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