What rabbit to get?

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I know at the pet store they have black dutch and brown dutch, and also I have a brdder that in close by, and he will let you have them for like $10.00 !!!! But, I haven't seen him lately, so I dunno what he has now! So would you Teach97 do ou think that lionhead bunnies are pretty friendly???

 

[Penturner]

I am partial to New Zealand but that is because we had 700 of them when I was in the 6th grade. when you went in to the shed all you could see was ears forever. We each had one that was our pet. Mine was actually able to be taken out of the shed and would follow me around. I named him John and he was our number one buck. He has an awefully big family out there somewhere.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Quote:
Well, I don't really want a HUGE big bunny, but I've heard that they are very sweet bunnies!

 

[NewHopePoultry]

A Mini Rex
They have very soft fur, great temperment, can be litter box trained and love to cuddle

They are small, they weigh about 4 pounds, come in several colors,both solid and broken.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Aw, so cute!

Do you think my pet shop would have mini rexes? Do they eat alot? Are they pretty smart? Can they be tought to be potty trained?

 

[Bunnylady]

If at all possible, I believe you are better off getting a rabbit from a breeder. The rabbit doesn't get subjected to the stress of going through the pet shop, and you can see the rabbit's parents (which gives you an idea of where your bunny is headed, both as far as size and temperament). The breeder should be able to answer any questions you may have about your prospective pet. Sadly, at most of the pet shops I have visited, it seemed that all the personnel knew about rabbits was how to ring them up on the cash register!

I have five breeds that I work with: Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Jersey Wooly, and Harlequin. I have known love bugs and "dragon rabbits" in all of them. My experience leads me to believe that a certain amount of personality is inheritable, so if a rabbit turns out snotty, I won't breed from it. That goes for any breed!

Some of the sweetest buns I have ever known were ND's, but some of the nastiest, as well. Most of my daughter's favorites have been Dwarfs, but she's been kind of partial to the Woolies, too. A Wooly with a good coat seldom needs to be brushed, but the ones with bad coats are a disaster!

Most of my lops have had rather forceful personalities. Whether sweet or cranky, one thing they won't be is ignored!

I have had more people come looking for a Dwarf, get their hands on a Mini Rex, and that was it. One touch, and they were sold! The only problem I have with the MR is its claws. I don't know how it is possible, but the MR has sharper claws than any other breed I have ever handled. If you get a Mini Rex, you will want to use your claw clipper often!

Harlequins are a probably a little bigger than what you are looking for (6 to 9 lbs.) but they are always colorful and interesting. Even the ones that aren't particularly friendly are usually at least docile - I don't think I have ever had a Harlie "freak out" and try to lacerate me (anyone who handles rabbits a lot knows what I'm talking about!) My very best rabbit ambassadors have all been Harlies.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I have a soft spot for jersey woolies. I had one for several years before he passed away last winter. I was very sad! He was such a sweet bunny and hardly required any grooming at all. The only spot I had to groom sometimes was around his butt and tail area, as he would sometimes get matts. They were easy enough to comb out though and when he was shedding I could just pull them out. I did this every month or every other month when needed. When he was shedding, I would brush him with my hand to take some of the hair out, but you really don't have to do that either. Almost every jersey woolie I have seen has been very gentle and easy to handle and they are quite small!

Here's a picture of Riley. I paid $15 for him and he was a great pet. He was only pet quality, but I used him in 4-H a few years.

My other rabbit, who I still have is a French Lop. She is a real sweety and will even walk on a leash. She loves to be pet and she'll come over from her cage to say hi. She's much larger though and more difficult to get OUT of her cage and carry around. She would make an awesome house rabbit though, but I keep her outside.

Here's Maya:

Here's a picture of me holding her to give you an idea of size. Ignore me! I never look good in pictures.

Another nice pet rabbit is a holland lop. They are adorable and rather easy to find. I've never had one myself, but the few that I've met were always very pleasant.

 

[NewHopePoultry]

Mini Rexes are very smart,they dont eat much( 3/4 a cup) , yes they can be potty trained

 

[lovesduckies]

Quote:
same story with my little dutch baby. she's a sweety pie!

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I would preferr to have a smaller breed of bunny, I'm not sure if I can find Jersey woolies around here, but I really like them, though!
I'm kind of thinking about the Dutch, or maybe another Holland Lop, or maybe a lionhead bunny! My friend has a polish rabbit, and she is REALLY sweet! What about the Engilsh spot bunny, anybody have any of thoses? Do the lionheads need more care then other breeds?