There are many breeds of rabbits. Each has a different color, size, shape, and coat type. The subtle differences between breeds are most attractive to people who show their bunnies. However, the average owner focuses primarily on the type and size of the coat.
A rabbit bought from a pet shop may not be purebred and may not conform to ideal breed standards. This does not affect their quality as pets and should not discourage you from getting the rabbit you love.
The size of a rabbit can vary from a tiny dwarf breed weighing less than 2.5 lbs to an extensive breed weighing 20 lbs or more.
Coats come in a variety of colors. They can be white, brown, gray, or black. The texture of fur varies and can be short or long.
The longer-coated breeds need to be groomed daily, which can take longer than the shorter ones.
Pet Rabbit Breeds: An Alphabetical List
1-Alaskan
Although you may think the Alaska rabbit was born in Alaska, the jet-black breed is a German native. Initially created as a fur rabbit (non-pet), it can be a beautiful pet. The American Rabbit Breeders Association once recognized the Alaska rabbit breed. However, it is not recognized anymore by ARBA. The British Rabbit Council recognizes Alaska.
- 6 to 8.5 pounds
- Black
- Thick coat
- Originated in Germany
2-American
American rabbits are a rare breed. The giant, heavy rabbit is approximately 12 pounds and can be found in two solid colors, blue and white. The American is well-known for its beautiful fur and sweet temperament. American Livestock Breed Conservancy considers the American a critical breed.
- 9 to 12 pounds
- Blue, white
- Medium build, narrow head
3-American Chinchilla
The American Chinchilla’s history dates back to 1919 at the New York State Fair. A British exhibitor sold two Chinchilla bunnies to two U.S. rabbit breeders. They then went on to increase their size. The American Chinchilla, a gentle and resilient breed of Chinchilla rabbits, is one of the rarest.
- 9 to 12 pounds
- Chinchilla colored
- Dense, fine hair that is smooth and glossy (1.25-inch-long coat)
Relatively round body
4-American Fuzzy Lop
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes the American Fuzzy Lop rabbit breeding. It looks similar to the Holland Lop. The American Fuzzy Lop, however, is a wool breed. It will have wool identical in appearance to the Angora, but it will be shorter than a commercial Angora. The American fuzzy lop must weigh at least four pounds to be displayed.
- 3-4 Pounds
- All solid or broken colors/patterns
5-American Sable
Medium-sized American Sable rabbits have a uniquely brown coat. It looks like a mink and comes in a variety of shades. The tail, face, ears, and feet are dark sepia. The American Sable is a rare breed. It was developed using different types and chinchilla bunnies.
- 7-10 Pounds
- Sepia brown
- Medium build, with a dense, dense coat and coarse guard hairs
6-Angora
Angora rabbits are well-known for their silky, long-lasting wool coats. Luxurious hair requires a lot of care. This includes frequent brushing to remove mats and plucking, shearing, or clipping the hair every few months. Many Angora rabbit breeds are available, including the English Angora, French Angora, and Satin Angora.
- There are many sizes and colors.
- Maintenance is essential
- English angora, 5 to 7 pounds, long silky hair
- French angora: 7.5 to 10 pounds
- Giant Angora: 8.5+ lbs, soft fine undercoat (wool), straight guard hairs, and a wavy fluff between.
- Satin Angora: 6.5 – 9.5 pounds, beautiful wool
7-Argente Rabbits
The Argente rabbits are French and have dense, shiny, silky coats. They come in many beautiful colors. There are many Argente rabbit breeds. They include Argente Brun (silverbrown), Argente Bleu, Champagne d’Argent, Argente Noir (born in black, but changed to a silvery, slate-blue color), Creme d’Argent, Argente St. Hubert, and Argente St. Hubert, all of which are silver span>
- 5-12 pounds
- Available in a variety of colors, including black, white, silver, brown, and creamy white
8-Belgian Hare
The American Rabbit Breeders Association states that the Belgian Hare is the oldest American rabbit breed. It was created in Belgium in the 1880s but developed in America in the 1880s. The Belgian Hare is a lengthy, slim, arched-back, round hindquarters and has a long, straight body. This breed is scarce.
