There are 45 different breeds of rabbits in the United States. The ARBA publishes a Standard of Perfection, which includes photos and a description of each breed. This book is available at most libraries or can be purchased from the association. Companion quality purebreds are available in pet stores, which also stock cross-bred rabbits. If you want the animal strictly as a companion, a cross will do fine, as long as you have accurate information about the size of the parents. The advantages of a purebred are predictable size and coat as well as the opportunity to exhibit at shows and fairs. If you are interested in exhibition you should study the breed standard carefully, then acquire your rabbit from a hobby breeder who will guarantee the quality of the stock.

Some popular breeds include:

The Dutch come in a variety of colors in combination with striking white markings forming a blaze up the nose, a white collar across the shoulders and white boots on the hind feet. They weigh about 4 pounds and are known for their friendly dispositions and good mothering ability.

The Netherland Dwarf, Dwarf Hotot (pronounced "oh-toe") and Polish are the smallest breeds, weighing from 2 to 3 pounds. The Netherlands come in a rainbow of solid colors as well as several strlking marked patterns. The Dwarf Hotot is most unusual, being pure white with a thin black band of color around each eye. The dwarf breeds have a reputation for being fractious in temperament, but with gentle handling, most make excellent pets.

The Mini Rex, which weighs about 4 pounds, is fairly new and popular. It comes in solid as well as broken colors. Its short, dense fur looks and feels like velvet.

The Holland Lop (weighing about 3 pounds), Mini Lop (about 6 pounds) and American Fuzzy Lop (about 3 to 4 pounds) are the most popular of the lop breeds. Their hanging ears and thickset bodies give them an almost doglike appearance. They come in a variety of solid colors as well as the broken colors, which have attractive white markings.

The wooled breeds vary from the petite Jersey Wooley (3 pounds) to the Giant Angora (over 9 pounds). These breeds are appealing because of their beautiful long coats. The wool can be plucked and spun into yarn to create exquisite garments. However, the coats require careful, constant grooming. Do not get one of these breeds unless you are willing to groom it or have it professionally groomed on a regular basis. The Jersey Wooley is the easiest of these breeds to malntain because of its small size and the texture of its wool.

Author(s): Julie Wright

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