12 Best Rabbit Breeds to Keep as Pets

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Gray Netherland Dwarf rabbit in green grass.
Wilawan Pantukang/Pexels

Rabbits are irresistibly cute, which is why they’re such popular small pets. However, picking the right breed is key to ensuring both you and your furry friend have a happy, harmonious life. Each rabbit breed boasts unique traits, including size, temperament, and care needs. Whether you’re looking for a playful bunny, a snuggly lap companion, or a low-maintenance breed, there’s a rabbit that perfectly matches your lifestyle. Moreover, understanding these breeds allows you to choose one that complements your personality and home environment. Let’s dive into the best rabbit breeds and explore what makes each one a fantastic pet!

1. Holland Lop

White Holland Lop rabbit relaxing on a carpet.
Parfanity/Reddit

The Holland Lop is a favorite rabbit breed due to its small size and floppy ears. Weighing around 2-4 pounds, these rabbits are easy to handle and thrive in smaller spaces. They are affectionate and often seek attention, making them great companions for families with children. Additionally, their grooming needs are minimal, requiring only basic care to keep their coat clean. Their lively yet gentle personality ensures they get along well with adults and kids alike. Furthermore, their playful antics bring endless joy to any household. If you’re looking for a rabbit that’s both cuddly and spirited, the Holland Lop is an excellent choice.

2. Netherland Dwarf

Netherland Dwarf rabbit on grass.
Filip Buczma/Pexels

The Netherland Dwarf, despite its tiny size of 1-2.5 pounds, is full of energy and charm. These little bunnies are curious and love exploring their environment, making them highly entertaining. Furthermore, their petite size makes them ideal for apartments or small living spaces. However, they may be shy at first, so gentle handling helps them build trust and form bonds. With the right care, they develop affectionate relationships with their owners, becoming delightful pets. Their small stature doesn’t diminish their big personality, making them an adorable and loving companion for those seeking a lively and endearing rabbit.

3. Mini Rex

Mini Rex rabbit on a gray blanket.
Whirlwindjenn/Reddit

Mini Rex rabbits are adored for their luxurious velvety fur, which feels like plush velvet. Weighing 3.5-4.5 pounds, they are medium-sized and known for their calm, friendly demeanor. These rabbits are perfect for first-time owners as they require minimal grooming and adapt well to various environments. Additionally, their sociable nature means they enjoy spending time with their humans, thriving on attention and interaction. Whether cuddling or exploring, Mini Rex rabbits make excellent companions for individuals and families alike. Moreover, their striking appearance adds to their charm, making them a favorite among rabbit enthusiasts. A Mini Rex is truly a bundle of joy.

4. Lionhead Rabbit

Lionhead rabbit standing indoors.
Helena Lopes/Pexels

Lionhead Rabbits are distinctive with their fluffy mane-like fur surrounding their head, resembling a lion. Weighing 2.5-3.5 pounds, they are playful, sociable, and enjoy bonding with their owners. Furthermore, their thick fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting, ensuring they stay comfortable and clean. These rabbits thrive in households that can provide interaction and care, making them ideal for families or individuals seeking an engaging pet. Their unique appearance and friendly nature make them stand out as charming companions. If you’re searching for a rabbit that’s visually striking and affectionate, the Lionhead Rabbit will surely bring joy to your life.

5. Flemish Giant

Flemish Giant rabbit grazing outdoors.
Wijs (Wise)/Pexels

The Flemish Giant is one of the largest rabbit breeds, often weighing over 15 pounds, but they are gentle and sweet-tempered. Despite their size, they are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners. Additionally, they require ample space to move around comfortably and a hearty diet to meet their nutritional needs. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them excellent companions for those who can accommodate their size and provide proper care. Furthermore, their size makes them unique and endearing. If you’re prepared to welcome a giant but loving rabbit into your home, the Flemish Giant is a rewarding pet.

