For thousands of years, humans have used pets as companions. Whether looking for a pet suitable for one person, a couple moving into their first home together or a family with multiple kids around the house, one has much to consider when deciding which pet to purchase. A dog or cat may be what initially comes to mind; however, one may also want to give thought to adding a rabbit as the next family addition.
Whether you’re trying to decide if you should get a rabbit or not, there are many aspects to consider about having a rabbit as a pet. All different rabbit breeds have different qualities that should be considered when choosing a rabbit as a pet. The breed of rabbit that is best suited for you is dependent on your living situation.
There are needs that every pet rabbit has, but certain rabbit breeds may have greater needs than others. Here are the top 10 most popular breeds to consider when choosing the newest member of your family.
Mini Lops
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Mini lops are one of the most popular breeds of rabbits. They are adorable and have long ears that lop down the sides of their face. They come in various colors and patterns. A mini lop’s personality typically is extremely friendly and playful, which makes them perfect for families and children. They love playing and require toys and regular exercise. However, mini lops can also be very loving and cuddly. Because of their need for attention and play, these rabbits often match best with families with older children who can play with them. As long as they are getting the necessary attention and love, these rabbits will be happy and amazing pets.
Dutch
Dutch rabbits are some of the calmest, most loving and easy-to-maintain breeds of rabbits. They are often popular with children because of their extremely calm demeanor. They will usually stay calm even around excited and energetic children. Dutch rabbits love being held and snuggled. They are one of the smallest rabbit breeds, weighing only four to five pounds. They are a great choice for a family with young children.
Mini Rex
The mini rex is one of the most popular sub-breeds of the rex family. They are loving and protective. They are very low maintenance and love to play. Mini rex rabbits tend to enjoy being petted as opposed to being held. They are not the most child-friendly of rabbit breeds but are in no way mean or aggressive. Mini rex rabbits weigh five to eight pounds and live five to eight years old.
Lionhead
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Lionhead rabbits are mostly known for their peculiar physical appearance. Their name says it all. They have a mane, like a lion, around their neck and head. But there is much more to this breed than their adorable looks. This is one of the most affectionate of rabbit breeds. They love people and being held. Lionheads will thrive in an environment full of love and attention. However, this breed takes a little more work than most. They take some time to build trust and can be timid at first. Lionhead rabbits also require more maintenance and grooming due to their long manes. But if you are willing to put in the love and work, this breed of rabbit is hard to beat.
Harlequin
Speaking of unique-looking rabbit breeds, Harlequin rabbits have very distinct markings. They are also some of the most energetic and playful rabbit breeds. They love to be outside and run around. They are not the most cuddly of breeds. As a part of the rex rabbit family, they also do not particularly love being held or snuggled. They will fit best in situations that offer lots of attention and play. They are medium-sized rabbits weighing between six to ten pounds.
Himalayan
One of the most easygoing and loving rabbits is the Himalayan rabbit. They are a balanced breed who love to both play and snuggle. They are very calm and laid back, making them perfect for first-time rabbit owners. They love being outside and in the sunshine. They would be happiest in a home with a yard for them to hop around.
Chinchilla
Another breed of rabbit that loves being out of its hutch is the chinchilla rabbit. They aren’t actually related to chinchillas, but get their name from their soft, gray coat of fur. They have a very similar personality to Himalayan rabbits. They aren’t particularly energetic and love laying around outside. If you are looking for an easy and low-maintenance rabbit, chinchilla rabbits are a perfect match.
Polish
Polish rabbits have a personality that is very different from rex breeds. Rather than running around and playing, Polish rabbits prefer to snuggle and be held. They love being handled and do great with children. However, be cautious with young children as Polish rabbits are very small and can easily be dropped and injured. They do not require much space and are perfect for small houses and apartments.
Jersey Wooly
If there is a rabbit that is more low energy and docile than the Polish rabbit, it could arguably be the Jersey wooly rabbit. These lazy rabbits are happy to lay on the couch next to you for hours. They love snuggles and being held. They are excellent with children. They are just as small as the Polish rabbit, so they are great for rabbit owners with limited space in their homes.
Flemish
Flemish rabbits are very different from the other rabbits on this list. In fact, they are unique from almost all rabbit breeds. Flemish rabbits are the largest rabbit breed, weighing up to 20 pounds. Because of their size, they require much more space than other rabbits. They are very easy to be handled by children because of their large size and their extremely calm nature. If you have a large space for the rabbit to run around, Flemish rabbits are an excellent choice.
Rabbits will make excellent pets for you and your family, regardless of which breed you choose. You may have your eye on one that you may want to bring home. The next step is figuring out what you need for your future fluffy friend, then you are well on your way to welcoming this new pet into your home.
