This page contains brief characteristics and descriptions of each of the most popular rabbit breeds, ranging from tiny to the largest rabbit you can get.
Tiny, 2-4 lbs:
Lionheads are given this name because they have a mane of wool around their neck similar to that of a lions. However, they still have normal fur on the rest of their bodies. As a pet, they are friendly, low maintenance and easy to train.
Dwarf Hotot, Image via Wikipedia
Dwarf Hotots are calm, curious creatures that enjoy human company and attention. They have a short, round body with a short coat that is easy to groom. Their ears are short and thick. These rabbits are completely white except a rim of black around their eyes, similar to a woman’s eyeliner.
Jersey Woolies are intelligent, playful and affectionate bunnies who relish the company of other breeds. The head is a squarish shape; their coat is low maintenance as it is non matting. As a baby (under six months) it may require grooming more often.
Netherland Dwarfs are normally quite playful rabbits. If handled correctly, they can be an excellent pet. They have large heads and eyes with a smaller body and very small ears.
Small, 3 to 5 lbs:
Dutch rabbits have a calm and easy going nature and distinctive markings. Its face has coloured cheeks and an even wedge of white running up the middle of its face. The neck is also a bright white colour and the rear legs have white paws.
The Himalayan rabbit is small and lean. Easy to handle, passive and boast a pleasant disposition. They are white with red eyes and coloured ears, feet, tail and nose.
mini rex, Image via Wikipedia
Holland Lop is one of the smallest breeds of lop rabbits. They have sweet, gentle natures, long loppish ears round faces and muscular bodies.
Mini Rex Rabbits are fundamentally just smaller versions of the Rex rabbit, They own the same striking fur coats, and are also sociable. Both the standard Rex and the Mini Rex make excellent house rabbits. They are relatively easily toilet trained, and will enjoy the company of humans and other animals if introduced in a non threatening way.
Medium, 4 to 7 lbs:
Florida Whites were originally bred to supply smaller animals for laboratory use. They are also used for meat and fur. They are good tempered and fast maturing so good for breeding. The perfect Florida White for showing is short bodied, well rounded with plenty of muscle for size in the hindquarters, back and shoulders.
English Spot, Image via Wikipedia
One of the oldest breeds of fancy rabbit is the English Spot. They are believed to be a relative of the Checkered Giant owing to their similar colour markings. The English Spot sports an arched body shape with long front legs, rounded hips and vertical ears.
The Havana rabbit is known to be quite docile, making the breed a wonderful companion. The coat is rich with a shiny appearance which is believed to have been derived from the Himalayan rabbit breed and the Satin rabbit breed.
Mini Lops are known for their friendly, playful and intelligent personalities. A Mini Lop that isn’t handled much and neglected may take on unattractive behaviour such as biting or stomping of their back feet. They love to be with their family and will show their disapproval if neglected.
Large, 6 to 10 lbs:
French Angora are very good wool producers with very little
maintenance. they are better for fibre purposes if kept groomed on a regular basis to keep the w
ool free from webs, mats, or felting. They have good bodies for meat purposes as their body consists of firm flesh over a well-nourished strong, sturdy frame.
French Angora, Image via Wikipedia
The Belgian Hare is believed to be one of the most intelligent and active breeds of domestic rabbit. Their head is long and their tail straight and carried in line with the backbone. Due to their size and energetic nature, it is advised that the Belgian Hare be provided with a large hutch or cage to enable them to move freely.
The Blanc d’Hotot is an all-purpose rabbit, bred for its meat, fur and as a show animal. Requiring regular and careful grooming keeps its white coat spotlessly glowing and has a striking appearance when cared for correctly. This docile rabbit makes a perfectly adorable friend.
Besides its sweet nature and docile personality this rabbit makes a stunning show animal. The Creme D’Argent Rabbit are generally quite calm and enjoy attention. However, despite its sweet nature and striking beauty, this breed of rabbit is rarer than many of the other breeds as their coats change colour as they age. The Creme D’Argent is born orange and gets lighter as it gets older, an old Creme D’Argent may even be quite light.
Giant 9 lbs +:
Giant Chinchillas are large, with mature bucks weighing in at 12 to 15 pounds and does at 13 to 16 pounds. Giant Chinchillas are generally quite calm and enjoy attention. They are often referred to as one of the gentle giant breeds.
Checkered Giant, Image via Wikipedia
The first of the lop rabbits, the English is essentially a showing breed and is not a very common pet rabbit. It is very distinctive with incredibly long lop ears, bold head and large body size.
The Checkered Giant has a body form that is more typical of a hare than a rabbit. The body is extended and well arched. Heads on bucks are generally larger than does (female rabbits). The ears are erect, set close together, and are heavy set. This breed generally has an excitable disposition and is often referred to as a “biter”.
Flemish Giants can grow bigger than a dog, handling a Flemish giant is more important than a mini lop for example, as the bite or scratch you get from them will be much more painful. A Flemish Giant may be a good choice if you are looking for something with a relaxed temperament that doesn’t need to run around like a mad thing too much.
An awe- inspiring Flemish Giant,Image via Wikipedia
How To Care For Your Rabbit 