Rabbits make wonderful pets for many people. With their soft fur, twitching noses, and energetic personalities, it’s no wonder they are the third most popular pet in the United States. If you’re considering getting a pet rabbit, one of the most exciting parts is choosing which breed is right for you and your family.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There are over 50 recognized rabbit breeds that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, fur types, and temperaments. Some of the most popular breeds include the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Lionhead, and English Lop.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore over 50 different rabbit breeds, providing pictures and descriptions of their appearance, size, temperament, and other special traits. We’ve organized the breeds into categories based on their size, ear type, and fur type to help you easily find the perfect breed for your needs.
Small Rabbit Breeds
Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf is one of the tiniest rabbit breeds, weighing only 1-2 pounds when fully grown. They have a compact body and come in various colors and patterns. Despite their small size, Netherland Dwarfs are known for their lively and energetic nature.
They have a friendly temperament and make great companions for both children and adults.
Holland Lop
The Holland Lop is a popular small rabbit breed known for its adorable floppy ears. They have a compact body and a friendly and gentle nature, making them great pets for families. Holland Lops come in a variety of colors and patterns and are easy to handle and care for.
Mini Rex
The Mini Rex is a small rabbit breed known for its soft and velvety fur. They have a muscular build and come in a wide range of colors. Mini Rex rabbits are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for both children and adults.
They are also relatively low-maintenance and require minimal grooming.
Polish
The Polish rabbit breed is one of the smallest breeds, weighing around 2-3 pounds when fully grown. They have a compact and rounded body with a distinctive small head. Polish rabbits are known for their playful and energetic nature.
They come in various colors and are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both experienced and first-time rabbit owners.
Britannia Petite
The Britannia Petite is a small rabbit breed that originated in England. They have a compact and slender body and weigh around 2-2.5 pounds when fully grown. Britannia Petites are known for their lively and curious nature.
They have a friendly temperament and make great pets for families with older children.
Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot is a small rabbit breed known for its distinctive appearance. They have a compact body and short ears, but their most striking feature is their white fur with dark circles around their eyes. Dwarf Hotots are known for their friendly and calm nature.
They require regular grooming to keep their fur in good condition.
Himalayan
The Himalayan rabbit breed is known for its unique coat pattern, characterized by a white body with colored points on the ears, nose, feet, and tail. They have a small and compact body and weigh around 2.5-4 pounds when fully grown.
Himalayans are known for their calm and gentle nature and make great pets for families.
Medium Rabbit Breeds
Mini Lop
The Mini Lop is a popular medium-sized rabbit breed known for its adorable appearance and friendly personality. These charming rabbits have lop ears that hang down on the sides of their heads, giving them an irresistibly cute look.
Mini Lops are great companions and are often described as being gentle and affectionate. They come in various colors and patterns, making them a delightful addition to any rabbit lover’s family.
Lionhead
The Lionhead is a medium-sized rabbit breed that stands out for its unique mane-like fur around its head, resembling that of a lion. This fluffy mane makes them look absolutely adorable and earns them their name.
Lionheads are known for their playful and curious nature, and they are often considered to be one of the friendliest rabbit breeds. Their small size and compact build make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor living.
English Angora
The English Angora is a medium-sized rabbit breed that is famous for its long, soft, and luxurious wool. These rabbits require regular grooming to keep their fur tangle-free and in good condition. Their wool can be harvested and spun into yarn, making them popular among craft enthusiasts and fiber artists.
English Angoras are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them great pets for both individuals and families.
French Angora
The French Angora is another medium-sized rabbit breed known for its beautiful, long wool. Like the English Angora, they require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their fur healthy. French Angoras are known for their friendly and sociable nature, and they can form strong bonds with their owners.
Their wool is highly valued for its softness and is often used in the production of luxurious garments.
American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop is a medium-sized rabbit breed that combines the cuteness of the Lop breed with a soft, wool-like coat. These rabbits have lop ears and a dense, fluffy fur that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
American Fuzzy Lops are known for their playful and friendly nature, making them great pets for families with children. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, adding to their appeal.
Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly is a small to medium-sized rabbit breed known for its dense, plush coat of wool. Despite their small size, they have a sturdy build and are often described as being robust and well-proportioned.
Jersey Woolies are friendly and easy to handle, making them suitable for families and individuals alike. Their wool is highly prized for its softness and is often used in crafting projects.
Florida White
The Florida White is a medium-sized rabbit breed that is known for its striking white coat and compact build. These rabbits have a friendly and calm temperament, which makes them great companions for both children and adults.
Florida Whites are popular show rabbits due to their neatly rounded bodies and beautiful white fur. They are also known for their excellent meat production qualities, making them a versatile breed.
Large Rabbit Breeds
Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant is one of the largest rabbit breeds in the world, known for its impressive size and friendly temperament. Originating from Belgium, these gentle giants can weigh up to 22 pounds and measure over two feet in length.
