Rabbits can make wonderful pets or show animals. From small to large, there are a wide variety of breeds to choose from. Some breeds are known for their docile nature, and others for their vibrant colors. No matter what you’re looking for in a pet or show rabbit, there is a breed that is perfect for you.
1. Mini Lop
The Mini Lop rabbit breed is a small to medium-sized rabbit that is known for its adorable appearance and friendly personality. These rabbits are popular pets due to their gentle nature and adaptability to living in small spaces, such as apartments.
The Mini Lop breed was first developed in Germany in the 1970s by breeding larger Lop rabbits with smaller breeds. They were officially recognized as a breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1984.
One of the most notable features of Mini Lops is their floppy ears, which can be up to 7 inches long. These long ears, combined with their round faces and fluffy fur, give Mini Lops a cute and cuddly appearance. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and spotted.
They are known to be curious and intelligent, and they can be easily trained to do tricks such as jumping through hoops and fetching small objects.
Mini Lops can make great pets for both children and adults, as they are gentle and affectionate.
With their charming personalities and cute appearance they make great pets and are sure to bring joy to any home.
2. Holland Lop
The Holland Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its small size and lop ears. This breed is a popular choice for both show rabbits and as pets due to their friendly and affectionate personalities.
Holland Lops were first developed in the Netherlands in the 1950s by Adrian de Cock, who wanted to create a small, lop-eared rabbit that was suitable for showing. De Cock crossed the French Lop, a large breed with droopy ears, with the Netherland Dwarf, a small breed with upright ears. The result was the Holland Lop, which has the small size and cute appearance of the Netherland Dwarf, combined with the lop ears of the French Lop.
Holland Lops have a short, compact body with a round head and big, round eyes. Their ears hang down close to their cheeks, and they have a thick, soft coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, white, chocolate, blue, and broken (a combination of two or more colors). They typically weigh between 2.5 and 4 pounds as adults, making them one of the smallest rabbit breeds.
One of the most endearing traits of Holland Lops is their friendly and outgoing personality. They are known to be very social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners and other rabbits. They are also relatively easy to handle and make great pets for both adults and children.
The Holland Lop is a delightful breed that is well-suited to both showing and as a pet. They are small, friendly, and affectionate, and make great companions for people of all ages. If you are considering adding a rabbit to your family, the Holland Lop is definitely worth considering.
3. Mini Rex
The Mini Rex rabbit breed is a small, intelligent breed that is known for its soft, velvety coat and friendly personality.
The Mini Rex breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s by breeding standard Rex rabbits with smaller breeds. The result was a smaller rabbit with the same distinctive Rex coat, which is characterized by a plush, velvety texture.
Mini Rex rabbits are compact and well-proportioned, with a round head, short ears, and a strong, sturdy body. They weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds and come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red.
In addition to their physical characteristics, Mini Rex rabbits are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are intelligent, curious animals that are easy to train and enjoy interacting with their owners. They are also social animals and do well in pairs or small groups.
4. Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is a small breed of domesticated rabbit that originated in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. Known for their tiny size and adorable appearance, these rabbits have become popular pets around the world.
One of the main characteristics of the Netherland Dwarf is its small size, which makes it an ideal pet for people living in small spaces. These rabbits weigh between one and two pounds and are typically no more than 8 inches in length. They have short, round bodies and small ears that are proportionate to their size.
In terms of coloring, Netherland Dwarfs come in a variety of shades and patterns. Some common colors include black, blue, chocolate, and red, but they can also be found in white, gray, and a variety of other shades. There are also a number of different pattern variations, including agouti, broken, and self.
Despite their small size, Netherland Dwarfs are known for their energetic and playful personalities. They are intelligent animals that can be trained to do tricks and are generally easy to handle.
5. Lionhead
The Lionhead rabbit is a relatively new breed that was first recognized by the British Rabbit Council in 2002. It is a small to medium-sized breed, weighing between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds. The breed is known for its distinctive mane of long, silky fur that encircles its head, giving it the appearance of a lion.
The Lionhead rabbit has a round, compact body with short, stocky legs. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, chocolate, and blue. The breed is known for its gentle, docile personality and makes a great pet for both children and adults.
The Lionhead rabbit is a relatively easy breed to care for, as they have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming.
The Lionhead rabbit is a great breed for both experienced rabbit owners and those new to rabbit ownership. They are gentle, docile creatures that make great companions and are relatively easy to care for.
6. Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in Flanders, a region in Belgium. These rabbits are known for their large size and gentle disposition, making them a popular choice for both pet owners and show exhibitors.
One of the most distinctive features of the Flemish Giant rabbit is its size. These rabbits can weigh up to 20 pounds and reach lengths of up to 3 feet. They have a sturdy and muscular build, with broad shoulders and a large head. The Flemish Giant rabbit also has long, thick fur that is typically a steel blue color, although they can also be found in other colors such as sandy, fawn, light gray, and white.
Despite their intimidating size, Flemish Giant rabbits are known for their gentle and docile nature. They are easy to handle and are generally good with children, making them a suitable pet for families. Flemish Giant rabbits are also intelligent and can be trained to do basic tricks and perform in shows.
7. French Lop
The French Lop Rabbit is a large, lop-eared breed of domestic rabbit known for its calm and gentle disposition. Originally from France, the French Lop Rabbit has become a popular pet all over the world.