6. Lop-Eared Rabbits

Lop-eared rabbit on grass with carrot.
PublicDomainPictures)/Pixabay

Lop-Eared Rabbits are known for their adorable floppy ears and friendly personalities. They come in various breeds, such as French Lop and English Lop, and weigh between medium and large sizes. These rabbits are social, playful, and enjoy interacting with their families, including children. Furthermore, their calm demeanor makes them ideal pets for households seeking an easygoing companion. Their floppy ears require occasional cleaning to avoid infections, and regular grooming keeps their coat healthy. Additionally, they thrive on attention and enjoy playing with toys. If you want a rabbit with a unique look and a loving nature, Lop-Eared Rabbits are perfect.

7. Californian Rabbit

Californian rabbit by a wooden wall.
Francesco Ungaro/Pexels

The Californian Rabbit is a medium-sized breed with a beautiful white coat and striking dark markings on its ears, nose, and paws. Weighing around 8-10 pounds, they are calm, gentle, and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for new rabbit owners. Furthermore, they are adaptable and adjust well to different environments, thriving in households where they receive attention and care. Although they require minimal grooming, regular interaction keeps them happy and healthy. Additionally, their easygoing temperament makes them a joy to have around. If you’re looking for a visually striking and relaxed companion, the Californian Rabbit is a great pick.

8. Angora Rabbit

Angora rabbit on a beige blanket.
Bunnyrescuer/Reddit

Angora Rabbits are known for their luxurious, fluffy wool that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. These affectionate and calm rabbits come in various types, such as English, French, and Satin Angoras, each with unique traits. Furthermore, they thrive on interaction and enjoy being part of their owner’s routine, making them excellent companions. While their coat needs extra attention, their loving nature makes the effort worthwhile. Additionally, Angoras are strikingly beautiful and make a great pet for those who value both appearance and personality. If you’re ready to invest time in grooming, the Angora Rabbit will reward you with affection and charm.

9. Polish Rabbit

Polish rabbit in a garden.
Accomplished-Wolf2/Reddit

Polish Rabbits are tiny but full of personality, weighing only 2-3 pounds. Their friendly and calm temperament makes them ideal lap pets, suitable for both adults and children. Additionally, they are low-maintenance, adapting well to indoor living spaces while requiring minimal grooming. Despite their small size, they are playful and curious, often exploring their environment with an adventurous spirit. Polish Rabbits form strong bonds with their owners through regular interaction, turning into loyal and affectionate companions. Furthermore, their small stature makes them easy to handle and perfect for beginners. A Polish Rabbit is a delightful addition to any home.

10. Harlequin Rabbit

Harlequin rabbit with glittery ornaments.
Nikolett Emmert/Pexels

The Harlequin Rabbit is a medium-sized breed, weighing 6-10 pounds, known for its vibrant and unique coat patterns. These rabbits are friendly, curious, and highly social, thriving in environments where they receive attention and interaction. Furthermore, their playful nature makes them great companions for families with children, as they love exploring and playing with toys. Additionally, Harlequins enjoy human companionship and adapt well to various settings. Their striking appearance and lively personality ensure they bring joy and energy to any home. If you’re looking for a rabbit that’s both visually stunning and full of character, the Harlequin Rabbit is perfect.

11. Silver Marten

Silver Marten rabbit on a beige surface.
Petandwildliferescue/Instagram

The Silver Marten is a stunning breed with dark fur accented by silvery highlights, weighing 6-9 pounds. These rabbits are not only visually striking but also friendly and playful, making them great for families and individuals. Furthermore, they are low-maintenance, requiring standard grooming and a balanced diet to stay healthy. Their lively and curious nature ensures they thrive in interactive environments, enjoying activities and bonding with their owners. Additionally, their elegant appearance adds to their appeal, making them a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts. A Silver Marten is a wonderful companion for anyone seeking a loving and graceful pet.

12. Dutch Rabbit

Dutch rabbit in a grassy area.
KimCureAll/Reddit

Dutch rabbits are one of the most recognizable breeds due to their distinctive color pattern: a white blaze on the face and white fur on the shoulders, with the rest of the body a solid color. Medium-sized, they weigh around 4–5.5 pounds. Dutch rabbits are known for their calm and easygoing nature, making them ideal for families with children. They are friendly, and sociable, and enjoy both playtime and cuddling. Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they adapt well to indoor living. Dutch rabbits are intelligent and can be trained to use a litter box, adding to their appeal as pets.

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