What Breed would be Best for Me?

[RunnyBabbit]

I'm looking at possibly adopting a rabbit in the future, and I've done research for years just because I love rabbits. I've watched nearly all of Lennon The Bunny's videos as well as some others and I plan on free roaming at least in two rooms. Since I will be adopting I won't be able to really choose from a lot of breeds and it'll mostly depend on the rabbits personality but, I'm a bit allergic to rabbits, I have two little dogs (small animal friendly), and this will be my first rabbit. I already know everything there is to know about rabbits and I'm writing an article about rabbit care but I'm obviously lacking experience. I'd like to foster one soon, but I was wondering what breed would be best for me. I know Rex and Angora's are thought to be more hypoallergenic than others and larger rabbits typically do best with dogs, but I'd like to know what y'all think. I would prefer if they didn't need to much grooming and if they were smaller though
I've been looking at these breeds:
Netherland dwarf
Holland lop
American fuzzy lop
Jersey wooly
Lionhead
Mini angora
Or a mix of any of those

 

[Abi :)]

Hey! I think its great that you did so much research about buns before thinking about getting one- although I would like to point out that some of Lennon The Bunny's videos can be slightly misinformative so I would recommend checking out other sources (my particular favourite is 101rabbits on Youtube)

I would like to mention that in general angoras tend to need quite a bit of grooming as they grow very thick fur and shed quite a bit as well- in this case an angora may not be for you as their coats tend to be high maintence.

I personally have a rex (Duke) and a mini lop (Bambi) - although they both shed it is easier for me to maintain my Duke's coats than Bambi's coat and I personally think this is because his fur is so dense he doesn't really leave fur balls around the house he tends to have jellyfish hairs that just need to be plucked.

Lionheads are also pretty furry and may shed quite a bit - I have never had a lionhead maybe someone else could comment on this?

In terms of the dog and rabbit relationship- are you planning on free roaming the bun? Will the dogs and rabbit be separated? Are the dogs and the rabbit going to be socialised eventually?

Good luck! <3

 

[RunnyBabbit]

Hey! I think its great that you did so much research about buns before thinking about getting one- although I would like to point out that some of Lennon The Bunny's videos can be slightly misinformative so I would recommend checking out other sources (my particular favourite is 101rabbits on Youtube)

I would like to mention that in general angoras tend to need quite a bit of grooming as they grow very thick fur and shed quite a bit as well- in this case an angora may not be for you as their coats tend to be high maintence.

I personally have a rex (Duke) and a mini lop (Bambi) - although they both shed it is easier for me to maintain my Duke's coats than Bambi's coat and I personally think this is because his fur is so dense he doesn't really leave fur balls around the house he tends to have jellyfish hairs that just need to be plucked.

Lionheads are also pretty furry and may shed quite a bit - I have never had a lionhead maybe someone else could comment on this?

In terms of the dog and rabbit relationship- are you planning on free roaming the bun? Will the dogs and rabbit be separated? Are the dogs and the rabbit going to be socialised eventually?

Good luck! <3

Thanks for all the info!
I watch 101 rabbits too
When the bun is free roaming I'll either keep the dogs separated or have someone take them for a walk. I'll definitely introduce them slowly bit.i think it'll go well. The dogs will probably ignore the rabbit and most likely hide. They dont even play rough, and dont like playing with other dogs lol.

 

[Blue eyes]

Going through a rabbit rescue is a great idea for a first-time bunny owner. Almost all of their rabbits will be mixes and whatever 'breed' they assign to them are just guesses at best. So I wouldn't even think in terms of breed. Other than avoiding the longer-haired ones that require much grooming, I'd suggest meeting the individual rabbits and forgetting about breed. Any rabbit that's 6 months of age isn't going to get any bigger, so you'll know the size.

