All breeds of decorative rabbits are good in their own way. Making an eared friend's home is a great alternative to familiar dogs and cats.
Breeds of decorative rabbits
The rabbits began to get along with the owners under one roof not so long ago, but this time was enough for them to win sympathy. Pretty cute, almost harmless, quiet and neat little animal - ideal for any person.
Rabbits do not look alike, from character to color. When buying, many miss one nuance: you need to choose the right individual, for this you need to study the breed of decorative rabbits.
Varieties of breeds
Decorative ones are called rabbits, which are not used to produce meat or fur. We are talking about such breeds of rabbits as California, Dutch and Flanders. Decorative include dwarf and miniature pets. Dwarf rabbits differ from the rest only in short legs. This reduces them visually.
A miniature species of rabbits was bred specifically as pets. This includes all eared, whose weight does not exceed 3 kg. Their purpose is to touch people. Also, many breeds are bred specifically for competitions.
In addition to attractiveness, rabbits are smart. In the West, they come up with various kinds of competitions so that each rabbit will prove itself. Of course, the owners take a lot of time and effort to prepare and train, but it’s a joy to them. In addition, such exercises allow fluffy to keep themselves in shape.
Types of Decorative Rabbits
There are types of decorative rabbits. According to the exterior, they are divided into:
- smooth-haired;
- longhair;
- lionheads.
The origin of the lion-headed rabbits of this type remains a mystery. Either they were bred by crossing the other two, or there was a leprosy of nature.
Also, decorative animals can be divided according to another feature - ears. They are:
- standing;
- hanging;
- long
- short ones.
In Russia, lop-eared rabbits are called rams. The muzzle of these babies is shorter, and the nose is convex, which collectively resembles the head of a sheep. Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with the breeds of decorative rabbits in the photo. These types of decorative rabbits are in demand all over the world.
Large breeds are often bred for a fur coat or meaty carcass. Only times are changing, and some rabbits are already uncomfortable growing in cages on farms. An English lop-eared animal fits this description. Now he is listed in the ranks of the decorative.
English fold
English lop-eared has French roots. And although sheep are smaller than their predecessors, their weight is considered the norm for meat production - 4.5 kg. However, the British still have advantages over the French. Long and wide ears are 70 x 16 cm, respectively. This feature has translated English fold into the category of domestic.
Many people take care of such a pet with pleasure: they clean and prick their ears so as not to interfere. This appearance gives the pet languor and wisdom. The color of the English ram can be absolutely anything: gray, white, red, speckled, tricolor. Before buying, you need to study and carefully look at the English breed of decorative rabbits in the photo.
Dutch
Color is the visiting card of the breed. One side is always white and the other is dark: gray, black, blue, brown. If the rabbit was lucky with a rare three-color color, it should be taken into account that everything should be proportionate: the red cheek is the black ear and vice versa, the black cheek is the red ear.
More like a chess or combat design. Once this breed was industrial, but since far more fleshy rabbits appeared and the demand for expensive furs increased, the Dutch were dubbed decorative. Until now, the Dutchman is considered decorative if he does not cross the 3 kg mark. This breed gets along well with a trainer, amenable to training. Rabbits are sports, with a complaisant temperament.
Florida white
A small animal, weighing only 2-3 kg, fell in love with people for a calm temperament, snow-white hair and delicious meat. This breed is used to check the quality of cosmetics, medicines and other products. Albinos are very gentle and weak animals, like everyone else, allergic. We must also remember about special nutrition: the rabbit will have to live without treats.
Havanese
This name was given to the rabbit due to its color. Initially, it was dark brown, like a Havana cigar. An unusual velvet shade of wool quickly made the rabbit famous. Many breeders to this day believe that this is the best breed in its color. A little later, the three new colors were introduced: now thoroughbred rabbits received black, blue and dalmatian coloration of the fur. Due to this coloring, the pets were sometimes nicknamed Ferber, which means “dyer” in Russian.
The weight of the breed is 3.5 kg. The animal is very friendly and full of energy. This brisk creation does not fit calm hosts. The kid loves to be in the spotlight and charges everyone around with his vigor.
Miniature rabbits
Miniature pets delight in their size. The little ones consider themselves powerful animals. The level of aggression of a small breed is higher compared to large ones. They are vindictive and able to bite. But many do not attach any importance to this when choosing a pet, because pussies really will win any heart. Such crumbs include Hermelin, Dwarf Shorthair and Dutch Fold.
Hermeline
Hermelin rabbit can reach 1.5 kg in weight, but its standard weight is 1 kg, or even less. The bunny has short pointed ears (up to 5 cm) and a small muzzle. But this is not all of its highlights. He has a disgusting character. No one can imagine what is happening in the head of this puss. Mostly animals have blue eyes.
In Russia, this breed is not very popular. Probably, the fur of the animal is too dense for such a climate. Pet care should be responsible, as small animals are more demanding on themselves.