One of the main characteristics of the French Lop Rabbit is its size. These rabbits can weigh up to 10 pounds, making them one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbit. They have a stocky, muscular build, with thick, soft fur and long, floppy ears that hang down the sides of their face. French Lop Rabbits come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, gray, and white.
In addition to their size and appearance, French Lop Rabbits are known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are generally easy to handle and make great pets for both adults and children. They are also social animals and enjoy the company of other rabbits, as well as humans.
8. English Angora
The English Angora rabbit is a breed of domesticated rabbit that is known for its long, silky wool. This breed originated in Turkey, where it was prized for its luxurious wool, and was later imported to Europe and the United States. English Angoras are medium to large in size, with a body that is well-proportioned and elegant. They have a distinctive, angular head and large, perky ears that stand upright.
The most striking feature of the English Angora rabbit is its long, soft wool, which is typically white but can also be found in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, and red. The wool is thick and dense, and it requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free. English Angoras are known for their docile, calm temperament, making them a popular choice as pets, as well as show animals.
English Angoras are bred for their wool, which is used to make a variety of products, including sweaters, scarves, and blankets. The wool is particularly prized for its softness and warmth, and it is often used in high-end fashion and home decor items. English Angora wool is also used in the production of hand-spun yarns and other handmade craft items.
9. Giant Angora
The Giant Angora rabbit breed is a large and majestic animal that is known for its long, luxurious wool coat. These rabbits are known for their docile and gentle nature, making them a popular choice for both show and pet purposes.
The Giant Angora rabbit breed was first developed in the 17th century in Ankara, Turkey, where it was used for its soft wool which was used to make clothing and other textiles. The breed was later introduced to Europe in the 18th century and has been bred in many countries around the world since then.
The Giant Angora rabbit is a large breed, with males weighing between 10 and 12 pounds and females weighing between 8 and 10 pounds. They have a round and compact body with a wide chest and short, stocky legs. Their most distinguishing feature is their long, thick wool coat, which can grow up to 10 inches in length and requires regular grooming to maintain its soft and fluffy appearance.
The Giant Angora rabbit breed comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, chocolate, and many others. They have a gentle and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for both show and pet purposes.
10. French Angora
The French Angora rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its long, silky fur. It is one of the oldest rabbit breeds in the world, dating back to the 16th century in France. French Angoras are small to medium in size, with a body that is well-balanced and muscular. They have a long, elegant neck and a head that is well-proportioned to their body.
One of the most distinctive features of the French Angora is its luxurious coat of fur. The coat is made up of both guard hairs and down hairs, which gives it its unique texture and appearance. The guard hairs are longer and coarser, and help to protect the rabbit’s skin from the elements. The down hairs, on the other hand, are shorter and softer, and provide insulation for the rabbit.
The French Angora rabbit comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Some French Angoras also have markings on their fur, such as spots or splashes of color. The breed is known for its calm and docile temperament, making it a popular choice as a pet. They are also intelligent and easy to train, and can learn basic commands and tricks with relative ease.
11. Californian
The Californian rabbit is a popular breed of domestic rabbit that originated in the United States. It is a large breed, with males weighing around 10-12 pounds and females weighing around 11-13 pounds. The Californian rabbit has a sleek, glossy coat that is predominantly white, with black markings on the ears, nose, feet, and tail.
The Californian rabbit was developed in the 1920s in California as a commercial rabbit breed for meat and fur production. It was created by breeding New Zealand White rabbits with Flemish Giant rabbits, resulting in a rabbit with a larger body size and a soft, fluffy coat.
The Californian rabbit is known for its docile temperament and ease of handling, making it a popular choice for novice rabbit owners. It is also a hardy breed, able to withstand colder temperatures and is resistant to many common rabbit diseases.
In addition to its striking appearance, the Californian rabbit is also known for its high fertility rate and efficient meat production. It is a popular choice for commercial rabbitries and small-scale rabbit farmers, as it is able to produce a large number of offspring in a short amount of time.
12. Rex
The Rex Rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its distinct, velvety fur. The breed was first developed in France in the early 1900s, and it has since become popular around the world as a pet and show rabbit.
One of the most notable features of the Rex Rabbit is its fur, which is soft, dense, and velvety to the touch. The breed has a short, plush coat that is uniform in length and texture, and it does not shed as much as other breeds of rabbits.
The Rex Rabbit comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chinchilla, chocolate, lynx, opal, red, and white. The breed is also available in a number of patterns, including agouti, broken, pointed white, and self.
The Rex Rabbit is a medium-sized breed, with adults weighing between 4 and 8 pounds. They have a well-proportioned body with a broad head and a short, stocky neck. Their ears are medium in length and stand upright, and their eyes are large and expressive.
In addition to its unique fur, the Rex Rabbit is also known for its calm and docile personality. These rabbits are generally easy to handle and make great pets for both children and adults.
13. Dutch
The Dutch rabbit is a popular breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its distinctive black, white, and orange coloration. It is a small to medium-sized rabbit, weighing between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds, with a compact, stocky body and a round head.
The Dutch rabbit was first developed in the Netherlands in the 19th century, and it was originally bred as a meat rabbit. However, it quickly became popular as a pet due to its friendly personality and striking appearance. The breed was first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1888 and has been a popular choice for rabbit owners ever since.
One of the most striking features of the Dutch rabbit is its coloring. The breed has a black head, white body, and orange markings on the cheeks, chest, and legs. This color pattern is known as “tricolor” and is considered the standard for the breed. However, there are also variations of the Dutch rabbit that have a different color pattern, including blue, chocolate, and steel.