There are quite a few exclusively-rabbit rescues in Florida and most have websites that show their available rabbits. The rescue may ask if certain ones have caught your eye, but don't limit yourself to meeting just one. Many times have I fallen in love with a photo of a particular rabbit, but after going to the rescue and meeting several rabbits, I found myself drawn to a different bunny. Just see which one you are drawn to in person (and which seems to like you too).

As for dogs and rabbits, you can take a look at a couple pages from my website that explains more about that. (I've had dogs and rabbits get along.)
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/rabbits-with-dogs.html
Have you already found any rabbit rescues (different than generic shelters)? If not, let us know roughly what part of Florida you are in and we can post some in the area.

 

[Toffee and Valentina]

I think fostering first is a good idea since you may find your allergies are unmanageable. It would be a shame to return rabbits that think they have found their forever home.

 

[RunnyBabbit]

Going through a rabbit rescue is a great idea for a first-time bunny owner. Almost all of their rabbits will be mixes and whatever 'breed' they assign to them are just guesses at best. So I wouldn't even think in terms of breed. Other than avoiding the longer-haired ones that require much grooming, I'd suggest meeting the individual rabbits and forgetting about breed. Any rabbit that's 6 months of age isn't going to get any bigger, so you'll know the size.

There are quite a few exclusively-rabbit rescues in Florida and most have websites that show their available rabbits. The rescue may ask if certain ones have caught your eye, but don't limit yourself to meeting just one. Many times have I fallen in love with a photo of a particular rabbit, but after going to the rescue and meeting several rabbits, I found myself drawn to a different bunny. Just see which one you are drawn to in person (and which seems to like you too).

As for dogs and rabbits, you can take a look at a couple pages from my website that explains more about that. (I've had dogs and rabbits get along.)
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/rabbits-with-dogs.html
Have you already found any rabbit rescues (different than generic shelters)? If not, let us know roughly what part of Florida you are in and we can post some in the area.

The closest one is in Tampa, which is where I'd like to foster from. It's part of the House Rabbit Society too.
There is a Harlequin mix there that is good with dogs, which I think would be god to foster at least.
I may not even get a rabbit for a few more years though. It depends on how fostering goes.
Thanks for all the tips

 

[Happy Hollands]

I don't think American fuzzy lops, jersey woolies, lionheads, or mini angoras would be good options due to your allergies.

Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs are both considered dwarf breeds and have short hair - I would seriously consider these! Netherland Dwarfs can be a bit moody and aren't considered great with young kids due to their attitude, but they have beautiful small bodies and the most adorable tiny upright ears. Holland Lops are a well-rounded breed of rabbit (or maybe I'm prejudice... who knows). They are known for their sweet demeanor and irresistible floppy ears.

Rescues are unpredictable with their selection. The best part is that every rabbit (should) come neutered and with a clean bill of health from the vet!

Best of luck, it makes me so happy to see people like you researching before bringing home a fur baby!

 

[zuppa]

Can't agree about rescues, my best rabbits are secondhands dumped by humans.

Since you have allergies it would be best to avoid fuzzy breeds, but also I have a purebred sooty fawn Holland lop I adopted him in January and he was shedding non stop right until mid August, I have no idea why. I am allergic myself, other rabbits not shedding that much, even some are quite fluffy, I have a lionhead and some very fluffy lionhead/lop mixes, they are fluffy but there's no wool flying around, surprisingly. But this one is just insane. I don't know what I will do if he starts shedding again.

Some rabbits clean themselves constantly especially when shedding and they just consume hair so no hair around, it is important that they eat tons of hay especially during molt season so don't get blockages from hair.

I would say my short haired lops shedding even more than my fluffy ones. Except of one very fluffy lionhead I fostered for 6 months, she was also shedding heavily. But depending on individual rabbit, how they clean themselves. I never see any wool flying with Bernie (holland lop), Arnie (lop/lionhead mix), Fred (very fluffy lionhead) so they just clean themselves really well I believe. Some rabbits you can see they are changing their coats since you can see lines on them, like chinchillas but there's literally zero fur flying around during molt.

