Different Rabbit Breeds And Their Humans.

[ArdenBunny]

I was talking to one of my dog friends several weeks ago about thinking about getting a rabbit. She said I should look into the different breeds, because rabbits were kind of like dogs in that different breeds were different.

Now that I have decided that I am actually going to get a rabbit (going to start looking sometime between September or October when everything slows down here some!) I went looking through the library and was reading up on different rabbit breeds.

With dogs it's kind of easy to tell what you are going to get just by saying the breed (for me it is, anyway!). With rabbits though, it is not that easy for me.

I THINK I want a flemish giant. I sure do like the way they look, andI don't mind a larger bunny at all. So I was hoping maybe somebody could help me out? I also don't mind grooming. I have two long haired dogs that blow their undercoat at least once a year. Two shetland sheepdogs will redefine the words "shed" for you! :shock: So I don't mind grooming. I'm grooming two long haired, double coated dogs anyway.

I'm 28 years old, but live at home with the parental units. Which is actually a good thing, because that means somebody is usually here all the time. We have recently built a new 6ft chain link fence. So there is plenty of room outside for the bunny to play outside, supervised. I plan to keep the rabbit inside the house. I am buying one of my dogs a new crate, and I plan to keep the rabbit inside the crate my dog has now. It's big enough for a large collie.

So what is a good rabbit for somebody who has never owned one? Whatthe ultimate plan to do it go to the county fair in the fall, and see what I like. Sometimes what looks nice isn't always what you should get though! So any first time rabbit breed suggestions you could give me would be great!

 

[saidinjester]

I think here is where you'll get a thousand different answers because everyone loves their bunnies and everyone has a different favorite! :biggrin2:

I have a Himalayan and he is the sweetest thing on the planet, so of course, whenever anyone asks me about rabbits, I say they should get a Himmie! Although, I will say they are well known for being calm and friendly pets. (See what I mean? LOL)

I am sure that whatever you end up with, you'll love!

 

[Nela]

I've had so many different kinds... I loved/love them all. I must admit, I really loved these 2 big New Zealand mixes that came to me as rescues. I would have loved to keep them! They were sooooo funny. They were really outgoing and goofy. It was quite hilarious to watch their totally ungraceful and noisy binkies.Compared to a lil bun, these big dudes looked likean elephant trying to binky... My heartbun was a mini-rex though and they'll always have a special spot in my heart. However, I'm quite fond of lops too. Heh. It's just too hard to pick!

 

[wendymac]

French Lops are really awesome! Most of mine aren't fans of actually being picked up. But they follow you around, will jump in your lap, etc. They are VERY lazy, on the whole. They play for a few minutes, then sleep for hours. LOL Low maintenance, as far as grooming, but they do eat quite a bit. They remind me of a basset hound. Lumbers around a bit, then sleeps.

If you're looking for a smaller bunny, that you can cart around, the Polish might be one to consider. They're called "tiny aristocrats" because they're very friendly. Like a Pomeranian.

 

[qtipthebun]

I'm a fan of the mini-rex...so snuggly!! For bigger breeds, Q-tip is trying to convince me to rescue this big Californian that's at one of the local rescues...I keep trying to tell her we don't have space for a Californian, but he's quite a charming guy....

 

[MarisaAndToby]

Like everyone else has said, they're going to be huge advocates for their own bunnies! I will say that the larger (giant) breeds tend to be more laid back and friendlier, but there are always exceptions to the rule.

My guy is a mini lop, and I absolutely adore him. He's fairly small (about 5 pounds), and has a good amount of energy so he's really fun to watch. He is also such a sweetheart, and will spend hours in bed cuddling with me watching TV or movies. He doesn't mind being held, and the only time I have trouble with him is when it comes time to clip his nails.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[ZRabbits]

Sounds like you have one in mind already. The Flemish Giant. I think one would be perfect for you and your first time experience. I wanted a Flemish, but decided to stick with small. I love my little guys, but having such a big bunny would be an awesome experience. And a dog crate would be a great place for a Flemish to sleep at night.

