So what are the 10 best pet rabbit breeds? Choosing an adorable and friendly pet rabbit may be difficult to accomplish, especially with the over 300 rabbit breeds available across the world. In America alone, over 50 pet rabbit breeds are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA); however, not all of them make good pets, especially for families with children.
Rabbit breeds differ in behavior and personality; some are extremely energetic and active, while others are shy and calm. Some breeds like being held, while others have moody temperaments. Regardless of the breed, you end up choosing as a pet; you need to be well informed and make sure it is the right breed that suits your household.
In this post, we have listed the 10 best pet rabbit breeds, emphasizing their personality traits, maintenance, size, and nutrition to help you make the best choice. Keep reading till the end.
Pet Rabbit Breeds
1. The Himalayan Rabbit
The Himalayan rabbit breed is a gentle and calm rabbit with unique dark markings on its feet, tail, and ears. It is one of the oldest pet rabbit breeds in existence. Due to its short fur, it cannot withstand harsh weather conditions. Therefore, you should make arrangements to transfer it indoors, especially during winter.
Characteristics
- Personality: Calm and patient
- Appearance: short, medium-sized, white fur with dark marks on the ear, tail, feet, and an egg-shaped mark on its nose.
- Size: weighs 5lbs when fully grown
- Life span: 5–8 years
- Compatibility with children: their gentle and calm nature makes them a great pet for kids
2. Standard Chinchilla
The standard chinchilla is a crossbreed of wild rabbits, the Himalayans, and wild rabbits. Its unique coat color and calm nature make it desirable as a great pet breed. This rabbit pet rabbit is famous as a pet breed because of its docile nature. The standard chinchilla loves being cuddled and is a great choice for families with children.
Characteristics
- Personality: docile and calm, enjoys being held and cuddled
- Appearance: plump body, erect ears, short, soft, medium-length fur
- Compatibility with children: their calm nature makes them a great pet choice for children
- Size: 5–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
3. Harlequin
The Harlequins are a playful and curious rabbit breed that makes a great choice as a family pet. They are well known for their broadheads and unique coatings. Their body markings come in distinct colors. Its ears are floppy and long.
This breed loves playing and socializing, which makes it a great pet and companion for children.
Characteristics
- Personality: curious, playful, and likes socializing.
- Compatibility with children: it is very compatible with children as it loves playing and socializing
- Appearance: medium-sized breed with unique coatings. Body markings are either bars or bands with a variety of colors.
- Size: 6.5–9.5 lbs when fully matured
4. Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly breed is a crossbreed of the French Angora and the Netherland Dwarf. It is one of the most desirable rabbit pet breeds in America because of its small, loving, and wooly nature. It has a square and bold head, which gives it a unique appearance. Its small and docile nature makes it a great pet choice for kids. Its wooly coats enable it to withstand harsh weather conditions even if the cage is outdoor during winter.
Characteristics
- Personality: docile and gentle. It does not bite or kick children
- Appearance: small body and short ears. Long/wooly fur, square and bold head
- Compatibility with children: its docile nature makes it extremely compatible with children
- Size: 1–3 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
5. Lionhead
The lionhead rabbit is a crossbreed between the Netherland Dwarf and Swiss Fox. Lionheads are affectionate, energetic and make a great choice of rabbit pet, especially for families with children. Its interactive nature makes it one of the best breeds for kids.
Characteristics
- Personality: affectionate, energetic, and loves to lay a lot. Loves to be cuddled, handled, and picked up
- Appearance: unique flyaway coat with long, unruly fur around the head
- Compatibility with children: great pet choice for children
- Size: 2.5–3.5 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
6. Netherland Dwarf
Unlike the other rabbit pet breed featured in this post, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed is not the best choice for families with children. However, they are a great pet choice for adults and make the best companion for adults with disabilities.
Characteristics
- Personality: timid and skittish but highly friendly
- Appearance: small rabbit with small and short ears
- Compatibility with children: its shy and skittish nature makes it not the best pet choice for children
- Size: 1.1–2.5 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
7. Mini Satin
The Mini Satin rabbit breed has a shiny coat with distinct patterns and colors. Its shiny brown color is the trademark of the breed. The soft, shiny coat of fur makes it suitable for stroking and cuddling. It is one of the best rabbit pet breeds for kids
Characteristics
- Personality: gentle and calm but can be skittish most times
- Appearance: shiny coat with distinct colors and patterns. Short well-rounded body
- Compatibility with children: ideal for children but its skittish nature
- Size: 3–4.5 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
8. Mini Lop
The mini lop rabbit breed has a unique and distinguishing feature with its long thick floppy ears and large head. It has a round body and multi-coated patterned fur. This rabbit breed is cheerful, playful, and can be trained, making it a great choice for a rabbit pet breed.
Characteristics
- Personality: loves socializing, being cuddled and held
- Appearance: round body with long, thick ears
- Compatibility with children: easy-going and incredibly sweet, making it a great pet choice for children
- Size: 4.5–6 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 5–10 years
9. Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot is a unique rabbit breed with distinctive coloring. It is famous for its dark coloring around the eyes and all-white coat fur.
Characteristics
- Personality: cheerful, friendly, and sociable. Loves to be cuddled and carried
- Appearance: small rabbit breed with small and upright ears. Very unique all-white coat fur with dark spots around the eyes
- Compatibility with children: bonds extremely well with its owners, making it a great pet choice for children
- Size: 2.5–3.5 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 7–10 years
10. Mini Rex
As the name implies, the Mini Rex is a small-sized rabbit pet breed that is incredibly friendly. It is a popular rabbit breed in America and one of the best pet choices for children.
Characteristics
- Personality: Very calm and quiet but maybe squirm if held too tightly
- Appearance: long erect ears, short and smooth fur
- Compatibility with children: its cheerful and calm nature makes it a great pet choice for children
- Size: 3.5–4.5 lbs when fully matured
- Lifespan: 5–7 years
Conclusion
Here we have them, the 10 best pet rabbit breeds. We believe that the information we have provided on each pet rabbit breed will help you choose the right breed that suits your household. Feel free to drop your comments in the comment section below.