Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Pet Rabbit”
Rabbits are undoubtedly among the cuddliest pets that animal lovers can have. But depending on rabbits’ breeds, many bunnies may not want to be handled by humans or even come near them. For that reason, before bringing a pet breed 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 without any further ado, let’s jump into the article.
1. Rex Rabbits: Best for First-Time Owners
Widely popular for its short, velvety fur, Rex Rabbits are one of the best breeds for beginners to have. They love to get into human interactions as Rex are social animals and are known as great companions for seniors or single people for their maternal and proactive nature. Though holding them tightly can’t distress them or they don’t like to be held at all, Rex will love being petted and scratched on coats. With fewer grooming needs, Rex Rabbits are intelligent enough to be litter-trained.
2. Dutch Rabbits – Calm and Affectionate Pets
Dutch rabbits
Often misleading for their names, Dutch Rabbits bred in England from the 1830s. This breed is primarily popular for their calm demeanor, Dutch Rabbits are one of the most loving, affectionate, and easy-going pets. They are identical in 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.
3. Jersey Wooly: Lovable Pets with Soft Coats
Jersey wooly
Result of a cross between French Angora and Netherland Dwarf, Jersey Wooly is famed chiefly for its lush, wooly coats. First brought in 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 docile pet that suits beginners.
4. Netherland Dwarf: Tiny and Energetic
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 highly energetic temperament. However, they make great pets for adults and make good companions for adults with disabilities as they enjoy human interactions.
5. Mini Lops: Friendly Companions for Any Home
Mini Lops, also known as Little Hanging Ears or Little Darlings, is one of the best choices for any beginners. 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 coatings need only one or two brushes per week, which is easy to maintain and because of their intelligence, they can be litter trained too.
6. Mini Rex – Velvety Coats and Gentle Personalities
Like Rex breeds, Mini Rex is also a wonderful 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, have a babyish size that makes them more adorable. With that, their calm and friendly personality make them suitable for any pet owner as they have a little grooming needs of some brushes.
7. Harley Queens: Unique Patterns and Playful Nature
Harley Queens got their names for their unique pattern of black and orange fur. Some also have black and white patterns, which are called magpies. They’re incredibly docile with unique patterns and can easily bond with any family. Known as the clown of the rabbit world, Harley Queens 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.
8. Californians: Outdoor-Loving Rabbits
Californians will be the best choice for those who want outdoor rabbits. Being a crossbred, a pumalian, and a chinchilla, the Cow Stance Code allows them to enjoy indoors and outdoors. Having a shy nature, Californians love to get affection and cuddles, making them love pets. But first, you have to learn that love by giving them lots of time and patting their heads. Though they are very docile pets, Californians are not suitable for kids.
9. Lionhead Rabbits – Affectionate Pets with Unique Manes
Famous for their unique furry lion mane appearance, lion-head rabbits are the most loving and affectionate pets. Bred as the show rabbit in Belgium, lionheads became extremely popular as a house pet in the United States in the ’90s. Though they need good care of their furry coats, lion heads are fun, friendly, energetic, and easy to bond with. However, lion heads come in various colors, patterns, and many shapes such as single or double manes.
10. Howling Lobs – Curious and Friendly Dwarf Rabbits
Howling lobs
Being most popular for their distinctive droopy eyes like cockers, spaniel dogs, and smash faces like bulldogs, howling lobs are the top favorite rabbits of bunny lovers. They have an adorable dwarf size with a friendly, smart, and energetic nature. Having an incredibly curious mind, howling lob 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 howlings are near.
Choosing Your First Rabbit
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 content insightful and are going to stay with us for more content like this.