The Best Breeds Of Domestic Rabbits
Although pet stores don’t usually carry a wide variety of domestic rabbit breeds, the truth is that there are a large number of them. Knowing the most popular ones can be convenient to meet the expectations of future owners.
Sometimes choosing a rabbit as a pet can be a good alternative to dogs. After all, dogs need more time, space and, above all, constant attention.
These are often difficult aspects to guarantee. Therefore, the option of purchasing a rabbit as your first pet may be a more affordable alternative.
Many believe that these animals are equally sociable and affectionate. Also, many think that they don’t require a lot of care when it comes to hygiene.
However, among the breeds of domestic rabbits that exist, there is also a diversity of characteristics and specific care. So let’s talk more about the different breeds of domestic rabbits.
Most popular domestic rabbit breeds
Although there are many other species, we will present the most popular domestic rabbits according to the appearance and personality of each species:
- Rabbit Belier. The droopy-eared rabbit, both in miniature and full-size versions, is one of the most popular. The main reason for their choice is their tender appearance, which resembles a lamb. This appearance is complemented by her calm and affectionate personality. Furthermore, it is an intelligent and playful animal that can even learn basic tricks and commands. However, there are also cases of these rabbits that do not like to be touched, despite their sociability.
- Angora rabbit. Like the previous race, it stands out for its sociability and receptivity to human beings. However, its long, fine fur requires much greater dedication as it tends to tangle easily. Also, similar to feline behavior, their tendency to lick themselves to clean their bodies increases their risk of vomiting fur balls.
- Lion head rabbit. The most notable physical characteristic is the diversity of hair, especially long and leafy around the head. It has a more shy and introverted character than other domestic rabbit breeds. Therefore, it is not recommended for children. When you feel insecure, you can adopt aggressive behavior as a defense.
- Giant Rabbit of Flanders. Its greatest peculiarity is its large size, similar to that of a hare. This morphology means that it has a shorter life expectancy than other rabbits, reaching approximately four years of age. It is a quiet animal and can get used to the familiar environment. They don’t need constant affection because they’re not that friendly to human beings.
- Japanese Harlequin Rabbit. It is one of the smartest and most fun races. They are able to learn basic orders with some ease. In addition, they are often easily recognized by having a two- or three-color pattern with stripes that crisscross their body.
Advice before purchasing a rabbit
To ensure a satisfying experience in relation to owning a rabbit as a pet, a number of aspects must be taken into consideration.
- They are delicate animals. Most families that decide to buy a rabbit have one or more children who are given the role of owner. But these animals, due to their small size and frightened personality, should be treated gently and calmly.
- They require frequent hygiene. The fact that they don’t need to be taken out or have their own hygiene habits through licking doesn’t mean they aren’t very picky animals in terms of cleanliness. In fact, their urine smells stronger than that of other animals. Therefore, cleaning the cage should be a periodic activity, especially in summer.
- They need space. Although they live in large cages most of the time, they need open spaces for several hours a day. This is essential for the animal’s physical and psychological health.