They have a docile nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Flemish Giants have a distinctive appearance with their long ears, broad head, and muscular body. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, and white.
For more information on Flemish Giants, you can visit https://www.arba.net/flemish.htm.
Checkered Giant
The Checkered Giant is another large rabbit breed, known for its striking coat pattern and impressive size. Originating from England, these rabbits can weigh up to 12 pounds and have a strong, muscular build. They have a friendly and calm temperament, making them suitable pets for families.
Checkered Giants have a unique coat pattern consisting of alternating blocks of color, usually black and white. Their distinctive appearance makes them stand out among other rabbit breeds.
For more information on Checkered Giants, you can visit https://checkeredgiant.org/.
English Lop
The English Lop is a large rabbit breed known for its long, floppy ears that can measure up to 21 inches in length. Originating from England, these rabbits have a distinctive appearance and a gentle, friendly nature.
English Lops have a medium-sized body and come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and chocolate. Their unique ear shape sets them apart from other breeds and makes them a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts.
For more information on English Lops, you can visit https://www.englishlops.com/.
French Lop
The French Lop is a large and muscular rabbit breed that originated in France. They have a solid and stocky build, weighing up to 14 pounds. French Lops have a friendly and calm temperament, making them suitable pets for families.
They have a dense and lustrous coat that comes in various colors, including black, blue, and fawn. With their adorable droopy ears and affectionate nature, French Lops have become popular pets worldwide.
For more information on French Lops, you can visit https://www.frenchlop.org/.
Giant Chinchilla
The Giant Chinchilla is a large rabbit breed that was developed in the United States. They have a solid and compact build, weighing between 12 to 16 pounds. Giant Chinchillas have a friendly and outgoing temperament, making them great companions for families.
They have a dense and luxurious coat that comes in a beautiful silver color, resembling the fur of a chinchilla. These rabbits are not only known for their size but also for their gentle and affectionate nature.
For more information on Giant Chinchillas, you can visit https://www.giantchinchilla.com/.
Giant Papillon
The Giant Papillon, also known as the Continental Giant, is a large rabbit breed that originated in Germany. They have a slender and muscular build, weighing between 12 to 14 pounds. Giant Papillons have a friendly and curious temperament, making them wonderful pets for families.
They have a short and dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and butterfly-patterned. With their striking appearance and playful nature, Giant Papillons have gained popularity worldwide.
For more information on Giant Papillons, you can visit https://www.giantpapillons.com/.
Argentine Brun
The Argentine Brun is a large rabbit breed that originated in Argentina. They have a muscular and robust build, weighing between 9 to 12 pounds. Argentine Bruns have a friendly and calm temperament, making them suitable pets for families.
They have a dense and plush coat that comes in a beautiful brown color. These rabbits are not only known for their size but also for their gentle and affectionate nature.
For more information on Argentine Bruns, you can visit https://www.argentinebrun.com/.
Rabbit Breeds with Erect Ears
There are several rabbit breeds that have the distinctive feature of erect ears. These breeds are known for their alert and curious nature, making them popular choices among rabbit enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at some of these breeds:
English Spot
The English Spot is a medium-sized breed known for its unique coat pattern of spots. With their erect ears and slender bodies, they are a visually striking breed. English Spots are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great pets for families.
Rhinelander
The Rhinelander is a larger breed of rabbit that also sports erect ears. They have a distinct coat pattern of alternating colored bands, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance. Rhinelanders are known for their docile temperament and make great pets for both individuals and families.
Harlequin
The Harlequin breed is known for its colorful coat pattern, consisting of alternating colored patches on a white background. With their erect ears and compact bodies, Harlequins are a charming and lively breed.
They are known to be energetic and enjoy interactive play, making them great companions for active individuals.
Rex
The Rex breed is known for its plush and velvety fur, which sets them apart from other breeds. They have erect ears and a compact body, giving them a unique and stylish appearance. Rex rabbits are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them popular choices as pets.
Silver Fox
With their striking silver-gray fur and erect ears, the Silver Fox breed is a true beauty. They are a larger breed of rabbit known for their gentle and calm temperament. Silver Fox rabbits make wonderful pets for those looking for a laid-back companion.
Tan
The Tan breed is known for its distinctive tan markings on a white or black background. They have erect ears and a compact body shape, making them visually appealing. Tans are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great pets for families.
Havana
The Havana breed is known for its rich, chocolate-colored fur and erect ears. They are a medium-sized breed with a calm and docile temperament. Havanas are known to be great companions and make excellent pets for individuals and families alike.
These are just a few of the rabbit breeds with erect ears. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and personality traits, so it’s important to research and choose the breed that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Rabbit Breeds with Lop Ears
Holland Lop
The Holland Lop is a popular breed known for its adorable lop ears. These rabbits have a compact body and weigh between 2-4 pounds. They have a friendly and docile temperament, making them great pets for families with children.