In addition to its appearance, the Dutch rabbit is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are generally easy to handle and make great pets for both children and adults.
14. Mini Satin
The Mini Satin rabbit breed is a small and elegant breed that is well-known for its sleek, glossy coat. These rabbits have a unique appearance, with long and slender bodies, large ears, and a distinctive satin sheen to their fur. They are an intelligent and social breed, making them a popular choice for both breeding and showing.
The Mini Satin breed was developed in the United States in the 1950s by breeding Mini Lops and Satin rabbits. The breed was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1959. Today, Mini Satins are widely recognized and popular throughout the world, with dedicated breed clubs and enthusiast groups in many countries.
One of the most distinctive features of Mini Satins is their coat. The breed is known for its satin-like sheen, which gives their fur a unique and luxurious appearance. The coat is soft and dense, with a short and velvety texture. Mini Satins come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and tortoiseshell.
In terms of size, Mini Satins are small rabbits, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds when fully grown. They have long and slender bodies, with large, upright ears and a round face. They are a compact breed, with a well-balanced and graceful appearance.
15. Satin
The Satin rabbit is a unique and attractive breed that is known for its glossy, satiny coat. This breed has been around for over 100 years, and it is prized for its beautiful appearance as well as its calm and friendly personality.
Satin rabbits are medium to large in size, with a weight ranging from 7 to 12 pounds. They have a long, slender body with a slightly arched back and long, delicate legs. The most distinctive feature of the Satin rabbit is its coat, which is long, soft, and shiny. The coat is so glossy that it appears to be satin, hence the breed’s name.
Satin rabbits come in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, tortoiseshell, and white. The breed standard for Satin rabbits requires that the coat be evenly colored and free of any patches or blemishes.
16. American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in the United States in the 1980s. It is a small rabbit, typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds, with a compact, round body and soft, dense fur. The breed is known for its distinctive “fuzzy” coat, which is characterized by a thick undercoat and long, wavy hairs that give the appearance of a plush, teddy bear-like texture.
The American Fuzzy Lop was developed by breeding Holland Lops, a small breed of rabbit with short, upright ears, with Angoras, a breed with long, silky fur. The goal was to create a breed with the body type and personality of a Holland Lop and the fluffy coat of an Angora. The result was the American Fuzzy Lop, which was recognized as a distinct breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1988.
American Fuzzy Lops come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red, and there are even self-colored varieties that have a single color throughout their entire coat.
While the American Fuzzy Lop is a relatively new breed, it has already gained a loyal following among rabbit enthusiasts. Its friendly personality and fluffy, cuddly appearance make it a perfect companion for anyone looking for a small, affectionate pet.
17. Jersey Woolly
The Jersey Woolly is a small to medium-sized breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its dense, fluffy coat and friendly personality. It is a popular breed for both show and as a pet, and is widely recognized for its gentle disposition and playful nature.
The Jersey Woolly was developed in the United States in the 1980s by breeding Netherland Dwarfs, a small breed of rabbit with a compact body and short, upright ears, with Angoras, a breed with long, silky fur. The goal was to create a breed with the body type and personality of a Netherland Dwarf and the fluffy coat of an Angora. The result was the Jersey Woolly, which was recognized as a distinct breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1988.
One of the most appealing features of the Jersey Woolly is its soft, dense coat, which is characterized by a thick undercoat and long, wavy hairs that give the appearance of a plush, teddy bear-like texture. The breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red, and there are even self-colored varieties that have a single color throughout their entire coat.
18. English Lop
English Lop rabbits are a popular breed of domestic rabbit known for their long, floppy ears and calm, friendly personalities. They are a medium to large breed, weighing between 8 and 12 pounds as adults. English Lops have a strong, muscular body and a round, compact shape, with a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors including white, black, chocolate, blue, and more.
The breed was developed in England in the 19th century, and was named for the long, lop-eared rabbits that were popular in that country at the time. English Lops were originally used for meat and fur production, but they have since become popular as show rabbits and household pets.
One of the most distinctive features of English Lops is their long, floppy ears. These ears can grow up to 10 inches in length, and they are often held down close to the rabbit’s body. English Lops are known for their calm, gentle nature, making them a good choice for families with children or first-time rabbit owners.
19. New Zealand
The New Zealand rabbit breed is a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts due to its friendly and docile nature, as well as its versatility as a show rabbit or pet. Originally developed in the United States, the New Zealand rabbit breed was named after the country of New Zealand due to the breed’s distinctive white color, which is similar to the snowy white landscape of New Zealand.
The New Zealand rabbit is a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 8 and 12 pounds and females weighing between 10 and 12 pounds. They have a broad, powerful body with well-rounded hindquarters and a full, well-rounded chest. The New Zealand rabbit has a short, dense coat that is usually white, although it can also be red or black.
One of the most distinctive features of the New Zealand rabbit is its head, which is large and well-rounded with prominent cheekbones. The ears are medium in length and are carried upright, giving the New Zealand rabbit a alert and attentive appearance. The eyes are large and expressive, adding to the breed’s friendly and curious personality.
In addition to being popular as a pet, the New Zealand rabbit is also a popular show rabbit. They are judged on the quality of their coat, body conformation, and overall appearance. New Zealand rabbits are also known for their ability to produce high-quality meat, making them a popular choice among commercial rabbit breeders.
