Over the last few centuries, rabbits have been domesticated and bred to be the adorable and friendly pets we have today. While they don’t have as extensive a history as dogs, rabbits have been bred for many attributes, including wool production, meat, and beauty standards. Of course, all rabbits are unique and have their own personality, but it can be fun to learn about what kind of breed the rabbit you adopted is..
To determine the breed of your rabbit, you need to pay close attention to their body shape, the size of the rabbit, the set of their ears, and the overall coloring. The texture of a rabbit’s fur and specific markings are also indicators for some types of rabbit breeds.
It’s important to remember that not all rabbits that have been adopted from an animal shelter are purebred rabbits. Many have not been bred or are the accidental children of two different breeds of rabbits (all the different breeds of domestic rabbit are the same species). Most shelters will also mistake the breed, calling all lops ‘mini lops’ or all large rabbits ‘flemish giants’ when they are actually a different breed. However, you can use your rabbit’s physical traits to determine what breed they are, or at the very least, which breeds their parents might have been.
American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Recognized Rabbit Breeds
| Breed | Size | Color(s) |
| American | Large (9 – 11lbs) | White with red eyes or dark grey |
| American Chinchilla | Large (9 – 12lbs) | Grey |
| American Fuzzy Lop | Small (3.5 – 4lbs) | Wool coat in various colors, dark ears, eyes and nose |
| American Sable | Large (8 – 10lbs) | Tan with dark head, ears, and feet |
| Argente Brun | Large (8 – 10.5) | Dark brown mixed with a lighter brown |
| Belgian Hare | Medium (6 – 9lbs) | Red brown coat with light markings around the eyes, chin, and hips |
| Beveren | Large (8 – 12lbs) | Blue, black, blue-eyed white |
| Blanc de Hotot | Large (8 – 11lbs) | White with black ‘eyeliner’ |
| Britannia Petite | Small (2 – 2.5lbs) | Various colors, but especially white with red or blue eyes |
| Californian | Large (8 – 10.5lbs) | White with red eyes and black markings on their nose, ears, feet and tail. |
| Champagne d’Argent | Large (9 – 12lbs) | Silver with black guard hairs |
| Checkered Giant | Large (11 – 13lbs) | White with black nose ears and eyes, a stripe running down the back, and spots on their cheeks and sides |
| Cinnamon | Large (9 – 11lbs) | Light brown with darker head, ears and paws |
| Creme d’Argent | Large (8.5 – 11lbs) | White with orange undercoat |
| Dutch | Medium (4 – 5.5lbs) | White with dark ‘pants’ and a dark mask on their face and ears |
| Dwarf Hotot | Small (2.5 – 3.5lbs) | White with a black ‘eyeliner’ ring |
| English Angora | Medium (5 – 6lbs) | Various |
| English Lop | Large (9 – 10.5lbs) | Various |
| English Spot | Medium (5 – 8lbs) | White with spots and dark markings on their nose, cheeks, ears, and a line down their back. |
| Flemish Giant | Large (9 – 15+) | White, black, blue, and shades of grey and brown |
| Florida White | Medium (4 – 6lbs) | White with red eyes |
| French Angora | Large (7.5 – 10.5lbs) | Various |
| French Lop | Large (10 – 15lbs) | Various |
| Giant Angora | Large (9.5 – 10lbs) | Various |
| Giant Chinchilla | Large (12 – 15lbs) | Grey |
| Harlequin | Medium (6.5 – 9.5lbs) | Orange or white with dark marks on their face, ears and cheeks, and striped bands on their body |
| Havana | Medium (4.5 – 6.5lbs) | Brown, blue, black, and white spotted |
| Himalayan | Small (2.5 – 5lbs) | White with red eyes and black or brown ears, nose and feet |
| Holland Lop | Small (2 – 4lbs) | Various |
| Jersey Wooly | Small (1 – 3lbs) | Various |
| Lilac | Medium (6 – 8lbs) | Lavender |
| Lionhead | Small (2.5 – 3.5lbs) | Various solid colors |
| Mini Lop | Medium (4.5 – 6lbs) | Various |
| Mini Rex | Small (3.5 – 4.5lbs) | Various |
| Mini Satin | Small (3 – 4.5lbs) | Various |
| Netherland Dwarf | Small (1 – 2.5lbs) | Various |