- 6 to 9.5 Pounds
- Reddish brown or chestnut with slate under-coloring. Slender build.
- Slender build
9-Blanc de Hotot (White Hotot)
The Blanc de Hotot (White Hotot) was created in France in the early 19 century. Blanc de Hotot, also known as White Hotot, is a solid-white rabbit with black “eyeliner” markings that ring its dark eyes. It has similar markings but is smaller. Who used the Blanc de Hotot rabbit to develop the Dwarf Hotot.
- 8 to 11 Pounds
- Black and white eye-ring
- A well-rounded body
10-Britannia Petite
The Britannia Petite is a tiny rabbit weighing in at 2.5 pounds. It is one of the most recognized rabbit breeds by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The Britannia Petite in the United Kingdom is also known as the Polish. The Britannia Petite is energetic and highly strung. This can make it challenging to manage.
- Below 2.5 Pounds
- Black otter, Ruby-eyed White, and Black, Chestnut Agouti
- A slim, well-built body with a silky, smooth coat
- One of the most miniature rabbit breeds
11-Californian
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes the Californian rabbit as one of its most beloved breeds. The breed’s name refers to the fact that it was developed in Southern California in the 1920s. Californian rabbits have a white body and Himalayan coloring (darker colors on the extremities, including the ears, nose, feet, and tail). They have always had pink eyes.
- 8-12 Pounds
- White with a black nose, ears, and feet.
- A round body with a medium build and a short, smooth coat
12-Argenté rabbit
The Argente is one of the oldest breeds of French shows. The British Rabbit Council (BRC) recognizes six varieties: Argente Bleu (Argente Brun), Argente Creme (Argente de Champagne), Argente Noir (Argente St Hubert), and Champagne d’Argent (ARBA).
The names of the Argente breeds (Brun and Noir) are not interchangeable. The top color, always silver, does not refer to the lower portion of the hair shaft.
Argentes are born with a solid color. Adult coloring can begin as early as six weeks old and continue until four months.
The Argente rabbit is small and neat, with well-developed hindquarters and slightly arched backs. Argentes are not bred for their strong traits, such as being cobby- or racy.
Argentes have a broad head and straight front legs. They are also short and very fine in bone. They are excellent pets because of their friendly nature.
- 8-12 Pounds
- Champagne d’Argent markings.
13-Checkered Giant
The Checkered Giant is a rabbit breed with a long history in America. It was first recognized in 1919 by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The Checkered Giant is a large and heavy rabbit, weighing at least 11 pounds. It also has distinct checkered markings on its body. This active rabbit needs lots of space and must be allowed to run. The Checkered Giant breed is also known as the “Rabbit Beautiful.”
- More than 11 pounds
- White with black/blue markings (long spine, cheek spots, and body spots, as well as eye circles and a butterfly mark on the nose)
- Long, hare-like body
14-Chinchilla
The ARBA recognizes three Chinchilla species: the American Chinchilla (standard) and the Giant Chinchilla. All Chinchilla breeds of Chinchilla rabbits have soft, silver-colored coats that closely resemble the chinchilla. This small rodent from South America can also be kept as a pet. The color is a mixture of grays. It has dark slate at the base and darker blue at its top edge. There are shades of light gray in the middle.
- 5.5 to 60.5 pounds
- Chinchilla grey colored
- Fine bones
- Black babies are born with white hairs that start to show around two months.
15-Cinnamon
The Cinnamon rabbit’s lustrous, short red hair gave it its name. In the 1970s, the breed was born from a cross of a Chinchilla doe with a New Zealand buck. The litter produced some red babies when one of the bucks was bred with a Checkered Giant/Californian. Cinnamon rabbits can be medium-sized and are sweet and affectionate pets.
- 8.5-8.11 Pounds
- With grey ticking on the back and grey on your belly, rust or cinnamon color. There are rust-colored spots on the hind legs, a butterfly mark on the nose, and eye rings.