Fostering is good idea so you can learn more about rabbits and still have time to decide if you are not ready to take responsibilities.

 

[Blue eyes]

A note on allergies... are you sure you are allergic to rabbits as opposed to the hay? Rabbits need to eat plenty of hay and they like to lay on it as well. Some people assume they are allergic to rabbits when it is actually the hay they are actually allergic to.

Hay is a common allergen. Thankfully there are many different types of hay. So if a particular hay is causing a reaction, one can switch to a different type.

 

[RunnyBabbit]

A note on allergies... are you sure you are allergic to rabbits as opposed to the hay? Rabbits need to eat plenty of hay and they like to lay on it as well. Some people assume they are allergic to rabbits when it is actually the hay they are actually allergic to.

Hay is a common allergen. Thankfully there are many different types of hay. So if a particular hay is causing a reaction, one can switch to a different type.

I'm allergic to Timothy so we would use orchard grass.
But I'm also a bit allergic to rabbits. Both my dogs are hypoallergenic and I'm fine with them but the combination of two dogs and a rabbit that sheds a lot may make me sneezy. That's whyid like to get one that sheds the least.
Before I ever adopt one I'll foster him or her for a while to see if it's a good fit and if my allergies do well with that particular rabbit.
I'd like to foster lots of different rabbits before hand so I can get an idea of what breeds I do best with

 

[Hermelin]

It’s a smart idea to foster. Myself is only allergic to grass/hay. I even react to orchard grass

I can’t have the window closed in my room otherwise I will get a stuffed nose. But it’s true different hay and hay quality will make you react more.

I would say my netherland dwarf have always been the easiest to handle but I can just hit right with good breeders and good personalities. But I have friends that have same allergy as me but they will also react to the bunnies badly.

Maybe you should try rex furred bunnies, they don’t produce as much danders/ particles you can react to. They aren’t hypoallergenic that some might believe but they should produce less dander. Which is what we react to in their fur.

I hope you will be able to foster a lovely bunny ☺

 

[BunBun71]

Sorry that I can't help much, but I hope you like the one that you pick.

 

[Nuage]

Out of the rabbits you have listed, I would recommend getting a holland lop or netherland dwarf. I also reccomend checking out sources other than Lennon the Bunny, as Lennon the Bunny's videos should be taken with a grain of salt (I like Stormy Rabbits and 101 Rabbits).

 

[GalaxyPie]

I'm looking at possibly adopting a rabbit in the future, and I've done research for years just because I love rabbits. I've watched nearly all of Lennon The Bunny's videos as well as some others and I plan on free roaming at least in two rooms. Since I will be adopting I won't be able to really choose from a lot of breeds and it'll mostly depend on the rabbits personality but, I'm a bit allergic to rabbits, I have two little dogs (small animal friendly), and this will be my first rabbit. I already know everything there is to know about rabbits and I'm writing an article about rabbit care but I'm obviously lacking experience. I'd like to foster one soon, but I was wondering what breed would be best for me. I know Rex and Angora's are thought to be more hypoallergenic than others and larger rabbits typically do best with dogs, but I'd like to know what y'all think. I would prefer if they didn't need to much grooming and if they were smaller though
I've been looking at these breeds:
Netherland dwarf
Holland lop
American fuzzy lop
Jersey wooly
Lionhead
Mini angora
Or a mix of any of those

I'd say personality matters more than breed and your rescue can help with that. I'm a big fan of fuzzy lops. They aren't nearby as dense of coat as an angoras and are very affectionate

 

[RunnyBabbit]

Thanks so much for all the adive!

Btw I do watch a lot of rabbit YouTube's other than Lennon the Bunny including 101rabbits, stormy rabbits, some others I cant remember the name of, and a few others for specific questions.
I'm always looking for others though so I can learn from other people perspectives.

 

[Blue eyes]

here's some further info from my website for consideration...
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/choosing-your-first-bunny.html