| New Zealand | Large (10 – 12lbs) | White with red eyes, red, black, blue, or spotted |
| Palomino | Large (8 – 10lbs) | Cream |
| Polish | Small (2.5 – 3.5) | White with red or blue eyes, black, brown, blue, or white spotted |
| Rex | Large (7.5 – 10.5) | Various |
| Rhinelander | Large (6.5 – 10lbs) | White with orange and black spots and marks on their nose, ears, and down the back |
| Satin | Large (8.5 – 11lbs) | Various |
| Satin Angora | Medium (3.5 – 9.5lbs) | White, grey, brown, or tan |
| Silver | Medium (4 – 7lbs) | Black brown or fawn |
| Silver Fox | Large (9 – 12lbs) | Black with white guard hairs |
| Silver Marten | Medium (6.5 – 9lbs) | Black, blue, or brown with white underbelly |
| Standard Chinchilla | Medium (5 – 7lbs) | Grey |
| Tan | Medium (4 – 6lbs) | Dark with a red-orange underbelly |
| Thrianta | Medium (4 – 6lbs) | Red |
Small rabbit breeds (up to 5 lbs)
American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop was first recognized as a breed in 1989. They were bred on the American coasts from Holland Lop and French Angora rabbits to get a long, wooly coat on a compact rabbit. These little buns can be a variety of fun colors, including a mix of colors, with darker ears and markings around their eyes and nose.
- Size: up to 4 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: A variety of colors including spotted. They will have dark ears and dark marks on their eyes and nose.
American Fuzzy Lop rabbits get their temperament from their Holland Lop cousins. These small bunnies are generally very energetic and friendly rabbits that are very social and happy to play, making them great family pets.
2. Britannia Petite
Britannia Petite rabbits are one of the smallest recognized breeds. They are descended from the English Polish rabbits and were bred to be show rabbits and have a more refined bone structure. These tiny rabbits have and elegant arched body shape, with big bug eyes and relatively short ears. Britannia Petite rabbits are most well known for being white with red eyes, but they have also been bred to have blue eyes and have different colored coats.
- Size: Up to 2.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 6-10 years
- Color: Originally they were white with red eyes, but now they can have blue eyes or they can be a variety of colors, included spotted patterns.
Britannia Petite rabbits can be incredibly energetic and therefore a little more difficult to handle than other small rabbit breeds. They need a lot of time to exercise and are less likely to enjoy sitting still and cuddling.
3. Dwarf Hotot
Dwarf Hotot rabbits were first bred in Germany by combining the original Hotot with the Netherland Dwarf. These small rabbits are known for being stark white with fancy, black eyeliner eyes. They have a compact face and rounded body with cute, short ears.
- Size: Up to 3.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Color: White with a black ring around their eyes that looks like eyeliner.
Dwarf Hotot rabbits are generally more docile and less energetic than other breeds of rabbit. They can be great pets that even enjoy sitting on your lap while being pet.
4. Himalayan
The Himalayan rabbit breed is so old that their origins have been mostly lost in history. It is unknown whether they originally came from Russia, China, Egypt, or some other neighboring region, but they were recorded as being bred for show in Britain by the late 1800’s. Himalayan rabbits are known for their soft white fur with dark colored markings on their feet, nose and ears. These rabbits usually have red eyes also.
- Size: 2.5 – 5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Color: White with red eyes and dark marking (black brown, lilac) on their ears, nose and feet.
Himalayan rabbits are known for being one of the most gentle and patient small breeds of rabbit. They rarely get territorial toward humans, and are not particularly active. Because of their small size and calm demeanor, Himalayand rabbits are often relatively easy to handle and make calm companion pets.