20. Cinnamon
The Cinnamon Rabbit is a unique and visually striking breed of domestic rabbit. With its beautiful reddish-brown coat and long, floppy ears, the Cinnamon Rabbit is a popular choice for rabbit owners and breeders alike.
The Cinnamon Rabbit is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the United States in the 1980s. It was created by breeding together several different rabbit breeds, including the Californian, Checkered Giant, New Zealand and Chinchilla, in order to create a rabbit with a unique and desirable coloration. The result was the Cinnamon Rabbit, which has a warm, reddish-brown coat that is often described as looking like cinnamon sticks.
One of the standout features of the Cinnamon Rabbit is its size. These rabbits can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching weights of up to 12 pounds.
21. Himalayan
The Himalayan rabbit breed was first developed in the United States in the 1920s. It was created by breeding rabbits with a genetic mutation that resulted in a white coat with colored points, similar to that of the Himalayan cat. The breed was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1949.
The Himalayan rabbit is named after the Himalayan mountain range, which stretches across Asia and is home to some of the highest peaks in the world. However, the breed has no actual connection to the region.
The breed was originally developed for its unique coloring, which is the result of a recessive gene. The Himalayan rabbit has a white coat with colored points on the ears, nose, feet, and tail. The most common colors for the points are red, black, and blue, although other colors, such as chocolate and lilac, have also been recognized by the ARBA.
Himalayan rabbits are small animals, typically weighing between 2 and 4 pounds.
22. Britannia Petite
The Britannia Petite rabbit is a small and cute breed that is known for its playful and energetic personality. These rabbits are native to the United Kingdom, where they were first developed in the early 20th century.
Britannia Petite rabbits are small in size, with a body length of around 8-10 inches and a weight of only 1-2 pounds. They have a round and fluffy appearance, with a short and dense coat that comes in a variety of colors including white, black, blue, chocolate, and more.
In terms of personality, Britannia Petite rabbits are known to be energetic and playful.
23. Florida White
The Florida White is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its snowy white coat and compact, commercial-type body. Originally developed in Florida in the early 20th century, the Florida White is now a popular choice for meat production, show exhibitions, and as a pet.
One of the main characteristics of the Florida White is its body type, which is known for being short and wide with a well-rounded hindquarter. Their adult weight typically ranges from 4 to 6 pounds.
The breed was developed in the early 1900s by a group of rabbit breeders in Florida who were looking to create a rabbit that could thrive in the hot and humid climate of the state. To achieve this, they crossed a number of different rabbit breeds, including the New Zealand White, the Californian, and the Chinchilla. The resulting breed was the Florida White, which was known for its white coat, which helped to reflect sunlight and keep the rabbit cool in the hot weather.’
24. Checkered Giant
The Checkered Giant rabbit breed is a large and distinctive breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its impressive size and distinct checkered pattern on its fur.
The Checkered Giant rabbit breed was developed in Germany in the late 1800s, and it is believed to be a cross between the Flemish Giant and the Belgian Hare breeds. The breed was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1916.
Checkered Giant rabbits are known for their large size, with adult males weighing between 12 and 16 pounds and adult females weighing between 10 and 14 pounds. They have a semi-arched body shape and long, slender legs, giving them a sleek and elegant appearance. The breed’s most distinctive feature is its unique fur pattern, which is a black and white checkerboard pattern that covers the entire body.
25. Creme d’Argent
The Creme d’Argent rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its unique coat color and calm, docile personality. This breed originated in France, and it has become a popular choice for both pet owners and show enthusiasts.
One of the most distinctive features of the Creme d’Argent rabbit is its coat color. As the name suggests, this breed has a creamy white coat that is a result of a genetic mutation.
The Creme d’Argent rabbit is a medium-sized breed, with males weighing around 9 pounds and females weighing around 8 pounds. They have a relatively compact body with a broad, round head and large, expressive eyes. They have a short, dense coat that is easy to groom and maintain.
26. Blanc de Hotot
The Blanc de Hotot is a small to medium-sized breed of rabbit that is known for its striking white coat and distinctive black markings around the eyes. This breed is relatively new, having been developed in the early 20th century by a French breeder named Madame Blanc de Hotot.
The Blanc de Hotot is a medium-sized breed, with adults weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. They have a compact, muscular body and strong legs.
One of the most distinctive features of the Blanc de Hotot is its pure white coat. This breed has a medium-length, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.
27. Harlequin
The Harlequin rabbit is a relatively new breed, having been developed in France in the late 19th century. They were created by crossing the Magpie and the Japanese rabbit, and were originally known as the “Japanese Harlequin.” The breed was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1926 and has since become a popular choice among rabbit fanciers. The Harlequin rabbit is a unique and eye-catching breed known for its distinctive coloring and playful personality.
One of the most notable features of the Harlequin rabbit is its colorful coat, which is typically black and white with splashes of orange or red. The breed has a medium-sized body with a round head and short, upright ears.
Adult harlequin rabbits weigh an average of between 6.5 to 9.5 pounds.
28. Palomino
The Palomino rabbit is a medium-sized breed known for its beautiful golden coat. Palomino rabbits typically weigh between 6 and 8 pounds. They have a compact body type with a short, thick neck and a broad, round head. Their ears are medium in length and should stand upright, and they have a short, fluffy tail.
The Palomino rabbit was first developed in the United States in the 1920s, and it quickly gained popularity due to its unique coloration. These rabbits are characterized by their golden-colored coat, which is a result of a recessive gene that gives them their unique coloring. The breed standard calls for a coat color that is a rich, golden chestnut with a white underside, and the color should be even throughout the body.
