What breed of rabbit is the most calm,docile and child friendly?

[Joz]

I had what I believe was a mini-lop (she matured around 9lbs). Friends purchased her from a pet store, and their other rabbit didn't like her, so I adopted her.

She was plenty docile, but didn't like to be held. She would come when called for petting and scratches, but would kick something fierce if you picked her up. Unless we were at the vet, where she would leap for me and snuggle as far as she could get into my lap.

She used to spend a lot of time under the dining room table, and expected us to pet her with our feet. She'd hop up to our feet, and nudge, and position herself for ideal petting. We had a roommate for a while that didn't understand the process, and when he didn't pet her, she'd nip his toes. That's the only time she bit, tho.

 

[RabbitMage]

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This is actually true of a lot of rabbits. The vast majority of them are far happier on the ground than in your arms. This is why they're not recommended as a pet for young children.

 

[annie3001]

minirex......mines a cage free house bunny!!hes going on 6 years old! hes good with my 2 lil kids,and 2dogs! good luck!!!


p.s. we have always owned minirex!

 

[Akane]

We call my dutch a stuffed bunny because when you have him out of the cage all he does is lay around next to you or on you not moving. My mini rex has a little attitude but that's normal for an unspayed female. She's a lot bolder and more active than the dutch male.

 

[vicki2x2]

For smaller children I always recommend Holland Lops or Himilayans and always recommend males. There are always exceptions to any rule, but usually these are the most docile breeds, especially of the smaller breeds and males tend to be friendlier, more outgoing, less territorial and hormonal than females. We have had many breeds of rabbits over the years and there are certainly other good breeds, but those are nice starter bunnies for little ones. I have raised and bred rabbits for 25+ years and been a 4-H leader for 10 years.

 

[Eggstra New]

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They're not mean that I've heard, but I have heard they can be skittish. I recently got one for myself.

But he is a little on the skittish side. He's coming around slowly tho! Really sweet, but like everyone is talking about, he really hates to be picked up.

 

[VelvetDragon]

Getting any rabbit fixed makes a huge difference. Does tend to be rather aggressive unless spayed, but spayed does are often very sweet. Bucks are also less aggressive when neutered (and also won't mark so much!).

That said, the bigger breeds TEND to be more laid back and docile than the dwarf breeds in my experience. There are always exceptions and it depends on good breeding, of course. I've loved all the mini lops I've met, but met some aggressive Holland lops.

 

[dutchhollow]

Male Holland Lop

 

[4hcoyotemom]

vicki2x2, would a mini lop be as docile as a lop rabbit?

 

[Bunnylady]

vicki2x2, would a mini lop be as docile as a lop rabbit?

Sorry. but that member has not been on the forum in a few years.

"Lop" is not a breed, it is just a term used to describe ears that go down rather than up. "Mini Lop" is a particular breed of lop-eared rabbit which weighs about 6 pounds at maturity. IME, personality within a rabbit breed varies quite a bit. I have raised several rabbit breeds over the years, and have had animals that ranged in behavior from fall-in-your-arms friendly to truly vicious. I think the personality of the parents is more important than their breed - friendly rabbits are more likely to have friendly babies, and cranky rabbits are more likely to have offspring that are cranky. Handling helps, too - bunnies that get handled regularly as babies are more likely to be people friendly than those that are never played with.