5. Holland Lop
Holland Lops are one of the most popular breeds of rabbit. They were bred in the Netherlands as one of the first dwarf lop breeds. They have a thick body type with thick and fluffy fur. Their face is compact with ears that flop down around their heads. These rabbits are bred in a very large variety of colors, including coats that are one color or patches of colors.
- Size: up to 4 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-14 years
- Colors: A wide variety of different colors and combinations of colors.
Holland lops are known to be a very friendly and active breed of rabbit. The males, especially, tend to be very social and outgoing. This makes them great companion pets that are a fun addition to the family.
6. Jersey Wooly
Jersey Wooly rabbits were first bred in New Jersey by breeding a Netherland Dwarf and a French Angora rabbit. They have a thick, wooly coat and short ears. Their coats can be all kinds of different colors and their eyes can be typical dark colored, or even blue or red.
- Size: up to 3 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: A wide variety of colors and combinations of colors.
Jersey Wooly rabbits are one of the most gentle and patient rabbits. They are even known as the ‘no-kick bunnies’ because of how easily they are handled. They can make great companion pets because of their willingness to be handled and cuddled.
7. Lionhead
The Lionhead rabbit was originally bred in Belgium as the result of a genetic mutation that caused woolly fur to grow only around the head and back feet. Lionhead rabbits were not officially recognized as a breed of rabbits in the United States until very recently, in 2014. These rabbits are fairly small and are characterized by thick wool fur growing around their heads like a lion’s mane.
- Size: up to 3.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Various solid colors, but don’t typically have spotted patterns.
These little rabbits tend to be very energetic bunnies. They will be very playful and like to zoom around the room. They also tend to be sweet natured rabbits, and while they might not sit still for long periods of time, they are unlikely to lash out when they are being handled.
8. Mini Rex
Mini Rex rabbits were first bred in Texas to be a small version of the large 9 lb Rex rabbits. These rabbits have a soft, velveteen coat that is characteristic of Rex rabbits. They have a short neck with strong shoulders, and they can come in pretty much any color coat.
- Size: up to 4.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
Mini Rex rabbits generally have very calm demeanors while also being social rabbits. They can great personalities for family pets. These little rabbits are also great for people with allergies since they are one of the most hypoallergenic pets you can get. They have short coats that produce very little dander.
9. Mini Satin
Mini Satin rabbits went through a number of false starts, but were finally recognized in 2005 as an official rabbit breed. Satin rabbits are known for having very shiny coats. Originally they were bred to be white rabbits, but they have since been recognized with 16 color varieties.
- Size: up to 4.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
Mini Satin rabbits can be very skittish. While not necessarily unfriendly, they can be quick to nip when they are scared. Since this is a relatively new breed or rabbit, breeders are still working to improve the demeanor of Mini Satin rabbits to make them better for family pets.
10. Netherland Dwarf
Netherland Dwarfs were first bred in Holland in the early 1900’s. These tiny rabbits are one of the smallest recognized breeds and they’re one of the most popular around the world. Their coats can be almost any color, and they are characterized by large eyes and small ears.
- Size: up to 2.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 10-12 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
Netherland Dwarfs tend to be a little more skittish than other small rabbits. They are naturally shy and tend to hide away from humans. However, if these rabbits are socialized with humans at a young age, they can be happy, energetic rabbits to have in the family.
11. Polish
Polish rabbits are from England and were likely bred from Dutch and Himalayan rabbits back in the 17th century. These rabbits are known for being small with a short head and short ears. The coat color of Polish rabbits is limited and includes white with red or blue eyes, black, blue, chocolate, or mixed.
- Size: up to 3.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-6 years
- Colors: White with red eyes or blue eyes, black, brown, blue, or white with spots.
With a longer history of domestication, these rabbits tend to be more docile than other breeds. They are generally affectionate and calm, and may even be tolerant of being picked up and cuddled. Polish rabbits also tend to be one of the easiest breeds to train.
