Rabbit Breeds
Find your perfect match
There are over 50 rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), and countless more mixed-breed rabbits. We cover the most popular breeds to help you understand the different personalities, sizes, and care needs. Whether you fall in love with a purebred or a lovable mixed-breed shelter rabbit, what matters most is finding the right fit for your home.
Looking for a rabbit? Mixed-breed rabbits make wonderful pets too. They often have fewer breed-related health issues and unique personalities all their own. Check out rabbits available for adoption — you might find your perfect match that isn't on this list.
Holland Lop
- Weight2-4 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityHigh
- GroomingLow
Netherland Dwarf
- Weight1.5-2.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityHigh
- GroomingLow
Mini Rex
- Weight3-4.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
Lionhead
- Weight2.5-3.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityHigh
- GroomingHigh
Flemish Giant
- Weight15-22 lbs
- Lifespan5-7 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingLow
Rex
- Weight7-10 lbs
- Lifespan6-8 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
English Lop
- Weight9-12 lbs
- Lifespan5-7 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingLow
Polish
- Weight2-3.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
Harlequin
- Weight6-9 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityHigh
- GroomingLow
French Angora
- Weight7-10 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingHigh
English Angora
- Weight5-7.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingHigh
Satin
- Weight6-9 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingModerate
Dutch
- Weight3.5-5.5 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
Californian
- Weight8-10 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingLow
New Zealand
- Weight9-12 lbs
- Lifespan5-7 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingLow
Jersey Wooly
- Weight2-3 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityLow
- GroomingHigh
Silver Fox
- Weight9-12 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
Mini Lop
- Weight4-6 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingModerate
Blanc de Hotot
- Weight8-11 lbs
- Lifespan7-10 years
- ActivityModerate
- GroomingLow
What to Expect From Different Rabbit Personalities
Within any breed, individual rabbits have their own personalities — some are bold and curious, others are shy and reserved. But certain breed tendencies do show up consistently enough to be worth knowing before you bring a rabbit home. Netherland Dwarfs and other small breeds tend to be higher energy and more easily startled, which can make them less ideal for households with young children or loud activity. Lionheads are often described as curious and sometimes mischievous — they tend to be interested in their environment and can be more interactive than other breeds. Flemish Giants and other large breeds are frequently reported as calm, docile, and tolerant, which makes them popular with families. Angoras are often quiet and less active, sometimes described as calm but can be more demanding in terms of grooming needs.
These are generalizations, not guarantees. The best way to know a rabbit's personality is to spend time with them before adopting — ask the rescue or breeder if you can visit and observe the rabbit in their current space. Pay attention to how they react to movement, sound, and interaction. A rabbit who freezes or thumps repeatedly in a busy environment may struggle in a household with children or other pets.
Breed-Specific Costs to Consider
Some breeds carry costs beyond the adoption fee. Long-haired breeds like Angoras and Lionheads require regular grooming — either at home with proper tools or professionally, which adds up over time. Large breeds like Flemish Giants need bigger enclosures, more hay, and higher doses of any medication or supplement. Dwarf breeds are more prone to dental problems because their skulls are compressed, which can mean more frequent vet visits for tooth trims. Before choosing a breed, research the common health issues associated with it and factor those into your decision. A breed that is beautiful and charming but expensive to maintain may not be the right choice for your budget.
Where to Find Your Rabbit
Once you have narrowed down which breeds interest you, the next decision is where to get your rabbit. Animal shelters and rabbit-specific rescues often have purebred and mixed rabbits available, and adopting from a rescue means you are giving a rabbit a second chance at a good home. Many rescue rabbits come with background information about their personality and behavior, which makes the transition easier.
Breeders are another option, particularly if you want a specific breed or are looking for a rabbit with known genetic health lines. If you go through a breeder, visit their facility in person before committing. Ask to see where the rabbits are kept, how they are handled, and what health guarantees the breeder offers. A reputable breeder will be transparent about their operation and happy to answer questions.
Common Misconceptions About Rabbit Breeds
One of the most persistent myths about rabbit breeds is that size determines care difficulty. While it is true that larger rabbits eat more hay and need bigger enclosures, the actual complexity of care is driven more by coat type, energy level, and individual temperament than by weight alone. A small Netherland Dwarf with a thick double coat requires more grooming maintenance than many medium-sized breeds with simple fur.
Another misconception is that certain breeds are inherently cuddly. No breed is naturally disposed toward being picked up and held — rabbits who enjoy cuddling have been socialized to it from a young age, which is a product of their individual history, not their genetics. When choosing a rabbit, prioritize temperament over breed stereotypes. Spend time with the individual rabbit before deciding, and ask the rescue or breeder about how they have handled human interaction.
Common Misconceptions About Rabbit Breeds
One of the most persistent myths about rabbit breeds is that size determines care difficulty. While it is true that larger rabbits eat more hay and need bigger enclosures, the actual complexity of care is driven more by coat type, energy level, and individual temperament than by weight alone. A small Netherland Dwarf with a thick double coat requires more grooming maintenance than many medium-sized breeds with simple fur.
Another misconception is that certain breeds are inherently cuddly. No breed is naturally disposed toward being picked up and held — rabbits who enjoy cuddling have been socialized to it from a young age, which is a product of their individual history, not their genetics. When choosing a rabbit, prioritize temperament over breed stereotypes. Spend time with the individual rabbit before deciding, and ask the rescue or breeder about how they have handled human interaction.
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We recommend adoption from local shelters or rescues. Thousands of rabbits need loving homes every year.
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