Satin rabbit gets its’ name from the unique satin sheen visible on its’ fur. This means that their coats are bright and shiny, especially in the light.
Satin rabbits will grow to be between 8 to 11 pounds on average. However, mini Satins will only grow to about 6 pounds. Mini Satins may be smaller, but they still have the unique fur that has made this breed famous. All Satin rabbits should be groomed about once a week or more with a soft brush. Do not use a wire brush, as this can affect their satin sheen.
Children will get along well with Satin rabbits, as they are considered to be gentle and docile. Satin rabbits are friendly and love to be around their owners.
Silver Fox Rabbit
As the name suggests, the silver fox rabbit variety comes with a distinct, silver coat. They were originally developed in Ohio. Silver fox rabbits are actually notorious for being the third breed of rabbit to be developed in the United States. They are a rare breed, but very beautiful. In fact, they are considered one of the rarest breeds to ever find.
Silver fox rabbits are incredibly dense, and they require regular brushing. If you start to see your silver fox rabbit shedding more than normal, you should brush it more often. A silver fox rabbit will weigh about 9 pounds on average, and they have a lifespan of approximately 7 to 10 years. They are good for