Medium (5 – 8 lbs)
12. Belgian Hare
Belgian Hare rabbits were bred with wild rabbits in Eastern Europe. They have a very distinct silhouette, with a face shape and body structure that resembles a hare. Their coats are a rust brown color with a lighter colored underbelly.
- Size: 6-9 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-11 years
- Colors: A reddish brown coat with light cream colored markings around the eyes, chin, and hips.
Belgian Hare rabbits are one of the most high maintenance rabbit breeds. They are very energetic and require a lot of attention since they can easily get nervous and hurt themselves. While Belgian Hares can be kept as family pets, they are mostly raised as elegant show rabbits.
13. Dutch
Dutch rabbits have a long history. They were originally bred in Holland from rabbits that were raised for meat. Breeders began selecting for the distinctive markings on these rabbit’s face and body and raising them as show rabbits. Dutch rabbits are relatively small and will have a dark mask on their face and a dark backside of their body. They have broad ears and long back legs.
- Size: 4-5.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: White with black, brown, or some variation of grey markings that look like pants, and dark ears with a mask on their face that creates an upside down V
Dutch rabbits are still one of the most well known and popular rabbit breeds. They are generally very energetic and social, and can be easily trained. These rabbits do tend to get bored very easily though, so they’ll need lots of toys to keep them entertained, and you may need to be extra careful when bunny-proofing your home.
14. English Angora
Originating from Turkey, English Angora rabbits are the smallest Angora breed. They have very long, woolly fur, even on their faces and ears. Their thick and silky fur can get so long that they look like big puff balls of fur. While white is most common, English Angoras can come with many different colored coats.
- Size: 5-6 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-12 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
English Angora rabbits are often calm and docile rabbits that will easily bond with people. They do require many hours of grooming to keep their fur from becoming unruly or causing blockages in the rabbit’s stomach.
15. English Spot
English Spot rabbits are another very old breed of rabbit, who’s origins aren’t known. By the mid 1800’s they were being raised as show rabbits. They are a running breed, and are one of the few breeds that are shown by moving on the show table rather than posing. English spots will have markings on their nose, eyes, cheeks, ears and a stripe down their back. They will also have a random assortment of spots along their sides.
- Size: 5-8 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-9 years
- Colors: White with dark marks around their eyes and on their cheeks. Dark ears with a line down their back and spots.
Because English Spot rabbits have been bred for a long time as show rabbits, they are usually more easily handled than other breeds. They can be very gentle and affectionate, making them great companion pets.
16. Florida White
Florida White rabbits were originally bred in Florida to be small versions of New Zealand rabbits for use in laboratories. They have since become a popular pet rabbit and even frequently win Best in Show at conventions around the US. Florida White rabbits are white with red eyes. Most of the time, they will have uppity ears, but occasionally one or both of their ears will droop a little.
- Size: 4-6 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: White with red eyes
Florida White rabbits were bred to be easy for laboratory staff to handle, so they are typically sweet and calm. Some of these rabbits also tend to be a little ‘lazy’ and prefer to lay around for most of the day.
17. Harlequin
Harlequin rabbits were first bred in France and have very unique markings. These rabbits will have a split in color running down the middle of their face and will have alternating colors on their ears and feet. They will also have bands or bars running along their body.
- Size: 6.5-9.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Orange or white with alternating dark marks on their face, ears and feet. Dark bands around their body
Harlequin rabbits tend to be very energetic and curious. They can be great social pets, but also have the tendency to be troublemakers and may require extra supervision.
18. Havana
Havana rabbits were first bred in Holland as a genetic mutation from a Dutch litter, resulting in a deep brown rabbit. These rabbits have close set ears, with straight legs and mink-like fur. They are typically a very dark color, but can also be spotting, giving them a dalmation-like appearance.
- Size: 4.5-6.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Brown, blue, black, and white spotted
Havana rabbits are known to be one of the calmest breeds. They can be attention-seeking and enjoy sitting around being pet for long periods of time. These rabbits can be easier to free range in your home than some other more energetic rabbit breeds.
