15 Most Popular Rabbit Breeds [With Pictures]

In this article, we look at 15 popular rabbit breeds, each with a photo and some background information.

If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, then this list might be a useful guide for you.

There are over 300 different domestic rabbit breeds, however, only a small percentage of those rabbits meet the requirements to compete in shows.

Show rabbits are valued for their fur or wool, as well as their beauty, usability, and compliance with the breed standard.

I’ll give you a rabbit breeds chart in this article to help you learn more about the various domestic rabbit breeds.

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15 Most Popular Rabbit Breeds

1. Angora Rabbit:

One of the oldest domesticated rabbit breeds is the Angora rabbit.

It was unclear when it was created, but it did exist during King Henry VIII’s reign, which lasted from 1509 to 1547.

In the mid-eighteenth century, French royalty favored this rabbit as a pet, and by the end of the century, it had spread across Europe.

If you’re thinking about keeping an Angora as a pet, keep in mind that you’ll have to devote a lot of time to grooming your bunny pal!

The Angora’s fur can also be trimmed and spun into wool by more diligent pet owners.

2. Alaska Rabbit:

The Alaska rabbit may have gotten its name from the state of Alaska, but the jet-black breed is actually from Germany, where it was developed primarily as a fur rabbit (non-pet), though the attractive-looking Alaska rabbit can make a great pet.

The American Rabbit Breeders Association used to recognize the breed, but they no longer do.

The plan was to make money from the fur, though the business failed, still, the rabbit breed survived.

It was brought to North America in the 1970s and is still popular as a pet rabbit.

3. American Rabbits:

In 1917, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) added American Rabbits to their list of breeders.

They have a fur-like coat and a mandolin-like body shape.

These rabbits have a sweet temperament and are good mothers.

The attractive blue or white coats of these breeds with up to 12 pounds have led enthusiasts to include them in shows, despite the fact that they were originally bred for fur and meat.

4. Belgian Hare:

The Belgian Hare is a domestic breed named because of its resemblance to a wild hare.

They have long, slender bodies and nimble legs, and can live for at least ten years.

They feature a straight tail, a long head, long and fine-boned fore feet, and fine and flat rear paws.

Their fur is often dark brown with rusty red tints, indicating that they are strong and robust.

Belgian Hare Rabbits are inquisitive creatures who enjoy being active.

5. Flemish Giant:

The Flemish giant is the largest breed.

The origins of these gentle giants can be traced back to the 16th century in Belgium.

Unfortunately, these rabbits are frequently raised for meat and fur, but their calm demeanor and patience when handled make them highly suitable as pets.

These Belgian-born beauties are true to their colossal moniker, weighing up to 20 pounds.

They are kind and friendly, with a semi-arched body that comes in seven colors: black, blue, fawn, light grey, sandy, steel grey, and white.

6. Dutch:

Dutch rabbits are known for their distinctive cut-off fur trends, which alternate between one color on the back and one on the front, along with a two-colored head.

The Dutch rabbit is one of the most well-known rabbit breeds, ranking among the top ten most popular breeds.

The size of the breed is small, weighing between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds.

7. English Lop:

The English lop’s most distinguishing feature is unquestionably their enormous ears, which necessitates plenty of room for them to move around.

English Lops have been around since the early 1800s, and during Queen Victoria’s reign, they were a very popular pet. The English Lop is a calm, friendly pet that is absolutely adorable.

8. English Spot:

The charmingly speckled English Spot can be traced back to the 1800s in England.

Just before the turn of the century, the breed arrived in the United States, where it was warmly welcomed.

Although English Spot Rabbits require exercise, they are not quite as active as other rabbit breeds.

9. French Angora:

The coat of French Angora Rabbits quickly distinguishes them from other breeds.

It’s long and thick, and it can even be compared to wool.

French Angora Rabbits require regular grooming due to their long fur.

They must be brushed at least once a day to avoid over-grooming.

The French Angora Rabbit is a social and playful animal.

They require a lot of exercise and can make wonderful pets.

10. Harlequin Rabbit:

Harlequin Rabbits and their hair come in a variety of colors, arranged in bands or bars, and the hues vary greatly. They’re medium-sized rabbits that weigh 6.5 to 9.5 pounds.

You can even try an obstacle course with them because they love toys and are curious.

11. Holland lop:

Another popular rabbit breed for pets is the Holland lop.

These rabbits are smaller than the ones mentioned above. The average adult Holland lop is only 4 pounds (1.8 kg) in weight.

The Holland lops breed originated by crossing the Netherland dwarf with the French lops breed.

12. Havana:

Because of its soft, luxurious, mink-like coat, the Havana rabbit is known as the “Mink of the Rabbit Fancy.”

The body of this small rabbit is compact.

The name Havana came from the similarity in color between Havana cigars and rabbit fur (at first, all Havana rabbits were chocolate-colored).

13. Rex Rabbit:

One of my favorite rabbit breeds is the Rex; these adorable companions have short, incredibly dense, soft fur that feels plush to the touch.

This is a huge rabbit breed that was developed in France in 1919; they can weigh up to 10.5 kg (4.7 kilos) and have a life expectancy of 6 to 7 years.

They first appeared in a rabbit show in Paris in 1924, where they piqued the interest of breeders. The following year, they were exported to the United States.

14. Polish Rabbit:

They first appeared in the United States in 1912. The Polish rabbit is a popular exhibition and pet breed.

Although it is a small rabbit breed, it is not a dwarf due to the fact that it lacks the dwarf gene.

These rabbits can reach a maximum weight of 3.8 lbs (1.6 kg), and if they are heavier than that, they are obese and in poor health.

15. Jersey Woolly:

The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized the Jersey Woolly in 1988, making them a relatively new breed of rabbit.

This dwarf rabbit breed has a woolen coat that is less difficult to maintain than other wool-coated rabbit breeds.

On the rabbit show circuit, the friendly Jersey Woolly is one of the most popular breeds.

Summary

If you’re looking for a rabbit to keep as a pet, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of species available.

Whether you have older or younger children, there is a breed that will suit your needs.

You’re sure to find a cute and cuddly rabbit for your family, with breeds ranging from small to large.