Shorthair dwarf (color dwarf)
This baby looks like Germelin. The requirements of the standard for breeds are similar. The only difference is the variability of colors. There are about 60 options, however, in this breed, preference is given to white color. Animals have a black border around the eyes. Their ears draw a cap. It is known that the dwarf’s temperament is much more loyal than the Hermeline, but during the mating season and puberty, the colored dwarf also loses its temper. You should also be careful with them, all the time you need to watch them with your eyes, since the pets are small and able to seep into almost any place. In general, caring for such a breed is simple.
Dutch fold
The Dutch lop-eared is the smallest in the group of lop-eared tots. Its weight, according to the standard of the American Association of Admirers of Decorative Rabbits, ranges from 0.9 kg to 1.8 kg. Color can be monophonic and mixed: two-color, multi-color. These standards exclude narrow and thin ears. Only wide, thick, hanging ears on either side are worthy to adorn the head of a rabbit.
The proof of the "blue blood" of the dwarf breed is the presence of the dwarf gene. Otherwise, the rabbit is a fake dwarf, its weight will exceed the standard. This must be taken into account when mixing the female and the male, then it is easier to cross a genuine dwarf with a false one, otherwise the baby rabbits will die in the womb without ever being born. Care is assumed to be the same as for other varieties of rabbits.
Lionhead
Whether the mutation created it, or what other force of nature, scientists have not been proven. It can be assumed that the Lion-headed rabbit is a descendant of the king of animals, but this is an unjustified legend. It can be stated with certainty that the presence of the mane generated the dominant gene M. With the heterozygous M / M kit, dense vegetation will not show dense vegetation anywhere except in the neck area. If you consider the M / M kit, you will notice that the mane is more magnificent and the hair on the sides is present. This set does not allow you to see the muzzle and extremities of the poor thing.
Lion's suit can be the most diverse. White fur color looks very nice. The average weight is 1.4 kg, the maximum is 1.7 kg. Caring for this breed is quite difficult, especially for mane. During the molting period, the fallen wool may become tangled in tangles. It needs to be combed out several times a day. It is also important to ensure that the rabbit does not eat its fallen hair. After all, then it will become entangled in the intestines and clog the gastrointestinal tract. For prevention, you need to give malt paste.
Down breeds
Angora, this breed is also called. Although only one breed was exported from Turkey that came to France, it was only in the 19th century that Angora roaming around the Earth began. The standard was created for a very long time and carefully - the breed has changed a lot to our days. It is long wool, weight, appearance - everything passed the test of time. And as they say, times are changing and we are changing with them. At the moment, the weight of angora according to the standard reaches from 2 to 6 kg. The composition of Angora wool includes fluff interspersed with protective outer hair. Just like the Angora goat. The Chinese will wipe their nose for anyone in the category of rabbit hair and this is a plus.
Breeding pets with similar fur is their pride. Removing fluff from the body of an Angora is quite difficult. You can wait for the molting period, but sometimes it is only 2 times a year. But cutting it off is much simpler and more profitable: you can gather fluff for a whole year. A trimmed Angora rabbit resembles a pocket dog with tassels instead of ears. This is a pretty entertaining sight for the owner and dumping the ballast for the pet.
Domestic downy rabbits have the most common color white, but other fur colors are also available. Angora needs a quivering care. Frequent cell cleaning, hairdressing, fun games - all this is quite troublesome. But if you decide to take this particular breed - do not hesitate. The animal is quite funny and frisky. When an Angorean goes for a walk, it is better to remove all the precious beating objects away.
Advice! When buying a rabbit, monitor the behavior of the baby. Calmness and indifference, when they take it in their hands, can mean feeling sick or sick. Ask the breeder to share pet photos with you. If the breeder works officially and has experience, then he will certainly share with you photos of the rabbit’s mother, tell you at what age she gave birth to him, and also share any interesting information from the life of the pet that you want to acquire.
Useful Tips
There are so many breeds of decorative rabbits with names that you can look at in detail in the photo or video. Whatever breed you prefer, remember that the animal needs attention, it is necessary to deal with it and train it. Before choosing a pet for home keeping or for breeding, you need to approach this issue responsibly. Before buying, go to the forum of rabbit lovers of various breeds and talk about this topic. Many people share their experiences and reviews about different breeds of miniature or fur rabbits.
If you give the animal proper attention and proper care, then you can raise happy and healthy animals. And don't forget to keep track of what your pet picks up. The intestines are their weak point. Many cases of poisoning, indigestion, infection with worms, etc. ended lethally. Approach this question responsibly and understand in more detail the development of the rabbit. Subject to simple care rules, rabbits are not difficult to maintain, regardless of breed. Many farmers prefer to practice street maintenance, but for dwarf and too demanding varieties, this content is not suitable. On the street rabbits can be released, but only in the summer.