19. Lilac
Lilac rabbits are a less common breed of rabbit that made its first appearance in Great Britain. These rabbits have short, soft fur that is a light grey color. The lilac name was chosen because of the tendency for the fur to appear purple under some lighting conditions.
- Size: 6-8 lbs
- Average lifespan: 9-12 years
- Colors: Greyish lavender
This is a rare rabbit breed that is listed by the Livestock Conservancy. They tend to be docile lap rabbits and can make great companions, especially for seniors.
20. Mini Lop
First bred in Germany, Mini Lop rabbits are the medium sized floppy eared rabbits. They have a thick, compact body with a short neck and long floppy ears. Mini Lops have a thick, medium-length fur coat that can come in many different color combinations.
- Size: 4.5-6 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-10 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
Mini Lops can be silly and cuddly rabbits. They tend to be very affectionate and social, and will almost always love to be pet and played with. They can be great companion pets and make a fun addition to families.
21. Satin Angora
Satin Angora rabbits were developed in Canada by breeding a French Angora and a Satin rabbit. These rabbits will have a stocky body type with a long, silky, woolly coat, but they do not develop wool on their face or ears. Because of the satin gene, these rabbits also have a distinct sheen to their wooly coats.
- Size: 3.5-9.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-12 years
- Colors: White, grey, brown, tan, or a combination of these colors
Like other Angora rabbits, Satin Angoras tend to be very calm and friendly. However, they are high maintenance pets due to their ever growing wool coats.
22. Silver
Silver rabbits are possibly the oldest breed of domesticated rabbits, with written records dating back to the 16th century. It is believed that they were first brought over to England from Portugal. These rabbits are stocky with wide-set ears. They have dark coats with white hairs scattered throughout to make a shiny silver look.
- Size: 4-7 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Black, brown, or fawn with white guard hairs.
Silver rabbits are an incredibly rare breed to find purebred. If you do manage to find one, these rabbits tend to be energetic and adventurous, requiring a lot of exercise. But these rabbits also tend to be gentle and even-tempered.
23. Silver Martin
Silver Martin rabbits are related to the Chinchilla breeds. They are Chinchilla rabbits that were born with a strange black gene rather than the typical chinchilla coloring. Silver Martins have a dark coat with a white undercoat and belly.
- Size: 6.5-9 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Black, blue, or brown with a white underbelly and white marks around the eyes
While usually bred for show purposes, Silver Martin rabbits can be socialized to be good well-natured pets. If not, they have a tendency to be shy or anxious rabbits.
24. Standard Chinchilla
Standard Chinchilla rabbits were first bred in France in the early 1900’s. These rabbits are prized for their unique coat color, which resembles the fur of a chinchilla. They have a dark undercoat that transitions to grey-blue with a light grey color filling in the edges.
- Size: 5-7 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Grey like the color of a chinchilla
Standard Chinchilla rabbits are the smallest of the chinchilla breeds. In general these Chinchilla rabbits are friendly and gentle in nature, but the size of the Standard Chinchilla makes them easiest to handle.
25. Tan
Tan rabbits were bred accidentally in England when a group of wild rabbits mated with a group of domestic rabbits. The resulting offspring were selected and bred for their tan underbelly with their dark coats. Tan rabbits look very elegant with this coloring and their full arch body type.
- Size: 4-6 lbs
- Average lifespan: 8-10 years
- Colors: Dark coat with a red orange underbelly
Tan rabbits are incredibly fast and energetic. They can have enough spuny energy to make them a difficult house pet to keep, but they can be very friendly and curious pets if they have been socialized with humans.
26. Thrianta
Thrianta rabbits were originally bred in Sweden as bright orange rabbits. They were used as meat rabbits and nearly wiped out during World War II. Thrianta rabbits now, are known to be small and stocky with thick, fiery-red fur.
- Size: 4-6 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Red
Thrianta rabbits are now mainly kept as pets and not as meat rabbits. They are usually a gentle breed of rabbit with a lot of curiosity. Their small size and easy temperament can make them good as family pets.