Holland Lops come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid, broken, and shaded. Their small size and cute appearance make them a favorite among rabbit enthusiasts.
Mini Lop
The Mini Lop is another breed that features lop ears. They are slightly larger than Holland Lops, weighing between 4-6 pounds. Mini Lops have a round, compact body and a playful and friendly personality. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing pets.
Mini Lops are known for their curious nature and make great companions for both adults and children.
English Lop
The English Lop is a unique breed with extremely long and floppy ears that can measure up to 21 inches in length! These rabbits have a slender body and weigh around 9-11 pounds. English Lops are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them ideal for rabbit shows and as pets.
Their distinctive ears give them a regal and elegant appearance, making them a fascinating breed to observe and care for.
French Lop
The French Lop is one of the largest lop-eared breeds, weighing between 10-15 pounds. They have a muscular build and powerful hindquarters. French Lops have lop ears that hang down and give them a distinctive and endearing look.
Despite their size, French Lops are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great pets for families. Their large size and unique appearance make them a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts.
American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop is a breed that combines the lop ear trait with a long and dense wool coat. They have a compact body and weigh around 3-4 pounds. American Fuzzy Lops are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. Their soft and fluffy fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
These rabbits make great companions and are often kept as pets or shown in rabbit competitions.
Velveteen Lop
The Velveteen Lop is a breed that features a unique velvety coat and lop ears. They have a compact and muscular body, weighing between 4-6 pounds. Velveteen Lops have a friendly and affectionate nature, making them great pets for families.
Their soft and plush fur requires regular grooming to maintain its velvety texture. These rabbits are visually striking and are often admired for their beautiful appearance.
Mini Velveteen Lop
The Mini Velveteen Lop is a smaller version of the Velveteen Lop breed. They have a compact body and weigh between 2.5-4 pounds. Mini Velveteen Lops have the same velvety coat and lop ears as their larger counterparts.
They are known for their playful and energetic nature, making them great companions for both adults and children. These rabbits are highly regarded for their unique appearance and make wonderful pets.
Wool Breeds
English Angora
The English Angora is a charming breed known for its luxurious wool. These rabbits have a dense and soft coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. English Angoras are medium-sized rabbits with a rounded body and a distinctive face. They are friendly and gentle, making them popular pets.
If you’re looking for a rabbit with an impressive wool coat, the English Angora is a fantastic choice.
French Angora
The French Angora is another breed renowned for its long and silky wool. These rabbits have a compact and muscular body, and their wool is known for its exceptional quality. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep the wool in top condition.
French Angoras are friendly and sociable, making them great companions. If you’re interested in a rabbit with a beautiful, lustrous coat, consider the French Angora.
Giant Angora
As the name suggests, the Giant Angora is a large breed known for its impressive wool production. These rabbits have a sturdy frame and a dense, woolly coat. They require dedicated grooming to keep their wool tangle-free and healthy.
Giant Angoras are known for their playful and curious nature, making them delightful pets. If you’re looking for a rabbit with a substantial wool yield, the Giant Angora is an excellent choice.
American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop is a unique breed that combines the charm of a wool rabbit with adorable lop ears. These rabbits have a compact and rounded body, and their wool is soft and fluffy. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s appearance.
American Fuzzy Lops are known for their friendly and gentle temperament, making them ideal for families. If you’re searching for a rabbit with a cute appearance and a woolly coat, the American Fuzzy Lop is a perfect choice.
Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly is a small and compact breed known for its dense and plush wool. These rabbits have a rounded body and a sweet expression. Despite their small size, Jersey Woolys produce a significant amount of wool. Grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
Jersey Woolys are friendly and easy to handle, making them popular pets. If you’re interested in a rabbit with a compact size and a fluffy coat, consider the Jersey Wooly.
Lionhead
The Lionhead is a popular breed known for its unique appearance and woolly mane. These rabbits have a compact and rounded body, and their wool is soft and dense. The distinctive mane around their head gives them a lion-like appearance.
Lionheads require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat in top condition. They are friendly and sociable, making them great companions. If you’re looking for a rabbit with a striking appearance and a fluffy mane, the Lionhead is an excellent choice.
American Sable
The American Sable is a breed that combines a stunning appearance with a soft and dense wool coat. These rabbits have a graceful and elegant body shape. Their wool is known for its warmth and beautiful color. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s appearance.
American Sables are friendly and easy to handle, making them suitable pets. If you’re interested in a rabbit with an attractive coat and a friendly temperament, consider the American Sable.
Conclusion
With over 50 breeds to choose from, there is a perfect rabbit breed for every family and living situation. Whether you want a tiny cuddle bug or a larger rabbit that loves to play, selecting the right breed will help ensure a happy life together with your new furry friend.
Do plenty of research to make sure you understand each breed’s care requirements, temperament, and health considerations. Armed with the information in this guide and pictures of these adorable rabbits, you’re sure to find the perfect match!
