25 Popular Rabbit Breeds You'll Instantly Fall in Love With
Who doesn't love the idea of a cuddly, soft pet that can curl up on your lap? If you're considering getting a rabbit as a pet, good news: We've collected all the info you'll need on some of the most popular rabbit breeds. From the sweetest mini rabbits to extra-large rabbits that tip the scales at 20 pounds (that's bigger than most cats!), we've got the lowdown on dozens of rabbit breeds to help you make the best decision.
Before adopting a rabbit, it's important to do your research. The American Rabbit Breeders Association is sure to be a valuable resource, with plenty of info on different breeds and where you can buy them. Despite popular belief, rabbits don't just sit in their enclosure all day. They need plenty of playtime with rabbit toys, as well as regular grooming and appropriate socialization. Rabbits can also be very sensitive, so they're not always the best pets for a home with boisterous young children. That said, there are plenty of rabbit breeds that are good family pets. It's also important to consider the fact that rabbits have a long lifespan, with some breeds typically living for more than 10 years.
If you're also considering a dog or cat as your next pet, don't miss our roundups of orange cat breeds, independent dog breeds, tall dog breeds, large dog breeds, and hairless cat breeds. We also have information on the best pet adoption websites if you're looking to get a pet from a rescue or shelter.
Holland Lop
The Holland Lop is one of the most popular breeds, according to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). These dainty rabbits weigh no more than four pounds and are typically friendly and playful.
Mini Lop
Although the name implies that these rabbits might be smaller than the Holland Lop, the Mini Lop can actually weigh up to six and a half pounds. They're stocky and compact and tend to be easy to train since they're very intelligent.
Dutch
Another one of the most popular breeds is the Dutch rabbit. They have a distinctive white and black coat and weigh no more than five and a half pounds. They tend to be easygoing and calm, making them great pets for families with children.
Lionhead
The lionhead rabbit has a gorgeous, full mane of fur that grows around their head. They require more grooming than most short-haired rabbit breeds to keep their mane healthy. These rabbits are very social with both people and other bunnies.
French Lop
How cute are those floppy ears? The French lop is a larger rabbit, typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. If you want a cuddly pet, this might be the breed for you. They bond quickly and have been known to follow their owners around, begging to be snuggled.
Californian
This breed was developed in Southern California in the 1920s. They're easily recognized by their white fur with dark brown or black spots around the nose, ears, feet, and tail. Californian rabbits have docile personalities, which generally makes them easy to handle.
Netherland Dwarf
These teeny-tiny rabbits are almost too cute for words. The Netherland Dwarf rabbit generally weighs about two pounds and can be shy and nervous when it first comes to a new home. These bunnies are best suited for a home without young children since they're easily frightened by loud noises.
English Lop
Fun fact: The English Lop has the longest ears of any rabbit breed. They're also the first lopped rabbit, with origins in the early 19th century. These rabbits are usually easygoing and not very active since their ears can make it hard for them to jump, climb, or walk.
Mini Rex
These adorable rabbits weigh less than five pounds and have a plush, velvety coat. The Mini Rex rabbits are relatively low-maintenance pets, though they do need to be handled gently due to their small size. With proper care, you'll have a cuddly little friend for the next eight to 12 years.
Flemish Giant
Flemish Giant rabbits are extra-large creatures who often weigh more than 20 pounds. They're believed to have originated in Belgium in the 16th century and were exported to America in the early 1890s. As pets, they need a larger cage and plenty of supervised time to roam around for exercise and socialization. They also need a diet with plenty of roughage.
Blanc De Hotot
This striking rabbit looks like it's wearing liquid eyeliner. It's a rare breed, but if you can find a Blanc de Hotot rabbit, you can expect to have a very sweet and docile pet. These gentle bunnies tend to live longer than the standard rabbit lifespan of eight to 12 years, so be sure you're committed to taking care of this pet for many years to come.
Havana
Throughout history, Havana rabbits have been prized for their velvety, plush fur. They weigh no more than six and a half pounds and typically have a playful and sweet temperament. They do well indoors and outdoors and tend to make good family pets.
