Rabbit Breeds

Rabbits come in an array of breeds with different colors, sizes, shapes and coat types. The subtle differences between breeds will be of most interest to those who show their bunnies. The average owner would probably be interested mainly in size and coat type. Keep in mind that a pet store rabbit is not necessarily pure bred or at the very least may not meet the ideal breed standards. This in no way reflects on their quality as a pet, though! This guide is just meant to help potential owners sort through the sometimes confusing array of breeds. Rabbits vary in size from the smaller dwarf breeds (at under 2.5 lbs) to some of the giant breeds (sizes up to 16 pounds). Owners also need to be aware that the longer coated breeds need daily grooming. Alaskan 6-8.5 lbs (2.7-3.9 kg) Black Thick coat. Originated in Germany American 9-12 lbs (4.1-5.5 kg) Blue, white Medium build, narrow head. American Checkered Giant 11 lbs or greater (5 kg) White with black or blue markings (along spine, body spots, cheek spots, colored ears, eye circles and butterfly mark on nose). American Chinchilla 9-12 lbs (4.1-5.5 kg) Chinchilla Dense, fine hair that is smooth and glossy (1 1/4 inch long coat). Relatively round body. American Fuzzy Lop 3.5-4 lbs (1.6-1.8 kg) Variety of coat colors Compact muscular body, dense, coarse coat, and of course, ears folded over to slightly below the jaw. American Sable 7-10 lbs (3.2-4.5 kg) Sepia brown Medium build with soft, dense fine coat with coarse guard hairs. Angora Variety of sizes and colors English angora: 5-7 lbs (2.3-3.2 kgs), long silky hair. French angora: 7.5-10.5 lbs (3.4-4.8 kg) Giant Angora: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg) and up, soft fine undercoat (wool), straight stiff guard hairs, and a wavy fluff with a guard tip inbetween. Satin Angora: 6.5-9.5 lbs (3-4.3 kg), very fine wool. Argentes 5-8 lbs (2.3-3.6 kg) Black, blue, brown, or creamy white. Belgian Hare 6-9.5 lbs (2.7-4.3 kg) Reddish tan or chestnut with slate blue undercoloring. Slender build, fairly stiff coat. Britannia Petite Under 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) Ruby eyed white, black otter, black, chestnut agouti. Slender, fine boned build with a sleek, silky coat. Californian 8-12 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg) White, with black nose, ears, feet and tail. Rounded body, medium build, and short smooth coat. Champagne d'Argent 9-12 lbs (4.1-5.5 kg) Bluish white with black hairs interspersed and slate blue undercolor. Plump body. Black at birth; white hairs start showing at about 2 months. Checkered Giant Over 11 lbs (5 kg) White with black or blue markings (along spine, body spots, cheek spots, colored ears, eye circles and butterfly mark on nose). Long, hare-like body. Chinchilla 5.5-6.5 lbs (2.5-3.1 kg) Chinchilla Fine boned. Cinnamon 8.5-11 lbs (3.9-5 kg) Rust or cinnamon color with grey ticking on back and grey on belly. Rust colored spots inside hind legs as well as butterfly mark on nose and eye rings. Creme d'Argent 8-11 lbs (3.6-5 kg) Creamy white with orange undercoat, and butterfly marking on nose. Dutch 3.5-5.5 lbs (1.6-2.5 kg) White with black, blue or brown, chocolate, steel or tortoise. The front of the face, body, and the back feet are white; the rest is colored. Dwarf Hotot Under 3 lbs (1.4 kg) White with black eye rings. Rounded body. English Lop Over 9 lbs (4.1 kg) Agouti, broken, self, shaded, ticked or wide band color groups. Very long lop ears. English Spot 5-8 lbs (2.3-3.6 kg) White with black, blue, chocolate, gold, grey, lilac or tortoise. Marking include butterfly mark on nose, colored ears, eye rings, spine marking (which is herringboned) and a spot on the cheek and a chain of spots along the body. Long arched body (like a hare). Flemish Giant (Patagonian) 13 lbs (5.9 kg) and over Black, blue, fawn, light grey, sandy, steel grey, white. Long rabbit, heavy build (but shouldn't be fat). Florida White 4-6 lbs (1.8-2.7 kg) Pure white. Rounded body. French Lop 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and over. Agouti, broken, self, shaded, ticked or wide band groups. Muscular heavy build.