16-Continental
The Flemish Giant is sometimes called Contis or Continental Giants. The Continental rabbit is often referred to as Contis. They are available in white and colored varieties and can weigh up to 16 pounds. The British Rabbit Council recognizes the Continental rabbit, but the American Rabbit Breeders Association does not.
- 12.4 pounds or more
- You can choose from white, black, grey, or chestnut, as well as various other colors.
- Only live 5 to 7 Years
17-Creme d’Argent
The French-bred Argente rabbits are well-known for their thick, shiny, silky coats. They come in many beautiful colors. The Creme d’Argent, one of the four Argente rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, is well-known for its cream-white coat and bright orange under color. This rare breed is only found in the United States or the United Kingdom.
- 8 to 11 Pounds
- Creamy white undercoat with orange accents
- Nose butterfly marking
18-Dalmatian
The Dalmatian, also known as the Dalmatian Rex, is a medium-sized rabbit that weighs 6-8 pounds. Its fur is primarily white, with brown, black, or orange dots.
The ARBA does not recognize the breed but the British Rabbit Council and the Mini Rex Club.
Germany and France are the origins of the rabbit.
- 6 to 8 Pounds
- White with “numerous little colored patches” of “black, blue, brown, orange, or fawn.”
19-Dutch
The Dutch rabbit is a popular breed due to its distinctive bi-colored markings. It ranks among the top 10 most beloved rabbit breeds. This breed is small and weighs between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds. The Dutch rabbit is a breed that originated in England. It’s the oldest known rabbit breed, dating back to the 1850s. It is a popular pet because it is active and friendly.
- 3.5 to 5.5 pounds
- White with black, brown, or blue; chocolate; steel; tortoise
- The front and back of the head, body, and feet are white. The rest are colored.
20-Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot is a rare-looking rabbit breed. It’s all white except for the black “eyeliner” markings that ring its dark eyes. It is related to the Blanc de Hotot (White Hotot), which gave rise to the Dwarf Hotot’s beautiful appearance. The Dwarf Hotot is a friendly, curious, and active pet. The Dwarf Hotot weighs in at under 3 pounds.
- Weighing less than 3 pounds
- Black and white eye rings
- Round body
21-English Angora
There was only one breed of “Angora Wooler” before 1939. ARBA reclassified Angora Wooler as English Type and French Type in 1939. ARBA officially divided Angora rabbits into two species, English Angora and French Angora.
The Angora rabbit breed is adorned with “fur,” a growth of wool on the ears, and the entire face, except the nose, front feet, and thick bodies.
Although gentle, they should not be used by those who don’t groom their animals. They require grooming twice a week because of their dense wool.
An English Angora rabbit can be bred with broken colors, i.e., white with black spots.
However, this is not allowed by ARBA standards. This would result in the rabbit being disqualified from being shown.
An English Angora rabbit should have only one color of toenails. The ears can be folded at the tips, and furniture on the face could cover the eyes. The English Angora is one of the only Angora breeds with hair that covers its eyes.
- 4 to 7 pounds
- Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, Ruby-eyed White, Self, and Shaded
22-English Lop
The English Lop, famous for its long ears (the longest among all rabbit breeds), was probably the first lopeared rabbit breed. All other lopeared breeds can trace their ancestry back to the English Lop. English Lops were a popular pet during Queen Victoria’s reign and have been around since the 1800s. The English Lop is an adorable pet that is calm and friendly.
- More than 9 Pounds
- Agouti, broken or shaded, ticked or wide-band colors groups
- Long lop ears
23-English Spot
The English Spot, with its attractive speckled appearance, can be traced back to England in 1800. They arrived in America just before the beginning of the 20th century. The English Spot is distinguished by its distinctive markings, which include a butterfly mark on its nose, cheek spots and spine markings (herringbones), colored ears, and a chain of spots running along its body.
- 5 to 8 Pounds
- White with black, chocolate, gold, or grey.