Large (8lbs or larger)
27. American
American rabbits were bred in California in the early 1900’s for use as meat and fur rabbits. They are currently the rarest breed of rabbit in the United States because of their fall from popularity over the passing century. These rabbits are either white with red eyes or they are a dark grey/blue color. Their ears are very narrow and they have short coats.
- Size: 9-11lbs
- Average lifespan: 8-12 years
- Colors: White with red eyes or dark grey
Because they were raised to be meat rabbits, American rabbits tend to be very easy going or even lazy as they lounge around all day. They generally do well in close proximity to other rabbits as well.
28. American Chinchilla
American Chinchilla rabbits were first developed in France and then later in New York to be a large breed of Chinchilla rabbits to harvest their unique fur coats. These rabbits are prized for their unique coat color, which resembles the fur of a chinchilla. They have a dark undercoat that transitions to grey-blue with a light grey color filling in the edges
- Size: 9-12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Grey like a chinchilla
Since American Chinchilla rabbits were originally bred for their meat and fur, they tend to be more docile that an average rabbit and are less averse to being handled.
29. American Sable
American Sable rabbits were first bred in California through a crossbreed with a Chinchilla rabbit. These rabbits have a short, dense coat, with darker areas on their ears, face and feet.
- Size: 8-10 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Dark head, ears, and feet fade into a tan color for the rest of the body
American Sable rabbits are large, energetic ‘puppy-dog’ rabbits. They are very social and can vie for your attention much the same way a small dog would. They can be great family pets to have free range in your home.
30. Argente Brun
Originating from France, Argente Brun rabbits are known for their beautiful, yet low-maintenance coats. Their fur is extremely soft with an almost even mixture of brown and white hairs, creating a unique effect. They have an elegant half arched body and a proportionately large head.
- Size: 8-10.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Dark brown mixed with a lighter brown
As long as Argente Brun rabbits were socialized when they were young, this breed will usually be very calm around humans. These are usually one of the sweeter and more docile rabbit breeds.
31. Beveren
Beveren rabbits originated in Belgium and rose in popularity as show rabbits in the early 20th century. Beverens have a short, thick, and glossy coat with long, wide-set ears. They can be blue, black or white with blue eyes.
- Size: 8-12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-10 years
- Colors: Blue, black, or white with blue eyes
Beverens are an energetic breed of rabbit that need to have a lot of time to exercise. These rabbits are often skittish and dislike being handled so they may not be the best breed for family pets.
32. Blanc de Hotot
The Blanc de Hotot rabbit was originally bred in Normandy. This was a very rare breed that nearly disappeared as a result of World War II and is still an endangered breed to this day. These fancy rabbits are white with dark eyeliner-like markings around their eyes, and have medium, close set ears.
- Size: 8-11 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: White with black markings around the eyes that looks like eyeliner
Blanc de Hotot rabbits are generally sweet and shy rabbits. They can do well in families if they have been socialized early in life, but often struggle to get along with other family pets.
33. Californian
Californian rabbits were bred in California as meat rabbits and are currently one of the most popular breeds in the United States. These rabbits have a large, stocky body with dense, coarse fur. They are white rabbits with red eyes and dark markings on their nose, ears and feet.
- Size: 8-10.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-10 years
- Colors: White with red eyes and dark markings on their nose, ears, feet, and tail.
Californian rabbits usually have a very mild mannered disposition. They are often content to lay around and relax for most of the day. These rabbits are still bred for meat production, but they are also show rabbits and are increasingly included in families as loving and gentle pets.
34. Champagne d’Argent
Champagne d’Argent rabbits originated in France in the 1600’s. These are stocky rabbits with a very interesting coat. When they are young Champagne d’Argent rabbits are all black, but as they mature their fur turns to a silver color with black hairs speckled throughout.
- Size: 9-12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-9 years
- Colors: Silver with black guard hairs
Champagne d’Argent rabbits are not very active and tend to have a laid back demeanor. They often do well with other rabbits and can be friendly with humans if they are socialized when they are young.
