When choosing a rabbit as a pet, there are several breeds that make excellent companions. For some, it’s as simple as going into the pet store and just picking out the one that appeals to them the most. The Australian rabbit breeds are very popular and abundant in the land down under. Since the penal colony was first established in Australia in the 18th century, European rabbits have proliferated. In some regions of the country, they’re regarded as pests.1
If you’re going to adopt an Australian rabbit breed, it’s best to learn as much as you can about your options. Below, we are going to discuss seven rabbit breeds and tell you a little about them to help you make a decision on which one to give a forever home. Do note, however, that the first rabbit on this list is the only one that was actually developed in Australia, so we provided a few other rabbit options that are very popular and common in Australia in case you’re considering bringing one home.
The 7 Australian Rabbit Breeds
1. Plush Lop
The Plush Lop is the only rabbit breed that was actually developed in Australia. Rabbits were introduced to Australia in the 1800s, and it wasn’t until the 1990s that Christina Toyer started developing a new breed by crossing the Dwarf Lop with the Standard Rex. She says, “Combining the velvety short coats of the Rex Rabbit breed, with the loving personality and cute looks of the Lop Rabbit breeds, the Plush Lop is a breed with a lot to recommend it, both for pet owners and for the serious breeder.”
Plush Lops were bred to be companion animals they can weigh up to 5 pounds and live up to 12 years in captivity. They are intelligent and social, so they will need lots of toys and playtime. They have thick, plush fur and medium-length ears. They will molt about twice a year, so make sure to brush them regularly to prevent matting.
2. French Lop
The French Lop Rabbit breed is a gorgeous large bunny that is easily distinguished from other rabbits by its massive ears, which tend to hang past its jaw. The French Lop also has a dense, soft coat. It’s known for its relaxed, laid-back temperament and is gentle with children.
However, it’s still better for a French Lop to go to a family where the children are older and not apt to get rough with the rabbit. The rabbit is quite large and very strong, meaning it could be harder for younger children to handle the rabbit. Since the French Lop is a larger rabbit, it requires a large hutch and quite a bit of space.
3. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is one of the smaller breeds and is named after its country of origin. It’s a gentle, friendly breed that is very active. Since it only weighs up to 2 ½ pounds as an adult, it’s one of the tinies Dwarf varieties. The Netherland Dwarf tends to be skittish, so make sure that if it’s around children, it’s been socialized first, and that the kids know how to treat the rabbit. Since they are easily stressed and become anxious, it’s best for this rabbit to go to a family that has older children.
4. Rex Rabbit
The Rex Rabbit is an intelligent, extremely low-maintenance pet to have around. The Rex is medium-sized and has extremely soft fur. Their hair is short, so they don’t require very much grooming, but you will need to keep up with trimming the rabbit’s nails regularly.
There are Mini and Full-Sized Rex Rabbits, but the full-sized rabbit is much friendlier and more loving than the mini version is. As for temperament, they are pretty friendly but can be boisterous and have been known to bite on occasion.
It’s best to keep this rabbit in a home with children that are over 10 years of age since the Rex rabbit requires special handling.
5. Angora Rabbit
The Angora Rabbit breed is absolutely gorgeous and has a soft, long wool coat. Because of their beauty and fur, they are often used as show rabbits. They come in different sub-breeds as well, including French, German, English, Swiss, Chinese, Finnish, Giant, and Korean Angoras.
While they are calm rabbits, they don’t make the best pets for children because they require special handling and must be extensively groomed. However, if you teach your children how to handle this breed carefully and are present during playtime, it could be fine, but you have to be very careful.
6. Dutch Rabbit
The Dutch Rabbit breed is extremely popular; in fact, it’s one of the most common rabbit breeds in the world to keep as a pet. They’re popular for showing and breeding and have distinctive colors and patterns. The Dutch rabbit’s base coat is white, but they have a darker color (often black or dark blue) on their back and heads that make them appear like they have large stripes. They are very easy to train and make excellent pets.
Normally, you should have no problem with the Dutch rabbit around children and other pets. They make ideal pets for kids over the age of 5.
7. Dwarf Lop
The Dwarf Lop Rabbit is also a very popular breed and comes in a Mini Lop Rabbit version. The Dwarf and Mini are both about the same in their appearance and their personalities. The term “Lop” comes from their adorable ears that flop down and hang to the ground.
The Dwarf Lop is easy to handle, gets along great with children and other pets, and loves to be held and cuddled. They do great with older children and younger children if they are closely supervised during play. You can get by brushing the Dwarf Lop once a week.
Most Australian rabbit breeds are more suited for older children, but a couple of breeds do well with younger kids if you train and socialize them properly. If you decide to adopt one of these furry pets, try to set up the hatch and gather supplies before you bring them home.
Summary
While only one rabbit breed was actually created in Australia, there are plenty that are very popular and make great pets. Most Australian rabbit breeds are more suited for older children, but a couple of breeds (Dutch and Dwarf rabbits) do well with younger kids if you train and socialize them properly. If you decide to adopt one of these furry pets, try to set up the hatch and gather supplies before you bring them home. It’s important to remember that these rabbits need daily exercise, playtime with their owners, a healthy diet, and sanitary hutches.
Related Reads:
- Hypoallergenic Rabbit Breeds: Do They Exist?
- Fluffy Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures)
- Why Does My Rabbit Dig and Scratch on My Clothes
Featured Image Credit: Anton Nikitinskiy, Shutterstock
