With their history of multipurpose use, rabbits have been a valuable commodity for hundreds of years. From their earliest purposes as sources of meat and fur, their agreeable nature and attractive looks led to their eventual adoption as show animals and, more recently, pets in the home. It should be no surprise that unique or high-quality rabbit breeds have been sold for sometimes shocking prices!
If you’re considering buying a rabbit to keep in your home, you may be curious which breeds will most likely drain your wallet. When purchased from a breeder, most rabbits will cost between $20 and $50, or slightly more if they include a pedigree (the rabbit’s list of ancestors) that qualifies it for use in rabbit shows. Pet stores will charge significantly more, with prices ranging into the hundreds of dollars.
Outside of these general norms, a few highly sought-after bunnies qualify as the most expensive rabbit breeds. In this article, we’ll be looking at today’s most extravagantly priced rabbit breeds, as well as a few honorable mentions of costly breeds throughout history. Let’s get started!
The 6 Most Expensive Rabbit Breeds
1. Harlequin Rabbit
With their trademark two-tone coats, Harlequin rabbits will always stand out from the crowd. Originally known as the “Japanese” rabbit, the breed’s exact origins are unknown. Brought into the United States in 1917, its status as an extremely rare breed led to an exorbitant cost of $40 for a fully grown adult; adjusted for inflation, that would be almost $900 in today’s money!
2. Holland Lop
Ranking as the most popular rabbit for professional shows, the Holland Lop’s adorably droopy ears and compact puffball of a body have made it a favorite of novice and experienced owners alike. Owing to this popularity, a properly pedigreed Holland Lop from a nationally recognized family can easily sell for $250 or more.
3. Lionhead Rabbit
As relative newcomers to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Lionheads were first recognized as a pure breed as recently as 2014. They are quickly famous due largely to their styled fur and petite size. While Lionheads have a long way to go before reaching the popularity of Holland Lops for show purposes, they still quickly sell for around $100 with an included pedigree.
4. Mini Rex
The Mini Rex vies with the Holland Lop for the most popular (and most expensive) rabbit today. Commonly kept as show rabbits and house pets, their velvety soft, densely plush coats have won them legions of adoring fans. Like the Holland Lop, Mini Rexes, with a pedigree from a nationally recognized family, routinely sell for $250 or more.
5. Netherland Dwarf
The petite and spunky Netherland Dwarf has lent its genetics to miniaturizing many rabbit breeds. They round out the top three most popular show rabbit breeds alongside the Holland Lop and Mini Rex. Although they’re more common than other pet rabbits, well-pedigreed Netherland Dwarves from established bloodlines sell for between $100 and $200.
6. Rex
This French-born beauty is the proud holder of the title “Most Expensive Rabbit in History”! Their exceptionally dense and plush fur led to an almost nationwide craze when they were first introduced to the United States in the early 1920s.
In her book Rabbit Breeds: The Pocket Guide to 49 Essential Breeds, author Lynn M. Stone cites that a male/female pair of Rex rabbits could cost as much as $1,500 in 1930—the equivalent of almost $22,000 today!
Final Thoughts
Outside of buying a rabbit for competitions, their cost is not necessarily a great indicator of how kind, affectionate, or loving they will be. If you are interested in showing rabbits, consider seeking out a popular breed from a nationally recognized pedigree! Even at their most expensive, you’ll never have to pay quite as much as anyone did for a Rex in 1930s America.
See Also:
- Rarest Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures)
- Can You Keep Male & Female Rabbits Together: Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Preediwat, Shutterstock