- A long, arched body that looks like a hare
24-Flemish Giant (Patagonian)
The Flemish Giant rabbit is named after Flanders, Belgium. It has been around in Europe since the 17 century. Although the breed does not have a maximum weight, some Flemish Giants may weigh as much as 20 pounds. It was imported to America in the 1890s. Because of its large size, it helped increase the weight of meat-producing rabbits. The Flemish Giant, also known as “The Gentle Giant,” is a rare pet. Its sweet temperament makes it a popular choice.
- Usually, between 10 and 20 pounds.
- Blue, black, fawn, and light grey.
- Long, with a muscular build (but not fat).
- One of the most popular breeds of rabbits
25-Florida White
The Florida White rabbit was initially bred as a laboratory rabbit in the 1960s. Today, this small rabbit breed is a popular pet and a competitive show rabbit. The Florida White rabbit is pure white, with red eyes. The maximum weight for this breed is 6 pounds.
- 4 to 6 Pounds
- Pure white
- Round body
26-French Lop
Most likely, the French Lop descends from the English Lop or the Giant Papillon rabbit. This was a large spotted bunny that is generally extinct today. The French Lop rabbit is large and heavy-boned. There is no maximum weight. The French Lop is similar to the English Lop but has droopy, low-set ears. However, they are shorter than the English Lop. The French Lop is gentle, laid back, and has a sweet personality.
- 10 Pounds and More
- Agouti, broken and self, shaded, ticked or wide-band group
- Muscular, heavy build
27-Giant Papillon
The Checkered Giant, also known as Geant Papillon (in French), is a domestic rabbit breed developed in France.
The Checkered Giant is among a few rabbit breeds with specific markings on their coats. The Checkered Giant is one of a few rabbit breeds with specific coat markings.
The Giant Papillon was a large, spotted breed of rabbit that is now extinct. Some believe that the Giant Papillon is almost identical to the German Giant Spotted. This causes the technicality of the Papillon’s extinction to be debated. The Giant Papillon was closely related to the Checked Giant rabbit.
- 13-14 Pounds
- White with markings; similar to English Spot except that there are patches on the sides instead of spots
- Possibly extinct
Pet Rabbit Breed Sizes
Although the breed of a rabbit has very little effect on its quality as a pet, it may interest you in the size of the rabbit once it is fully grown. The American Rabbit Breeders Association has grouped the following breeds by size:
Small Sized Rabbit Breeds, 2-6 Pounds
- American Fuzzy Lop
- Britannia Petite
- Dutch
- Dwarf Hotot
- Florida White
- Havana
- Himalayan
- Holland Lop
- Jersey Wolly
- Mini Lop
- Mini Rex
- Netherland Dwarf
- Polish
- Silver
- Tan
Medium-Sized Rabbit Breeds – 6-9 Pounds
- American Sable
- Belgian Hare
- English Angora
- English Spot
- French Angora
- Harlequin
- Lilac
- Rex
- Rhinelander
- Satin Angora
- Silver Marten
- Standard Chinchilla
Large-Sized Rabbit Breeds – 9 to 11.2 pounds
- American
- American Chinchilla
- Beveren
- Californian
- Champagne d’Argent
- Cinnamon
- Creme d’Argent
- English Lop
- Giant Angora
- Hotot
- New Zealand
- Palomino
- Satin
- Silver Fox
Giant Sized Rabbit Breeds — 11 pounds and More
- Checkered Giant
- Continental Giant (Conti).
- Flemish Giant (Patagonian).
- French Lop
- Giant Chinchilla
FAQ
How many rabbit breeds are there?
As of 2017, at least 305 breeds of domestic rabbit existed in 70 countries worldwide.
The (ARBA) recognizes 49 unique rabbit breeds.
Can different rabbit breeds live together?
Rabbits can be social but territorial. Rabbits require the company of their species, but you can’t mix two rabbits from different breeds without following the correct procedure. This could lead to adverse outcomes.
What breeds of rabbit stay small?
All dwarf, miniature, and petite pygmy breeds; American fuzzy, Holland lops, and Dutch Himalayans; Jersey wooly and lion heads.
How do you identify rabbit breeds?
You can identify your rabbit’s breed using a variety of online tools. You can also determine the breed by your rabbit’s weight and size, fur type, body shape, color, and markings and colors.