Whatever you decided, bunnies are really an awesome experience.

K

 

[PaGal]

I will actually be picking up a flemish youngster in thirteen days. I had a mini rex many years ago. I saw a show a long time ago with a very large bunny on it and thought it would be cool to have one. But haven't thought about one since. We have a large, goofy dog and feel something small would have us too worried. He's not mean in any way. Loves everyone and every animal he has ever come across. We would just be worried of him accidently stepping on one.

I can't even remember why I went online or how I came across it but I did come across flemish giants a few months back. I then started reading about them. Everything I have read says that they are laid back and affectionate. I have viewed untold numbers of people holding theirs and quite a few were being held by babies. I also came across a breeder in my state that uses her flemishes for therapy. Like therapy dogs but a bunny. She takes some of hers around to hospitals, etc.

I would say to just keep researching and thinking.

 

[woahlookitsme]

I am a fan of the arch breeds. If you don't really want a big snuggler but instead one that will give you an entertaining play time an arch breed could be one to consider.

Flemish are big lovebugs and are great first time bunnies

 

[ArdenBunny]

I am a little bummed to tell you the truth. :shock: I had this idea that when the fair was here that while they were showing rabbits I would be able to talk to people and maybe find a rabbit breeder. While the schedule for this year's fair is not up, they do have a month by month schedule of events, and also they have the events that took place at last year's fair.

So, then, since the fairgrounds does not do rabbit showing (very odd, because even the dog show here is at the fairgrounds - it is an inside, air conditioned/heated building) how do you go about finding a rabbit breeder? They obviously sell rabbits though, because in their agriculture section it lists the rules and regulations for livestock that is to be sold, and it mentions in state and out of state rabbits (out of state rabbit breeders are not required to show proof of vets - yikes! :shock.



Help, suggestions, tips? Does anybody know where I might could find a rabbit show schedule? I'm not wanting to show rabbits, but I want a good, pet quality rabbit that has been well taken care of by people that love it.

 

[ZRabbits]

ArdenBunny wrote:

I am a little bummed to tell you the truth. :shock: I had this idea that when the fair was here that while they were showing rabbits I would be able to talk to people and maybe find a rabbit breeder. While the schedule for this year's fair is up, they do have a month by month schedule of events, and also they have the events that took place at last year's fair.

So, then, since the fairgrounds does not do rabbit showing (very odd, because even the dog show here is at the fairgrounds - it is an inside, air conditioned/heated building) how do you go about finding a rabbit breeder? They obviously sell rabbits though, because in their agriculture section it lists the rules and regulations for livestock that is to be sold, and it mentions in state and out of state rabbits (out of state rabbit breeders are not required to show proof of vets - yikes! :shock.



Help, suggestions, tips? Does anybody know where I might could find a rabbit show schedule? I'm not wanting to show rabbits, but I want a good, pet quality rabbit that has been well taken care of by people that love it.

ARBA has a list of shows. Hopefully one is close to you.

Wishing you luck with the search for your bunny.

http://www.arba.net/district/4/shows.htm

K

 

[TinysMom]

www.arba.net will have show schedules.

I used to breed flemish giants and they are big lovebugs. If you get a well socialized one at a young age (8 weeks) then you should be able to bond with it well. The thing is - they need to learn that you're the boss while they're young...nothing like fighting a 20 pound flemish giant to get meds in them!

 

[Paddy Ohara]

The only regrets I have with my Flemish Giant is not getting one sooner in my life. Agree with others are saying about them. Socilaize them young and teach them what you need them to know so you can take the best care of them. She just lays in my lap for exams and nails trims-this still amazes me. I bought her specifically for pet therapy and she is a professional. She has developed quite the fan club around town. I have also had mini rex, holland lap, mix breeds, and dwarf-they didn't live with me I just took care of them at my work place. I love them all but the Flemish is my favorite.