Rabbits

The joys of pet rabbits

There are many reasons why people choose rabbits for pets. From their undeniable cuddly factor to their calm temperament, rabbits are great animals to live with, and they tend to get along with other domesticated animals very well. But finding the right rabbit for you isn't always as easy as looking through a pet store window -- there are some criteria to keep in mind to make sure you're getting a pet that will be happy, healthy and sociable in your household for years to come.

Types of Rabbits

While there are a few general divisions under the domestic rabbit category, there are many breeds of pet rabbits in each. Perhaps the best place to begin your search for a pet rabbit is size: do you picture a little ball of fur that will always fit nicely into the palm of your hand, or would you rather a larger pet that won't be mistaken for a dust bunny on cleaning day?

Dwarf Rabbits: Like their names suggest, these are some of the smallest rabbits around, and they can be further divided into more specific breeds. For instance, a Britannia Petite is one of the tiniest dwarf breeds, weighing less than 2.5 lbs. On the other end of the spectrum, there's the dwarf lop that can grow up to 4 lbs. True dwarf rabbits are the result of two dwarf rabbits; if one dwarf is bred with a regular breed, the offspring will not be true, or purebred, dwarf rabbits.

Long Hair and Short Hair: Coat type is another aspect to consider when shopping for a pet rabbit, as the length and type of fur will determine grooming time and effort. You can get away with a weekly brushing for most short hair varieties, but long hair breeds will need daily grooming. Moreover, keep in mind that all rabbits go through shedding cycles, and you'll need to help thin their coats with more frequent brushing once they enter a heavy shedding period. No matter which type of rabbit you own, grooming is a major part of rabbit care.

Breeding Rabbits

Mixed Breeds and Pure Breeds: Baby rabbits are generally tiny and adorable regardless of their breed, but you may get a surprise when your bunny begins to look much different than what you had expected. Breeding rabbits can be tricky, and many -- if not most -- pet stores will be selling rabbits of mixed breeds, even if they're advertised simply as a "Holland Lop" or a "Chinchilla". Different breeds can be bred together, but rabbit health may suffer and the bunnies will generally be poor in quality.

Breed Markers: If you intend to breed rabbits, be sure to do your research before adopting your pet. Familiarize yourself with the markers of your breed of choice, examine the rabbit carefully, and be sure to find a healthy purebred partner that has strong traits. A good understanding of color genetics will go a long way to reducing color flaws in rabbit litters (known as kits), and you should read up on rabbit diseases and genetic defects so you can avoid breeding sick rabbits. In the end, careful breeding practices will return excellent results, allowing you to take pride in your purebred bunnies.