35. Checkered Giant
Checkered Giant rabbits are large rabbits that were bred in Germany. They are long rabbits with an arched, hare-like body. These rabbits are white with dark spots, including dark ears, nose, and a stripe running down their back.
- Size: 11-13 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-6 years
- Colors: White with black nose ears and eyes, a stripe running down the back, and spots on their cheeks and sides
Checkered Giant rabbits are not the most cuddly rabbits. They can be socialized to be good pets and live as part of a family, but often dislike being handled and are not as affectionate or friendly.
36. Cinnamon
Cinnamon rabbits are a recent breed that was developed in Montana from a Checkered Giant and a Californian Rabbit. They are named for the pleasant, light brown color of their coat, and have a darker underbelly, nose and ears.
- Size: 9-11 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-10 years
- Colors: Light brown with darker nose, ears, and paws
Cinnamon rabbits are generally a calm breed of rabbit that can be great for a family pet. They can also be surprisingly easy to bond with other rabbits, especially other rabbits of the same breed.
37 Creme d’Argent
Creme d’Argent rabbits are a very rare breed of rabbit related to the Argent Brun and the Champagne d’Argent rabbits. These rabbits have a unique coloring that is not seen in any other breed. They have a white colored coat with an orange undercoat, causing them to look cream colored from a distance. Though rare, the breed was first recorded back in 1877, where it was mentioned in a French breeding paper.
- Size: 8.5 – 11 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-9 years
- Colors: White with orange undercoat
These rabbits have a long history with humans where they were bred for both meat and show purposes. Therefore, they tend to have friendly and laidback personalities. For a long time Creme d’Argent rabbits were considered a threatened breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, but they have recently overcome that classification.
38. English Lop
While their true origins are unknown, English Lop rabbits were raised as prized pets Victorian era England. These rabbits are the original lops and have the largest floppy ears of all. English Lop rabbits have a soft, short coat and can come in just about any color.
- Size: 9-10.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-7 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
English Lop rabbits are one of the friendliest breeds of rabbit. They are known for their energetic and playful puppy-like behavior as young rabbits, while quickly becoming calm and laid back as they age.
39. Flemish Giant
Flemish Giant rabbits are the largest breed recognized. The average Flemish Giant will reach about 15lbs, but it’s not unusual to find Flemish Giants that weigh upwards of 20lbs. They are a very old breed of rabbit whose origins are largely unknown. These rabbits are characterized by their large, stocky build, their short dense coat, and their grey coloring.
- Size: 9-15 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: White, black, blue, and shades of grey and brown
Flemish Giant rabbits are sometimes call the ‘gentle giants’ because of their calm and docile nature. They can be shorter lived than many other breeds, but make great pets for those looking for a large and well mannered rabbit.
40. French Angora
Like other Angora rabbits, French Angora rabbits are known for their long wooly fur. These rabbits to not grow wool on their faces and their fur has a coarse texture to it. They can come in a variety of colors, but mainly do not develop spotted or mixed color coats.
- Size: 7.5-10.5 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-12 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
French Angora rabbits have had a surge of popularity recently because of their unique type of wool coat. While these fabulous coats can take a lot of work to upkeep, these rabbits also tend to be gentle in nature and can make great pets.
41. French Lop
French Lop rabbits are the largest breed of lop rabbit. They were originally bred in France to be meat rabbits because of their size, but rose in popularity during the 20th century. These rabbits were used while trying to develop many of the smaller breeds of lop rabbit we have today. French Lop rabbits have large and stocky bodies. They have a wide forehead and a short face with full cheeks, and can come in a variety of colors and combinations.
- Size: 10-15 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-7 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
While probably too large for apartment living, these rabbits are very gentle and can be great pets. Their personalities and features can cause them to resemble small dogs and they often love interacting and socializing with humans.
