Which Breed is Right For Me?

What’s My Perfect Breed?

First of all, think size. Size is a huge part of a breed. I categorize the breeds in three different sizes: large, medium and small. You could go more in depth. Larger breeds are more to pick up and are quite a bit heavier. They also require larger cages and more food, and have bigger litters. Smaller rabbits eat less and have smaller litters. If you pick a Dwarf breed, you will get peanuts in many of your litters. And of course the medium sized breeds are somewhere in between.

Second, what fur type? There are four types of fur: normal, rex, satin and wool. Do you want a rabbit that has wool? If yes, you will have quite an easy decision on picking your breed because there are only 6 wooled breeds. If no, mark out those wooled breeds. Remember, wooled breeds require much more grooming than a rabbit with normal rollback or flyback fur. There are also only 2 breeds that have rex fur; the Rex and Mini Rex, and 2 breeds that have satin fur: the Satin and Mini Satin.

Third, think about conformation. Consider body type profiles. There are 5 different groups of body type: Semi Arch, Compact, Commercial, Cylindrical and Full Arch. Also think about ear. Ears are what make a rabbit! Do you prefer large and erect? Short and erect? Lopped? 

Fourth, do you want a breed that comes in a rainbow of colors? Or is one color or a couple okay?

Fifth, think about the availability and popularity of the breed. You can pretty much get your hands on any breed if you know how. It certainly may not be as cheap as finding a breeder of a more popular breed locally. Rarer breeds need more development, and are considerably less competitive at shows because of lack of entries. Stock will be limited and selling them may be tougher, and you certainly can’t let the breed get into the wrong hands.

A few other things to ponder about is the average temperament of the breed, and also whether you would be interested in Marked Breeds. Marked breeds are when the rabbit has to have specific markings. For example, the Dwarf Hotot and Blanc de Hotot both have eyebands. Markings for the English Spot are worth 44 points! It is higher than general type.  

To sum it up, when deciding what breed to get be very picky and understand where the breed fits in all the categories. Pick a breed that is going to fit you perfectly. Read its standard. If you don't like how they should be built, why get the breed?  For me personally, I prefer medium and small breeds. The large breeds are my Mom's. They are too big for me to carry around easily. They are beautiful and fun to work with out of the nestbox and as juniors, but once they get to their full size they are too big for me. I also prefer tiny erect ears and cobby bodies, which is why I am so drawn to Netherland Dwarfs. I really like a breed that is posed upright, but am starting to fall for lower posed breeds such as the Dwarf Hotot. We all have our own preferences. Picking your perfect breed is tons of fun! Enjoy the search, have fun and take all things into consideration.

Thanks of reading, Heather

Easter Bunnies

    Easter is approaching and for many reputable rabbit breeders it is a time of closing down for the holiday. Though there is nothing wrong with getting a rabbit ON Easter, you shouldn’t get one FOR the sake of the holiday. If you are prepared for the commitment, have done your research and actually want a rabbit for the long run and not just for the sake of the holiday’s gimmick, there is nothing wrong with giving one or getting. If your child is begging for a rabbit this Easter, ask yourself these questions:

1:  Are you prepared to take responsibility of the rabbit if your child isn’t able to commit or loses interest in the rabbit? If no, get your child a stuffed bunny instead. 

2:  Have you done your research on how to properly take care of a rabbit? Do you have a proper setup for the rabbit (cage, bedding, food and water bowl, and rabbit food)? 

3:  Can you afford to buy rabbit food and bedding for the rabbit as needed?  Are you prepared to clean the rabbit’s cage out at least once a week, and to feed and water the rabbit everyday? 

4:  Are you knowledgeable on rabbit illnesses? Would you know what to do if the rabbit starts to show signs of an illness? 

Having a rabbit/s is a big responsibility because it is up to YOU to give them all they need. If you fail to take care of them, they will be the one to suffer. 

 Breeders have seen and dealt with horror stories, which reflects their decision not to sell rabbits on or near Easter. Too many times a child will receive a rabbit FOR Easter, lose interest in the rabbit after a few weeks and will neglect to take care of it. Nothing good can come from that, and the rabbit is the one that suffers.

Something to also keep in mind when considering buying a rabbit on Easter is though a 5 week old baby rabbit is adorable, it is illegal to sell/buy a rabbit under the age of 8 weeks in the state of South Carolina. This law will save you a lot of heartache. This holiday is a feeding ground for many "less than reputable" breeders to try and sell a mass amount of underage rabbits.

Conclusion:
Rabbits are awesome creatures and leave footprints on your heart. Perhaps instead of getting a live animal, why not get your child a stuff rabbit? As for yourself, go buy you an awesome rabbit figurine or another rabbit collectable item. Check out these figurines we seen and just had to add to our collection:

For the love of wabbits, Heather