Rabbit Breeds

Rabbit Breeds

Choosing Your Rabbit Breed: A Starting Point

The first step in your rabbit-keeping journey is selecting the breed that best suits your interests and lifestyle. Consider these key factors:

  • Lifestyle: Do you have the time and space for a large breed like a Giant, or would a smaller breed like a Netherland Dwarf be more suitable?
  • Living Space: Assess your available space. How much room do you have for hutches and exercise areas?
  • Breeding Intentions: Do you plan to breed your rabbits? If so, ensure you have adequate space for breeding pens and consider the potential for increased numbers.
  • Show Participation: If you plan to show your rabbits, research the specific breed standards and requirements within "The Fancy."

Understanding the Four Sections of "The Fancy"

  • Lop Section: This section encompasses all Lop breeds, from the petite Mini Lop to the historic English Lop. Lops offer a wide variety of colours and sizes, making them a popular choice for many enthusiasts.
  • Fancy Section: This diverse section features rabbits that vary significantly in size, shape, colour, and pattern. It includes breeds like the Netherland Dwarf and Polish, renowned for their small stature and captivating appearances. While many breeds within this section offer a range of colours, some, such as Angoras, require specialized care due to their long, delicate coats.
  • Fur Section: This section generally includes larger breeds, such as the British Giant and Continental Giant, which require ample space and robust housing. However, the primary appeal of this section lies in the unique and captivating fur qualities of these breeds.
  • Rex Section: This section is more uniform, primarily encompassing the Standard Rex and Miniature Rex. These breeds are characterized by their distinctive, short, and velvety coats, which come in a variety of colours and patterns.

Exploring Rare Varieties:

Each section also includes a category for Rare Varieties, which encompasses new and less common breeds. Examples include:

  • Fancy: Dutch Tri-Colored, Giant Papillon, Rhinelander, Thrianta
  • Lop: Meissner
  • Fur: Beige, Blanc de Bouscat, Blanc de Hotot, Blanc de Termonde, Deillenaar, Golden Glavcot, Hulstlander, Perflee, Pointed Beveren, Sallander, Squirrel, Sussex, Swiss Fox, Thuringer, Vienna Colored, Vienna White, Wheaten, Wheaten Lynx
  • Rex: Opossum, Astrex, Satin

Finding Your Ideal Breed:

  • Research and Explore: Thoroughly research the breeds that interest you. Explore online resources, consult breed clubs, and attend rabbit shows to observe different breeds firsthand.
  • Visit Local Studs: If possible, visit local studs that breed your chosen breed(s). Observe their rabbits, discuss their breeding programs with the breeders, and gain valuable insights into the breed's characteristics and care requirements.

Planning Your Rabbitry:

Once you've chosen your breed, it's time to plan your rabbitry:

  • Housing: Determine the appropriate hutch sizes and designs for your chosen breed(s). Consider factors such as space requirements, climate, and ease of cleaning.
  • Breeding Pens: If you plan to breed, ensure you have adequate space for breeding pens.
  • Essential Supplies: Assess the availability and cost of essential supplies in your local area, including shavings, hay, straw, feed, and waste disposal options.

Finding Quality Stock:

  • Sourcing Reputable Breeders: Utilize the resources mentioned earlier (breed clubs, online resources, recommendations from other breeders) to find reputable breeders of your chosen breed.
  • Prioritize Quality: Invest in quality stock from proven lines.

Remember:

  • Start Small: Begin with a manageable number of rabbits, such as a trio (one proven doe, one young doe, and one proven buck).
  • Focus on Quality: Prioritize breeding for quality over quantity.
  • Be Patient: Building a successful breeding program takes time and dedication.

By carefully considering these factors and approaching your rabbit-keeping journey with patience and a focus on responsible animal husbandry, you can create a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both you and your rabbits.