29. Polish
The Polish rabbit is a small, elegant breed that is known for its distinctive appearance and affectionate personality. Originally from Europe, this breed has become popular around the world due to its easy-going nature and ability to adapt to different environments.
The Polish rabbit is a relatively small breed, with a typical weight of around 3-4 pounds. They have a compact, rounded body with a full chest and well-rounded hindquarters. Their head is small and well-proportioned, with large, expressive eyes and upright ears that are slightly tilted forward. The breed is known for its distinctive coat, which is soft, fine, and shiny, with a dense undercoat. There are several recognized coat colors, including black, blue, broken, chocolate, and lilac, with or without white markings.
30. Standard Chinchilla
The Standard Chinchilla rabbit is a popular breed known for its beautiful, thick fur and gentle disposition. These rabbits are larger than many other breeds, weighing an average of 9-12 pounds as adults. They are also known for their long, rectangular bodies and well-rounded hindquarters.
The Standard Chinchilla rabbit is known for its unique fur, which is made up of long, soft hairs that give the rabbit a plush, velvety appearance. The fur is typically a mixture of black, white, and gray, with a distinctive “salt and pepper” pattern. The breed is also known for its bright, alert eyes and long, upright ears.
31. American Sable
The American Sable rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its striking sable colored coat. This breed is relatively new, having been developed in the United States in the 1950s.
The American Sable rabbit is a medium-sized breed, weighing between 6 and 8 pounds when fully grown. They have a compact, muscular body with strong legs and a well-rounded hind end.
One of the most distinctive features of the American Sable rabbit is its luxurious coat. The breed is named for the sable coloration of its fur, which ranges from a deep chestnut brown to a rich, chocolatey black. The coat is thick and glossy, with a plush texture that is soft to the touch. The American Sable’s coat is also characterized by a distinctive pattern of agouti hairs, which gives the rabbit a shimmering, iridescent appearance.
32. Silver
The Silver Rabbit is a relatively new breed of domestic rabbit that was first developed in the United States in the 1990s. This breed is known for its distinctive silver-gray coat, which gives it its name.
The Silver Rabbit breed is a medium to large rabbit, with a sturdy and well-balanced body. Adults weigh between 4 to 7 pounds on average. They have a medium length, thick fur that is soft and plush to the touch. The color of the Silver Rabbit’s coat is a uniform silver-gray, with no other markings or patterns.
33. Lilac
The Lilac rabbit is a rabbit that is known for its soft, silvery-gray fur and distinctive lavender hue. Originally developed in France in the early 20th century, this breed has gained popularity around the world for its unique coloration and gentle disposition.
Lilac rabbits are medium in size, typically weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. They have a compact, round body shape with strong legs and a short, upright tail. Their ears are medium in length and stand upright, and their head is well-balanced with a straight profile.
34. Thrianta
The Thrianta rabbit is a small to medium-sized breed that is known for its striking red coat and compact, muscular build. Originally from the Netherlands, this breed was developed in the early 20th century by crossing Dutch rabbits with Flemish Giants and other red-coated breeds.
In terms of weight, Thrianta rabbits are generally small to medium in size, with males weighing between 4 and 6 pounds and females weighing between 5 and 7 pounds.
35. Tan
The Tan Rabbit is a small to medium sized breed that originated in the United Kingdom. They are known for their distinctive chestnut-brown coloring and have a sleek, shiny coat. They have a compact, round body and medium length ears that stand upright.
The Tan Rabbit is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the late 19th century by breeding together small, black rabbits with larger, chestnut-colored ones.
In terms of weight, Tan rabbits typically weigh between 3 and 5 pounds when fully grown.
36. Silver Marten
The Silver Marten rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its glossy, silver-tipped fur and striking blue eyes. This breed is a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts and is known for its docile and friendly personality. The Silver Marten rabbit was first developed in the United States in the 1930s. It is believed to be a cross between a Chinchilla rabbit and a black rabbit, with the goal of creating a rabbit with a unique, shimmering coat. The breed was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1948.
One of the most distinctive features of the Silver Marten rabbit is its fur. The breed has a thick, dense coat that is tipped with silver, giving it a shimmering appearance. The coat is also soft and glossy, making it a pleasure to touch. The Silver Marten rabbit’s ears are medium in length and are upright, giving the breed a alert and attentive appearance.
In terms of size, the Silver Marten rabbit is considered a medium-sized breed. Adult rabbits typically weigh between 7 and 9 pounds, although males tend to be slightly larger than females. The breed has a compact, well-rounded body with a broad chest and strong legs.
37. Silver Fox
One of the most notable features of the Silver Fox rabbit is its luxurious silver-gray coat, which is made up of long, silky hairs. The coat is generally evenly colored, although some individuals may have a slightly darker or lighter shade. The Silver Fox rabbit also has a medium-sized build, with a body length of around 20 inches and a weight of around 8-12 pounds.
The Silver Fox rabbit is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the United States in the early 20th century. The breed was created by crossing various other rabbit breeds, including the Belgian Hare, the English Spot, and the Beveren. The goal was to create a breed with a unique coat color and a friendly, docile personality.
38. Rhinelander
One of the most distinctive features of the Rhinelander Rabbit is its color pattern. These rabbits have a white body with orange and black spots on their heads, ears, and feet. The spots are usually symmetrical, with the same number and placement on each side of the rabbit’s body.
