Rabbits are undoubtedly one of the cuddliest pets that animal lovers can ever have, but depending on the rabbit’s breed, many bunnies may not want to be handled by humans or even come near them. For that reason, before bringing a pet rabbit home, it is important to research whether the bunny you are bringing home will be friendly with you or just going to run away. However, according to the American Rabbit Breeder Association, there are 50 domestic breeds of bunnies that people can have as pets. Yet, depending on the temperament and care needs, we have rounded up the 10 best rabbit breeds for beginners that you can have as your first pet. So let’s check which are the best rabbit breed as pet for beginners.
Rex rabbits
Being widely popular for their short, velvety fur, Rex rabbits are one of the best breeds for beginners to have. They love to get into human interactions as Rexes are social animals and are known as great companions for seniors or single people due to their maternal and proactive nature. Though holding them tightly can distress them, or they don’t like to be held at all, Rex will love being petted and scratched on coats. With having fewer grooming needs, Rex rabbits are intelligent enough to be litter trained.
Dutch rabbits
Often misleading due to their names, Dutch rabbits were bred in England from the 1830s. Primarily famous for their calm demeanor, Dutch rabbits are one of the most loving, affectionate, and easygoing pets. They are identical for their unique color pattern. Dutch rabbits can be ideal pets for children to tolerate chaos and being held. Also, Dutch rabbits are very energetic pets that require regular exercise time for healthy living.
Jersey Wooly
A result of a cross between French Angora and Netherland Dwarf, Jersey Wooly is famed chiefly for its lush wooly coats. First brought to the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1984, these bunny breeds are widely popular in the USA as show rabbits for their soft, silky furs. They make excellent house pets for those who love to groom and style their pets. With a few grooming requirements, this tiny pet is also a very friendly and easygoing pet that suits beginners.
Netherland Dwarf
Popular for their miniature size, variety of showable colors, and brachycephalic head, Netherland Dwarf is another best breed for beginners. Originating from the Netherlands, Dwarfs were first bred in the 20th century and soon became famous in America. Though Netherland Dwarf has the most adorable appearance, it isn’t the lap pet we usually want. In addition, they are not suitable for small children because of their high energetic temperament. However, they make great pets for adults and make good companions for adults with disabilities as they enjoy human interactions.
Mini Lops
Mini Lops, also known as Little Hanging Ears or Little Darlings, are one of the best choices for any beginner. Mini Lops quickly get comfortable with any environment, from a single person to a home with children. They love to take cuddles and love while showing affection back to you. Their beautiful coats need only one or two brushes per week, which is easy to maintain. Because of their intelligence, they can be litter trained too.
Mini Rex
Like Rex breeds, Mini Rex is also an excellent breed for new pet parents. Mini Rex is a crossbreed of Rex and dwarf rabbits, which resulted in similar smooth velvety coats as Rex breeds while having more options of colors and patterns. And for the gene of dwarf rabbits, they got the baby size that makes them more adorable. With that, their calm and friendly personality makes them suitable for any pet owner, and they have little grooming needs with some brushes.
Harlequins
Harlequins got their name for their unique pattern of black and orange fur. Some also have black and white patterns, which are called magpie. They’re incredibly docile with unique patterns and can easily bond with any family. Known as the clown of the rabbit world, Harlequins are the most entertaining bunny breed you can have. They love to explore the environment and play with their human friends, making them the best playmates for kids.
Californians
Californians will be the best choice for those who want outdoor rabbits. Being a crossbreed of Himalayan and a Chinchilla, Cal’s dense coat allows them to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Having a shy nature, Californians love to get affection and cuddles, making them loving pets. But first, you have to earn that love by giving them lots of time and petting on their heads. Though they are very docile pets, Californians are not suitable for kids.
Lionheads
Famous for their unique fairy lion mane appearance, Lionhead rabbits are the most loving and affectionate pets. Bred as a show rabbit in Belgium, Lionheads became extremely popular as a house pet in the United States in the ’90s. Needing good care of their furry coats, Lionheads are fun, friendly, energetic, and easy to bond with. However, Lionheads come in various colors, patterns, and mane shapes, such as single or double mane.
Holland Lops
Being most popular for their distinctive droopy eyes like cocker spaniel dogs and smash face like bulldogs, Holland Lops are the top favorite rabbits of bunny lovers. They have an adorable dwarf size with a friendly, smart, and energetic demeanor. Having an incredibly curious mind, Holland Lop loves to explore their environment and know things on their own. Though they can get along well with children, kids need to be supervised when Hollands are near.
So these are the 10 best rabbit breeds for beginners that we would like to suggest to you as your first-time pet. Hope you find this article insightful and are going to stay with us for more articles like this.
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