Harlequin
Harlequin rabbits are one of the oldest domesticated rabbit breeds. They're playful, friendly, and have minimal grooming needs, making them a good option for first-time rabbit owners. However, they're very energetic and social, so owners should be prepared to give them at least three to four hours of supervised playtime outside of their cage each day.
Tan
These rabbits have gorgeous glossy coats. They're very high-energy and can be skittish, so it's best for them to live in a home with adults who have some experience raising rabbits. The majority of the Tan rabbit's diet is hay, and owners should supplement with pellets, fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
French Angora
There are at least 11 varieties of Angora rabbits, including the French Angora. These rabbits have a specific gene that allows their fur to grow rapidly, around one inch per month. They're truly beautiful animals, but that extravagant coat means that owners need to be diligent about grooming so the fur doesn't become tangled.
Rex
Another popular rabbit breed is the Rex rabbit. We've already highlighted the Mini Rex, which weighs less than five pounds. The Rex is slightly bigger, with a maximum weight of 10 and a half pounds. They're beloved for their dense, soft coat and their friendly personalities. These bunnies make for great family pets since they're typically fine with children (though kids should always be supervised when they're playing with or caring for a rabbit).
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Thrianta
The Thrianta rabbit, which was developed in Holland, is a great breed for first-time rabbit owners. They're gentle, sweet, and aren't particularly high-maintenance. They're also a good option for apartment dwellers since they do well indoors or outdoors. Of course, they need plenty of time outside their enclosure, no matter where you live.
Giant Chinchilla
Despite the name, this isn't technically a chinchilla. The Giant Chinchilla is a rabbit, and it was developed in the 1920s to produce the prized Chinchilla fur on as large a pelt as possible. They can weigh up to 16 pounds and have the nickname "The Million Dollar Rabbit," since the man who developed them was the first and possibly only individual to make a million dollars for the sale of rabbit breeding stock, according to ARBA.
Checkered Giant
If you want a rabbit that will get along with your other pets, such as cats or dogs, consider a larger breed like the Checkered Giant. They are very energetic and active, so owners should be prepared to spend lots of time playing with them. While these rabbits are gentle and friendly, they're generally less affectionate than other rabbit breeds.
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American
These sweet bunnies were developed in 1917 and typically weigh anywhere from nine to 11 pounds. American rabbits can be a little skittish around people; for this reason, they're not recommended for homes with small children. While these rabbits can be energetic, they tend to be more docile and will love hanging out around the house with you.
Mini Satin
These teeny-tiny rabbits weigh less than five pounds! They typically have round, full heads and can live happily in apartments since they don't need much space. Mini Satin rabbits are docile, calm, and sweet and typically live for five to eight years.
Rhinelander
Rhinelander rabbits were developed in Germany in the early 1900s. The markings on their fur are reminiscent of a calico cat. It's easy to train these rabbits to do tricks like standing on command, jumping over items, and even walking on a leash. You can also train them to use a litter box.
Belgian Hare
The Belgian Hare rabbit has a very distinctive look, with ears that point straight up and reddish-brown fur. These bunnies are agile, intelligent, and need lots of stimulation to stay happy. That said, they're also sensitive animals, so owners should be careful about handling them and work to understand their rabbit's body language. Once you and your Belgian Hare are bonded, you can expect to enjoy seven to 11 years of companionship.
English Spot
How pretty is this rabbit? The English Spot rabbit was first introduced to the U.S. in 1890 and quickly became popular because of their energetic temperament and beautiful looks. If you adopt one of these rabbits, you should be prepared to make sure it gets plenty of exercise. They're a running breed, so it's in their nature to zoom around.
Cinnamon
The Cinnamon rabbit has a beautiful short fur coat and a docile personality. These rabbits tend to be easy to care for, making them a great choice for first-time owners. They mostly groom themselves, and like most rabbits, their diet is mostly hay. They also do best when they have another bunny of the same breed for companionship, though you should make sure everyone is spayed (unless you want dozens of bunnies running around!).
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