There’s something almost irresistible about a fluffy rabbit: You just want to pet them, pick them up, hold them, and brush them!
It is this squishable quality combined with the winning personalities of many fluffy rabbit breeds that encourages many potential rabbit owners to search for the best fluffy breed for their needs.
Today, we’re going to cover all our favorite fluffy rabbit breeds, as recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). If you’re ready to see a selection of rabbits ranging from just barely fluffy to outrageously fuzzy, read on!
1-4 Angora Rabbit Families
Originally from Angora, Turkey (now known as Ankara), the Angora rabbit family may be the longest-running breed of fluffy rabbit alive today. Their wool has been used in commercial production for centuries, making everything from sweaters to scarves and mittens.
Four breeds of Angora are recognized by the ARBA:
- English Angora: High maintenance, but extremely soft wool.
- French Angora: Low-maintenance and a delightfully fuzz-free face.
- Giant Angora: Raised for wool production, they are the most fluffy of all Angoras!
- Satin Angora: Especially cross-bred with the Silky Rabbit, their coat is shiny and highly prized
For more in-depth information about each of these breeds, check out our article:
5. Jersey Woolen Rabbit
In the 1970s, breeder Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, New Jersey, set out to create a small breed of fluffy rabbit with a coat that required less maintenance than Angoras. In a complex, multi-generational breeding program, she used Angoras, chinchillas, a particularly tiny silver marten, and Netherland Dwarfs to achieve her desired result: the Jersey Woolly!
Often weighing less than 3 pounds, the Jersey Woolly has a friendly disposition and plenty of energy. Made almost exclusively for the pet trade, it is a perfect companion for homes of all shapes and sizes.
Due to their diverse heritage, they come in a wide range of colors, which are divided into 6 groups: Agouti, Pointed, Broken, Self, Shaded and Tan patterns. In these groups you can find woolies in every shade, from black to ruby-eyed white.
6. Lionhead Rabbit
To be named after the king of the jungle may seem like a strange thing to this rabbit, who weighs just under 4 pounds…his crested mane of fluff!
It may come as a surprise to learn that the Lionhead was only admitted as a recognized breed by the ARBA circa 2014. They are available in a variety of colors, from chocolate to Siamese to ruby-eyed white and more.
With a mild-mannered temperament and friendly disposition, Lionheads make absolutely wonderful pets. While you should be prepared to trim your males somewhat regularly, their fur does not pose as much health risk to them as the fluffier Angora breeds or even the Jersey Woolly – making them a categorxy of fluffy rabbits. Let’s make a more suitable beginner pet.
Special care for fluffy rabbits
In addition to the general needs of your pet rabbit care, such as proper nutrition and sanitary bedding conditions, there are some special measures you should take to help keep your fluffy rabbit in peak health.
If you are thinking of getting a fluffy rabbit as a pet, you should be prepared to groom them almost daily. While you can get away with less in the case of lionheads, leaving Angoras or Jersey Woolies unattended can lead to mats and skin infections.
Consider whether you will be able to trim your fluffy rabbit’s fur on your own, or whether you will need professional help to keep them looking their best. Rabbits are not covered in most standard veterinary clinics or grooming parlors, which means you will need to find an exotic animal vet who will help you maintain their grooming.
conclusion
Fluffy rabbits are, undoubtedly, a pleasure to keep as pets. If you want to go the extra step of harvesting their wool and learn to weave it into fiber goods, they can easily make a great return on any initial investment you make. We hope that this article has introduced you to all the excellent breeds of rabbit, and helped you decide if they are right for you!