The Rhinelander Rabbit is also known for its unique body shape, which is rounder and more pear-shaped than other rabbit breeds. This gives them a very distinctive appearance, and they are often referred to as “pear-shaped” rabbits. They have a full, fluffy coat that is soft to the touch, and their ears are relatively short and upright. They can weigh up to 10 pounds.
The Rhinelander Rabbit is considered a “rare breed” in the United States.
39. Havana
One of the most striking features of the Havana rabbit is its coat, which ranges in color from a deep, rich chocolate brown to a lighter, reddish-brown hue. The coat is thick and dense, and requires regular grooming to maintain its soft, shiny texture. The Havana rabbit also has a broad, round head with large, expressive eyes, and long, floppy ears that hang down on either side of its face.
In terms of size, the Havana rabbit is considered a medium-sized breed, weighing in at around 6-8 pounds when fully grown. Despite its compact size, the Havana rabbit is known for its muscular build and strong, sturdy legs, which make it well-suited for a variety of activities, including hopping and playing.
The history of the Havana rabbit can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was first developed in the United Kingdom as a cross between the Belgian Hare and the Dutch rabbit.
40. English Spot
These rabbits are small to medium in size and weigh between 5 and 8 pounds. They have a compact body with a round head and upright ears.
One of the most striking features of the English Spot is its coat, which is typically a combination of white and black or blue and has a distinct “butterfly” pattern on the nose and forehead. The breed also has a series of spots down the back and on the hindquarters, which gives it its name.
The English Spot has a long and interesting history. The breed was developed in England in the late 19th century, with the first recorded breeding taking place in 1882. It is believed to be a cross between the English Houserabbit and the Dutch rabbit, and was initially developed as a show rabbit. In the early 20th century, the English Spot became popular as a pet and was exported to other countries, including the United States.
41. Dwarf Papillon
The Dwarf Papillon is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the 1970s by breeding Miniature Lops and Netherland Dwarfs. It is a cross between these two breeds, resulting in a small rabbit with distinctive, erect ears that are adorned with markings resembling a butterfly. The breed is named for these markings, as “papillon” is French for butterfly.
The Dwarf Papillon is a small breed, with adult males weighing between 2 and 3.5 pounds and females weighing between 2.5 and 4 pounds. They have a compact, stocky body type and are known for their playful and energetic personality.
42. Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot rabbit is a small and charming breed that is known for its unique appearance. With its distinctive white coat and black eye circles, the Dwarf Hotot is a striking and eye-catching rabbit. Originally developed in Germany in the early 20th century, the breed became recognized by ARBA in 1983.
Dwarf Hotots are small in size, with a maximum weight of about 3 pounds. They have a compact and round body shape, with short, sturdy legs and a short, rounded head.
43. Champagne d’Argent
The Champagne d’Argent is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its unique silver-gray coloring and friendly personality. Champagne d’Argent Rabbits originated in France in the 16th century.
One of the most distinctive features of the Champagne d’Argent is its coat, which is a shiny silver-gray color with black markings on the nose, ears, and paws. The breed has a medium-sized body, with a broad chest and a full, round face. Their ears are short and upright, and they have a short, fluffy tail.
The Champagne d’Argent is a large breed that can weigh up to 12 pounds according to the ARBA standard.
44. Beveren
The Beveren rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in Belgium. They are a large breed, with a weight ranging from 9 to 12 pounds. Beverens are known for their long, dense fur, which is soft and silky to the touch. They come in a variety of colors.
Beverens were first developed in the early 1900s by a Belgian breeder named Edouard Lucas. He wanted to create a rabbit breed that would be suitable for both meat and fur production, and so he crossed several different breeds, including the Flemish Giant and the Blue Vienna. The resulting breed was called the Beveren, named after the town of Beveren in Belgium where Lucas lived.
One of the most distinctive features of the Beveren rabbit is its size. They are larger than most other domestic rabbit breeds, and their long, thick fur gives them a stately appearance.
45. Argente Brun
The Argente Brun rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in France. It is a medium-sized rabbit, with a weight range of 5 to 7 pounds. The breed is known for its distinctive coloration, which is a dark brown or black coat with silver-tipped hairs, giving it a shimmering, silver-gray appearance.
The Argente Brun is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the early 20th century. It was created by crossing the Argente rabbit, which is a silver-gray breed with a similar color pattern, with the Brun Angora rabbit, a breed known for its long, dense fur. The result was a rabbit with the shimmering silver-gray coat of the Argente and the long, soft fur of the Brun Angora.
46. American Chinchilla
American Chinchilla rabbits come in a range of colors, including black, blue, and chocolate. However, the most well-known and sought-after color is the “self” variety, which is a uniform color all over the rabbit’s body. The self-colored American Chinchilla can be black, blue, or chocolate, with each color having its own specific breed standard.
The American Chinchilla breed was developed by crossbreeding several other rabbit breeds, including the Silver Marten and the Giant Chinchilla.
American Chinchilla rabbits are medium to large in size, with a weight range of 8-12 pounds.
47. American
The American Rabbit Breed is a medium to large breed, with adults weighing between 8 and 12 pounds. They have a compact body with broad shoulders and a well-rounded hind end. They have long, erect ears that stand up to 4 inches tall, and their fur is dense, glossy, and short. The American Rabbit officially comes in two color varieties; Blue and White.
The American rabbit is listed as being a rare breed by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy.
