How to Differentiate Between Rabbit Breeds

There are many different breeds of rabbits. The American Rabbit Breeders Association has a list of 45 recognized rabbit breeds, but there are also many other breeds. Different breeds have different characteristics and personalities. To differentiate between rabbit breeds, you need to know about certain determining factors like size, weight and coloring.

Instructions

    • 1

      Know that there are five main categories used to differentiate between breeds of rabbits. These are personality, size, weight, fur and body types.

    • 2

      Categorize breeds of rabbits by size and weight. In the category of tiny, a breed like the Jersey Wooly weighs between 2 to 4 lbs. The breakdown for the other categories by weight and size are as follows: small category (like Holland Lop) are between 3 to 5 lbs., medium (Florida White) are 4 to 7 lbs., large (Belgian Hare) are 6 to 10 lbs., giant (Florida Giant) are 9 or more lbs. Note that there are many other breeds in these categories and you can get a list online.

    • 3

      Classify rabbit breeds by personality traits. These are relaxed, curious and excitable. In the relaxed category, you find breeds like the Jersey Wooly and Satin Angora. Some listed as curious breeds are the Holland Lop and Lop. On the list for excitable breeds are the Netherland and Silver.

    • 4

      Differentiate between rabbit breeds by fur types. These types are: rex fur, flyback fur, rollback and wool fur. Rex fur is the shortest at 5/8-inch and wool fur breeds can have several inches long fur. The breed Belgian Hare would be classified in the flyback category while a Giant Angora is in the wool fur category. Different types of fur require different care.

    • 5

      Look at the basic body type to differentiate between breeds. There are four basic types: full arch, commercial, semi-arch and compact. A fifth type (cylindrical) consists solely of the breed called Himalayans. Full arch type breeds are narrow and have long legs like the Belgian Hare; compact rabbits are short and lighter and include breeds like the Holland Lops and Netherlands Dwarfs. You can find complete lists of breeds and the different categories for size, weight, personality, fur and body type online (see Resources).