Posted Fri 21 Apr 2023 at 09:00am
Dive into the world of rabbits with our list of the most common rabbit breeds in Australia.
From their little noses to their playful nature, rabbits are popular pets for various reasons. Believe it or not, behind all that fluff is a big personality! Bunnies are social animals that thrive on interaction with their owners. They’re curious as to what’s going around them, so you’ll often find them digging and hopping about the place, which makes them fun to watch and interact with. Compared to other domestic animals, rabbits are relatively quiet and require less exercise – making them suitable pets for those with busy lifestyles.
Rabbits come in various sizes and breeds, so we’ve listed the most popular rabbit breeds in Australia to help you find a bunny best suited to your personality and lifestyle.
Holland Lop
So you’re scrolling Instagram reels and stumble across some of the tiniest and fluffiest bunnies you’ve ever seen and think to yourself – what are these adorable creatures? These four-legged friends are most likely the Holland Lop rabbit, one of the world’s smallest bunnies! If you want a furbaby that will remain baby-sized, then this rabbit is for you.
The Holland rabbit is one of the most common rabbit breeds in Australia, as they are ideal for those living in apartments or homes with little space. This bunny breed is calm, affectionate and playful – making them a great family pet.
Besides being adorable, the Holland Lop is also a low-maintenance rabbit breed. Its dense and medium-length coat requires little attention – a regular brush and a standard groom is all that’s needed!
Mini Lop
Often called a ‘ball of fluff’, the Mini Lop is one of the most common rabbit breeds in Australia. These adorable companions usually weigh anywhere between 2.5kg to 3kg, making them the paw-fect household pet. The German-born rabbit has been bred with several other rabbit breeds, including the Chinchilla, English Lop, and Dwarf Lop.
Despite sharing similar physical characteristics, the Mini Lop is often confused with the Holland Lop. Not much sets these two buns apart, but the biggest difference is their size. Despite what you may think, the Mini Lop is the largest out of the two and can sometimes double the Holland Lop in size! Temperament is another point of difference as Mini Lops have a relaxed nature compared to the high-energy Holland Lop.
One of the best things about the Mini Lop is its soft coat! Their dense, medium-length fur will have you patting them all day long. A simple brush once a week is all that’s needed to keep their coat in tip-top shape.
Dutch Rabbit
Easy to train and sociable – the Dutch Rabbit is a wonderful addition to any family. Despite the name, this intelligent rabbit originated in 19th-century England. Their long history of cross-breeding has made these furry friends the friendly and playful creatures they are today.
The Dutch Rabbit’s distinctive looks are partially what makes them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in Australia. Their most-loved physical attributes are the white blaze on their nose, neck, and back. They are typically small to medium-sized, with short compact bodies and perky ears that stand upright.
Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit
As their name suggests, the Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit is one of the smallest rabbits and is a great cuddle buddy. They have compact, small rounded bodies with short upright ears.
The domestic rabbit originated in the Netherlands and took 30 years of selective breeding to create. You can find these furbabies in a multitude of different colours!
The Netherland Dwarf has a shy personality and can be easily scared. These buns aren’t always fond of being picked up or held, so this may not be the best breed if you have young children. However, with the right socialisation and care, these rabbits are great companions for adults.
Rex Rabbit
Rabbit enthusiasts adore the Rex rabbit for its unique velvet-like fur. Most rabbit fur is a mix of short and long hairs, but the Rex has a rare genetic mutation that causes their hairs to be all the same length, resulting in a soft and plushy coat!
The Rex Rabbit is a medium-sized bunny with a solid round body and perky ears. These four-legged friends are also considered to be one of the smartest rabbits. Their docile nature and low maintenance requirements are what makes them a well-loved rabbit breed in Australia. While they are friendly, the Rex can be on the boisterous side and is not recommended for children under 8-9 as they need to be lifted correctly.
New Zealand White Rabbit
Gentle and outgoing, the New Zealand White Rabbit is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in Australia. You’ve likely seen these furbabies in pet stores or magic shows. These pets are large and have an average weight of 4.5kg – 5.5kg.
The New Zealand White Rabbit is best known for its snowy white coat and ruby-pink eyes, which result from a genetic deviation called albinism. However, their striking looks aren’t the only thing that makes these buns popular. They are also affectionate, intelligent and one of the easiest rabbit breeds to train. These factors make the New Zealand White Rabbit a popular pet for Aussie families.
If you’re stuck on names for your new bunny, grab some inspiration from our list of the top guinea pig names!