48. Meissner Lop
The Meissner Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its docile and friendly personality, as well as its beautiful, soft fur. Originally developed in Germany in the early 20th century, the Meissner Lop is named after its breeder, Hermann Meissner.
One of the most striking features of the Meissner Lop is its long, floppy ears. These ears can reach up to 10 inches in length and give the rabbit a distinctive and adorable appearance. The breed also has a compact and well-rounded body, with short legs and a broad, muscular chest.
The Meissner Lop comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red, among others.
49. Cashmere Lop
The Cashmere Lop rabbit breed is a small, affectionate breed that is known for its luxurious, soft fur. This breed is a popular choice for those who are looking for a friendly and cuddly pet, as well as for those who are interested in showing or breeding rabbits. The Cashmere Lop was first developed in the United Kingdom in the 1970s, and it is now recognized by several rabbit breeding organizations worldwide.
There are several recognized color varieties of the Cashmere Lop, including black, blue, chocolate, fawn, lilac, orange, and red. The breed standard for the Cashmere Lop calls for a solid-colored coat with a distinct and uniform color throughout.
In terms of size, the Cashmere Lop is a small to medium-sized rabbit. Adults typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds and have a body length of around 12 inches. This breed has a compact, sturdy body and a short, wide head.
50. Velveteen Lop
The Velveteen Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit that is known for its soft, velvety coat and lop ears. This breed was developed in the United States in the 1980s by crossing English Lop and French Lop rabbits with other lop breeds. The result was a rabbit with a unique, plush coat and long, floppy ears that resemble those of the English Lop.
Velveteen Lops are medium to large-sized rabbits, weighing between 6 and 12 pounds when fully grown. They have a round, cobby body type and a broad head with a short, broad nose. Their ears are their most distinctive feature, hanging down to about the same length as their body and giving them a calm, laid-back appearance.
Velveteen Lops come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red. They may also have white markings on their feet, chest, and face. Their coat is short and dense, with a soft, velvety texture that is highly sought after by rabbit breeders and owners.
Believe it or not? The Rabbit Breeds Picture above is a real photograph. Rabbits do indeed come in all different shapes and sizes. Some rabbit breeds are huge when full grown while others can weigh less than five pounds. In this article I will be providing you with a rabbit breeds chart which will help you learn more about the many breeds of domestic rabbits.
Types of Rabbit Breeds
There are two main types of rabbit breeds in which all other classifications fall into; domestic and wild rabbit breeds. All of the breeds of rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association are domestic breeds. Domestic rabbits can be kept at home and raised while wild rabbits should not be handled. Today's domestic line of rabbits originated from the European Rabbit which was selectively bred for desirable traits over a long period of time.
Since there are literally hundreds of rabbit breeds kept worldwide, in this article I am going to focus solely upon the ones recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. If you wish to learn more about how rabbit breeds are classified check out our Types of Rabbits article.
Breeds of Rabbits: A through Z Listing
The 47 ARBA recognized rabbit breeds are as follows, listed in alphabetic order…
Rabbit Breed Chart
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| Rabbit Breed |
Rabbit Size |
Rabbit Body Type |
Rabbit Fur |
Rabbit Breeders |
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Table by Rabbit Breeders – Jump to Top
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| American | 9-12 lbs | Semi Arch | Flyback |  |
| American Chinchilla | 9-12 lbs | Commercial | Rollback | |
| American Fuzzy Lop | Max 4 lbs | Compact | Wool | |
| American Sable | Max 10 lbs | Commercial | Rollback | |
| Belgian Hare | 6-9 lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Beveren | 8-12 lbs | Semi Arch | Rollback | |
| Blanc de Hotot | 8-11 lbs | Commercial | Rollback | |
| Britannia Petite | 2.25-2.50 lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Californian | 8-10.25 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Champagne d’Argent | 9-12 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Checkered Giant | 11+ lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Cinnamon | 9-11 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Creme d’Argent | 8.25-11 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Dutch | 4-5.25 lbs | Compact | Flyback | |
| Dwarf Hotot | Max 3 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| English Angora | 5-7.5 lbs | Compact | Wool | |
| English Lop | Min. 10 lbs | Semi Arch | Flyback | |
| English Spot | 6-8 lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Flemish Giant | 13-14+ lbs | Semi Arch | Rollback | |
| Florida White | 4-6 lbs | Compact | Flyback | |
| French Angora | 9-10.5 lbs | Commercial | Wool | |
| French Lop | 11+ lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Giant Angora | 9-10.5+ lbs | Commercial | Wool | |
| Giant Chinchilla | 13-15 lbs | Semi Arch | Flyback | |
| Harlequin | 7.5 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Havana | 5-6 lbs | Compact | Flyback | |
| Himalayan | 3-5 lbs | Cylindrical | Flyback | |
| Holland Lop | 3-4 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| Jersey Wooly | 3-3.5 lbs | Compact | Wool | |
| Lilac | 6-8 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| Mini Lop | 5-6 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| Mini Rex | 3-4.5 lbs | Compact | Rex | |
| Mini Satin | 4 lbs | Compact | Satin | |
| Netherland Dwarf | 2-2.5 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| New Zealand | 9-12 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Palomino | 8-10 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Polish | 3-3.5 lbs | Compact | Flyback | |
| Rex | 8-9 lbs | Commercial | Rex | |
| Rhinelander | 6.5-10 lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Satin | 9-11 lbs | Commercial | Satin | |
| Satin Angora | 8-9 lbs | Commercial | Wool | |
| Silver | Max 9.5 lbs | Compact | Flyback | |
| Silver Fox | Max 12 lbs | Commercial | Rollback | |
| Silver Marten | 6-9 lbs | Commercial | Flyback | |
| Standard Chinchilla | 6-7.5 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
| Tan | 4-6 lbs | Full Arch | Flyback | |
| Thrianta | 4.5-6 lbs | Compact | Rollback | |
Selecting a Rabbit Breed
Selecting a rabbit breed is definitely one of the most important decisions that you will make for your rabbitry. Luckily for you, there are over 47 different breeds of rabbits to choose from. This is when you will want to recall the “purpose” that you decided on at the beginning of this book. Any rabbit breeder will tell you that some breeds are definitely more ideal for different purposes.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Rabbit Breed
- Purpose of your Rabbitry
- Rabbit Size
- Rabbit Body Type
- Type of Fur
- Color/Markings
- Growth Rate/Litter Production
- Your Climate (is it too hot or too cold?)