42. Giant Angora
Giant Angora rabbits were bred in Massachusetts to produce massive amounts of high quality wool. These rabbits are usually white, though they may come in shades of brown. They will sometimes have tufts of wool on their forehead and cheeks, and tassels on their ears.
- Size: 9.5-10 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-11 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
While Giant Angora rabbits usually have calm or placid demeanors, they are a very high maintenance pet that requires some specialized care. Giant Angora’s don’t shed the way most rabbits do, and will require a shearing 3 or 4 times a year.
43. Giant Chinchilla
Giant Chinchillas were bred in the early 20th century, and they are the largest of the Chinchilla rabbit breeds. While the coat texture differs slightly, the color of the Giant Chinchilla rabbits is the same as other Chinchilla breeds.
- Size: 12-15 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Colors: Grey like a chinchilla
Giant Chinchillas are generally laid back and not very energetic. They can have a very sweet nature and enjoy socializing with the family, or they might prefer to lay around and mind their own business.
44. New Zealand
New Zealand rabbits were the first breed developed in America. They were bred specifically to be docile and easy to handle meat rabbits. New Zealand rabbits are known for being stark white with red eyes, but they can also have red, black, blue, or patched coats.
- Size: 10-12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: White with red eyes, red, black, blue, spotted
While large, New Zealand rabbits are usually calm and easy to handle. They are one of the few breeds that may even enjoy being held, and they are usually not very energetic or active.
45. Palomino
Palomino rabbits were raised in Washington state and are named for the color of their coat, which resembles a Palomino horse. These rabbits will be a golden or light cream color and have a rounded body type with narrow, upright ears.
- Size: 8-10 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Cream
Palomino rabbits are generally very social and friendly rabbits. They can be a great part of a family if given the time and space to exercise and interact with people.
46. Rex
Rex rabbits were first bred in France and are known for their incredibly soft, velveteen fur. These rabbits are large and stocky with relatively big heads, and can come in just about any color.
- Size: 7.5-10.5
- Average lifespan: 5-6 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
Rex rabbits are generally low maintenance rabbits that are friendly and enjoy being pet. While their large size may make it difficult, some of these rabbits are even okay with being picked up and handled.
47. Rhinelander
Rhinelander rabbits were first bred in Germany in the early 1900’s and are known for their flashy multi-colored spots. These rabbits have a white coat with two different colored markings, including their eyes, nose, ears, and a line down their backs. These rabbits have a long limbed and athletic body with large wide-set ears.
- Size: 6.5-10 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: White with orange and black spots and marks on their nose, ears, and down the back.
Rhinelander rabbits are an incredibly energetic breed, making them a challenge for new rabbit owners. They need lots of exercise and socialization, and tend to find ways of getting into trouble unless they are watched closely.
48. Satin
Satin rabbits are the result of a genetic mutation in the litter of a Havana rabbit. It resulted in their fur becoming silky and shiny because of a difference in hair follicle size. These rabbits can come with many different coat colors, including spotted coats.
- Size: 8.5-11 lbs
- Average lifespan: 7-9 years
- Colors: A wide variety of coat colors.
If Satin rabbits are socialized with humans when they are young, they are likely to become gentle and friendly rabbits. If not, they will still likely have a calm demeanor, but it will be more difficult to pick up and handle the rabbits.
49. Silver Fox
The silver fox breed is related to other silver rabbits because of the way white guard hairs are interspersed throughout their coat. The unique part about the silver fox rabbits is the way their extremely dense coat stands on end, similar to an arctic fox. It creates a very interesting, shining illusion on the fur of the rabbit.
- Size: 9 – 12 lbs
- Average lifespan: 5-8 years
- Colors: Black with standing white guard hairs
The Silver Fox breed is one of the rarest in America. In fact, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy still considers these rabbits to be threatened. Like many other large breeds of rabbit, Silver Foxes tend to have a more laid back personality than many of the smaller breeds.
Sources:
- “American Rabbit Breeders Association.” ARBA, https://arba.net/recognized-breeds.
- “Breed Research.” PetGuide.com, www.petguide.com/rabbit-breeds
