Rabbit Breeds: A Guide to 300+ Domestic Rabbit Varieties - Animal Corner (original) (raw)
Rabbits are one of the most popular small pets in the world, and with over 300 recognised breeds there is a remarkable variety to choose from. From the tiny Netherland Dwarf weighing barely 1 kg to the enormous Flemish Giant that can exceed 10 kg, rabbit breeds span an extraordinary range of sizes, shapes, coat types, and personalities.
Whether you are looking for a cuddly companion, a show rabbit, or a breed suited to outdoor living, understanding the characteristics of different breeds will help you find the right match. Below you will find an introduction to the main breed groups, followed by our complete directory of rabbit breeds.
Featured Rabbit Breeds
Our most popular breed guides — from tiny Netherland Dwarfs to massive Flemish Giants.
Flemish Giant Rabbit
The Flemish Giant rabbit is one of the largest and oldest recognized breeds of rabbit. While these rabbits…
Mini Rex Rabbit
The Mini Rex rabbit is a miniature version of the original Rex that can weigh more than 10…
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit
What is small, white and woolly and nicknamed a Fuzzy? The American Fuzzy Lop! The American Fuzzy Lop…
Silver Fox Rabbit
What is silver like a fox and loves to be cuddled and stroked? A Silver Fox Rabbit!…
Holland Lop Rabbit
Originating from the Netherlands, the Holland Lop is the smallest of the lop rabbit breeds. These cute and…
The Satin Rabbit
What’s shiny, with pelt as soft as satin, and has a mini me just like it? The Satin…
The Lionhead Rabbit
The Lionhead rabbit is a small breed of rabbit that is relatively new to the United States, having…
The New Zealand Rabbit
The New Zealand rabbit is a large, often white, breed of rabbit that is primarily used for it’s…
The Harlequin Rabbit
The Harlequin rabbit is a unique breed that is known for it’s coat colors. These rabbits are sometimes…
English Angora Rabbit
The Angora rabbit looks like a round ball of fluff and can often be mistaken for a Pekinese…
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is one of the smallest breeds of rabbit and is a very popular pet…
The Californian Rabbit
The Californian Rabbit breed, also known as the California white, is becoming more and more popular among rabbit…
Rabbit Breed Groups
Small Breeds
Small rabbit breeds weigh under 2.5 kg and are popular as house pets due to their compact size and manageable care requirements. The Netherland Dwarf, Mini Lop, and Holland Lop are among the most popular small breeds. These rabbits are full of personality but can be more delicate than larger breeds and may not be the best choice for young children who want to handle their pet frequently.
Medium Breeds
Medium breeds weigh between 2.5 and 5 kg and are often considered the ideal family rabbit. Breeds such as the Rex, Dutch, and English Spot are sturdy enough to be handled by older children while remaining a manageable size for indoor or outdoor housing. Many medium breeds are known for their friendly, outgoing temperaments and make excellent companions.
Large and Giant Breeds
Large breeds weigh over 5 kg, with giant breeds such as the Flemish Giant, Continental Giant, and British Giant exceeding 6-10 kg. These gentle giants are often described as dog-like in their temperament — calm, affectionate, and happy to follow their owners around the house. They require significantly more space and food than smaller breeds but reward their owners with exceptionally laid-back personalities.
Lop-Eared Breeds
Lop-eared rabbits — breeds whose ears hang down rather than standing upright — are among the most recognisable and popular pet rabbits. The Mini Lop, French Lop, and English Lop each have their own character, but all share those distinctive drooping ears that give them an endearingly gentle expression. Lop ears do require extra attention to hygiene, as the folded ear canal can be prone to infection if not checked regularly.
Fancy and Long-Haired Breeds
Long-haired breeds such as the Angora, Lionhead, and Jersey Wooly are bred for their luxurious coats. The English Angora produces wool so fine it can be spun and knitted, while the Lionhead’s distinctive mane gives it a striking appearance. These breeds require regular grooming — daily in many cases — to prevent matting and wool block, a potentially fatal digestive condition caused by ingesting loose fur.