Meat Rabbit Breeds
If you plan on raising rabbits for meat I strongly recommend that you choose a large “commercial” rabbit breed which will produce fast growing offspring with a good meat to bone ratio. I personally recommend raising Californians or New Zealands as meat rabbits. They grow fast; have large litters and overall make excellent “meat rabbits”.
Here is a list of “for meat” rabbit breeds that many different breeders recommend
- American Chinchilla
- Beveren
- Blanc D’Hotot
- Californian (My favorite breed)
- Champagne D’Argents
- Crème D’Argents
- Flemish Giants (Giant animals but tend to have lower meat to bone dress out ratios)
- Florida White
- French Lops
- New Zealand (Highly Recommended)
- Palomino
- Satin
- Silver Fox
Some breeders recommend raising a crossbred animal such as a Californian-New Zealand hybrid for meat purposes.
One of the most popular hybrid rabbit meat breeds is the Altex (Although not recognized by ARBA). The Altex was developed from a cross of the Flemish Giant, Champagne D’ Argent and Californian. At adult size these cross bred rabbits weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Studies performed at the Texas A&M University have shown that Altex fryers tend to reach market age earlier than other meat breeds. Many rabbit breeders however don’t recommend that your primary herd animal be the “Altex” for several reasons. The Altex doe will generally give birth to smaller litters than other meat rabbits. To solve this issue, many breeders recommend breeding an Altex buck to a Californian/New Zealand doe or an Altex doe to a New Zealand buck.
Show Rabbit Breeds
If you plan on primarily raising rabbits for show, you will have an excellent variety of breeds to choose from! All 47 ARBA recognized breeds are eligible to be shown at any major rabbit show. However be warned; most local shows will not accept every breed. If you plan on raising up one of the “rare” breeds such as the Blanc de Hotot; you might have to drive a distance in order to find available shows.
A good practice when choosing a show breed is to ask other breeders in your area for their opinion on selecting a breed. In Southeast, Texas for instance most breeders raise Californians or New Zealands. They are multi-purpose animals which can be shown at two different types of rabbit shows; Meat Pen Rabbit Shows and Rabbit Fancier Shows. Even if you don’t plan on eating rabbit yourself, raising either one of these breeds will help guarantee that you have an outlet to sell unwanted rabbits.
Here is a list of “for show” rabbit breeds that many different breeders recommend
- American
- Californian
- Dutch
- Flemish Giant
- Lilac
- Lop
- Mini Rex
- New Zealand
- Palomino
- Polish
- Satin
- Tan
These are simply a few recommendations that breeders have given me… if you fall in love with a different breed (not on the list), feel free to experiment!
Fur Rabbit Breeds
Most breeders agree on what the best fur rabbit breeds are. If you are choosing to raise rabbits particularly for fur, I highly recommend that you select a breed labeled as having either having wool or angora fur. The most popular “for fur” breed is the Angora Rabbit.
Here is a list of “for show” rabbit breeds that many different breeders recommend
- American Fuzzy Lop
- English Angora
- French Angora
- Giant Angora
- Jersey Wooly
- Satin Angora
Pet Rabbit Breeds
In many countries rabbits are quickly becoming one of the most common pets. When choosing a “for pet” rabbit, I suggest that you select one of the small or medium breeds. These animals will generally be tamer than the larger breeds such as the Californian and will be easier for young children to handle. Remember, the best production animals don’t usually make the best pets.
Here is a list of “for pet” rabbit breeds that many different pet bunny owners recommend
- Belgian Hare
- Cinnamon
- Dutch
- Dwarf Hotot
- English Spot
- Flemish Giant (Size is great for impressing a friend)
- Harlequin
- Himalayan
- Lionhead
- Lops (My favorites are the Holland and Mini Lops)
- Mini Rex
- Mini Satin
- Netherland Dwarf (So tiny and cute)
- Rex
- Tan
- Thrianta
Also if you are planning on raising rabbits for pets, it is important to consider whether or not you want to breed rabbits. If you are new to rabbit raising and plan on breeding for pets, you might want to start off with a medium breed (they tend to have less birth complications than smaller breeds). Some small breeds such as the Tan and Mini Satin are still great choices for the first time breeder. Just make sure the breed that you choose weighs over 4 pounds at adulthood.
Rabbit Breeds – Chart Analysis
The rabbit breeds chart above categorizes the different rabbit breeds by Body Type and Fur Type…
