| Choosing a breed can be the hardest choice in getting a rabbit. There are 45 different breeds recognized by the ARBA. There's all kinds of rabbits that range in size from the Netherland Dwarf that's not to be over 2 1/2 pounds to the Flemish Giant which is to weigh 13 pounds or over. There are four different types of fur to choose from. There's the rex fur which both the Rex and Mini Rex have. It's a real soft velvety fur. The Angoras which have the long wool, which has to be groomed at lease twice a week. The Satin fur which is a really silky, fine, very dense fur. Then there's the Normal fur which breeds like the Dutch, Mini lop, ect have, which is just a regular fur. Learn more here. There are 5 different body types. The Semi-Arch type, which should have an arch starting behind the shoulders and going all the way to the base of the tail. Some of the breeds that have this type are the English lop, the Flemish Giant, ect. The Compact type are the smaller breeds. You want to have a small cobby body on these rabbits. Some breeds that have this type are the Dutch, Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf, ect. The Full Arch type starts with an arch right at the neck, running through the shoulders, mid-section, loin, and hips, all the way down to the base of the tail. Some breeds with this body type are the Rhinelander, Tan, ect. The Commercial type is considered the ideal meat type. Their body type is to be like the Compact type, except for larger in size. Some of the breeds with this type are the Californian, New Zealand, ect. And last is the Cylindrical type. This type is to have a long, slim body type. There's only one breed that has this type, which is the Himalayan. Learn more here. You also need to decide what this rabbit is going to be used for. There's six different reasons to raise rabbits, they are: Show, Pet, Meat, Fur, fertilize their manure, or for scientific reasons. Learn more here. It's best to go to an open rabbit show before buying your rabbit to see all the breeds, and talk to different breeders about the personalities and other stuff on that breed. It's also best to buy from a breeder than from a pet store or a feed store. 95% of rabbits at pet stores are pet quality. They are where the breeders take their culls. Pet stores buy rabbits from breeders for $10 or less, and mark them up to $30. If you go to a breeder, you can get a pet quality rabbit for $25 or less. Most pet quality rabbits cost $10. That is what I charge for my pet ones. If you want a show quality rabbit, you definatly will want to buy from a breeder. For a good show quality rabbit, you most likely will be paying between $30-$50. Click here to view the different recognized breeds of rabbits. |
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