Did you know there are 50 show rabbit breeds in America? That’s a lot of bunnies! These breeds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes, but they’re all perfectly lovely. A few are rarer these days than others, but if it’s a show rabbit breed you’re after, there’s undoubtedly a breed for you among them.
We’re taking a closer look at 30 of the 50 show rabbit breeds today, so you can learn more about them. This list can help you find the perfect rabbit for you and your family by helping you narrow down your choices. Keep reading to discover which bunny will be your new pet!
The 30 Show Rabbit Breeds
1. American
The American rabbit was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) early on in 1917; in fact, this breed is one of the earliest to be recognized. Developed for meat and fur production, this breed was quite popular, but it’s much rarer these days; it’s currently listed as “critical” by the Livestock Conservancy. However, the American rabbit makes a wonderful pet due to its sweet, docile temperament and has seen a mild resurgence since the 1990s.
2. American Chinchilla
The American Chinchilla has been around for a time, first appearing in New York in 1919, then being recognized by the ARBA in 1924. They were quite popular for a while, too, but WWII put an end to that, and, unfortunately, this breed is listed as “critically endangered” by the Livestock Conservancy. That means locating one will prove difficult; however, if you are able to find one, you’ll find yourself with a good-natured and playful bunny that makes a great pet for singles, families, and almost anyone else!
3. American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop doesn’t have “fuzzy” in its name for no reason; these rabbits are easily recognizable as they resemble a ball of fuzz with long floppy ears! The breed is a popular choice for those keeping rabbits for the first time, and it’s easy to see why, as they are sweet and easygoing. These rabbits can also be playful and energetic, which make them excellent pets for families with children. The American Fuzzy Lop will allow itself to be carried around and petted with no trouble. However, this breed’s fur requires regular upkeep so it doesn’t get tangled up, which can take up a bit of time.
4. Argente Brun
This breed is one of the oldest of the French show rabbits and was brought to the U.S. in the early 20th century. Recognized by the Livestock Conservancy as a heritage breed, the name Argente Brun simply means this is the brown version of the Argente rabbit. As such, this breed boasts a beautiful rich chocolate coat beneath silver frosted guard hair. Due to their friendly and social natures, these rabbits make fabulous pets and show rabbits. They’ll sit in your lap and even let you carry them about. However, the breed does have a willful streak, so they must be socialized from a young age.
5. Beveren
The Beveren is a heritage breed originating in Belgium and was first recognized in America in 1915. They quickly became a fan favorite because of their blue color, a color that wasn’t often seen in rabbits. A medium-sized breed, this breed is friendly and lively. They love to be outside, so they do well as outdoor rabbits, and between their enjoyment of being active and their intelligence, you’ll find this is one rabbit you can play games with. The Beveren is another of the rarer breeds, though, so finding one could be a challenge.
6. Blanc de Hotot
Though the Blanc de Hotot has been around since the 1920s, it wasn’t until 1979 that the ARBA recognized the breed. Unfortunately, this is another rabbit listed as “critically endangered” by the Livestock Conservancy, so there are less than 500 in the world, making them another rarity. However, if you’re able to locate one, you’ll find these bunnies to be sweet and gentle with a love for attention. They’re also long-lived, sometimes living over 10 years!
7. Britannia Petite
Also known as the “Polish” in the United Kingdom, the Britannia Petite is one of the smallest rabbit breeds. These rabbits only weigh up to 2 ½ pounds, making them minute (and not recommended as pets for children due to the potential for injury). Despite being so tiny, though, they have high-energy personalities that involve lots of activity and a bit of flightiness. They’re also one of the more high-strung breeds, so they can be quite a handful, meaning if you’re looking for a rabbit for the first time, you might want to go with a calmer rabbit.
8. Champagne d’Argent
The Champagne d’Argent comes from, you guessed it, the Champagne region in France. It’s a very old breed, having existed since the 1600s (though it didn’t become popular until the 1700s). Known for their silver coats and upright ears, these rabbits are quite hardy and can get along well with both people and other rabbits. However, they require early socialization to achieve that friendliness with people. If socialized properly when young, they can be affectionate and more than willing to spend time with you.
9. Cinnamon
The Cinnamon rabbit is a newer breed that came about as a result of a 4H project. Created by a happy accident in America in the 1960s, these rabbits were slow to gain popularity but were eventually recognized by the ARBA. However, they still haven’t reached the popularity of many other rabbit breeds. Because of their crossbred background, though, these medium-sized rabbits are incredibly affectionate, docile, and loving, so they’re wonderful for those looking for an easygoing rabbit that is fun for kids of all ages.
10. Dutch
The Dutch is among the ten most popular rabbit breeds in the United States, making it easily recognizable. They’re also an older breed, dating back to the 1850s, and, surprisingly, hail from England (despite what the name suggests). The easygoing personality of these rabbits makes them great for families with children; kids will also enjoy how active the Dutch is. This is one rabbit that needs a few hours outside its cage every day! In fact, this breed can’t be left in its cage for too long; otherwise, it will get bored and might even become depressed.
11. Dwarf Papillon
This breed is incredibly new, only coming about in 2015 after the Europa World Show and only being recognized by the ARBA in 2020 (becoming the 50th recognized breed of the association). The small Dwarf Papillon is often playful and loving with its owners. However, due to its diminutive stature, it might not be suitable for those with small children because of the risk of accidental injury.
12. English Lop
If you want a bunny with exceptionally long ears, look no further than the English Lop, which has the longest ears out of all the rabbit breeds! Those ears can sometimes get in the way, though, and are known to drag along the floor when these rabbits move around. As a result, the English Lop is often less active than other rabbit breeds. The long ears also mean that owners need to stay on top of caring for them as medical issues can occur. Beloved by adults and children alike, these rabbits are calm, cuddly, and gentle and love interacting with their families!
13. Flemish Giant
This rabbit doesn’t have the word “Giant” in its name for nothing; the Flemish Giant is often about the size of a small cat or dog but sometimes can grow up to 4 feet long! Weighing roughly 20 pounds, this is definitely the rabbit breed for you if you want the calmness of a bunny without the typically small size. Known to be a gentle giant, the Flemish Giant rabbit makes a particularly good pet due to their relaxed yet playful and silly nature. However, due to their large size, they do require much more space than a typical rabbit to live comfortably.
14. French Angora
This rabbit breed is instantly recognizable as they resemble nothing more than a small cotton ball! The French Angora has a seriously fluffy, fuzzy body (though the ears and face aren’t fluffy at all), making them one extra adorable rabbit. However, the fluffy hair requires quite a bit of care and daily grooming, so the French Angora is a bit more challenging to care for than other rabbit breeds. These rabbits also can produce up to 1 pound of wool a year! The French Agora is extremely sociable, making it an excellent pet.
15. Giant Angora
The French Angora isn’t the only floofy rabbit around! The Giant Angora might be a fluffier bunny than the French. As the largest of the Angora-type rabbits, the Giant Angora can weigh up to 9 ½ pounds and is absolutely covered in dense fur that doesn’t shed. That fur requires daily grooming and must be regularly shorn, so this breed is more suitable for people with experience keeping rabbits. That said, the Giant Angora has a kind, gentle nature, so they’re perfectly suited to family life. They do require more space and roaming room than smaller breeds, though, to stay happy and healthy.
16. Harlequin
The Harlequin rabbit is one of the most interestingly colored rabbits one can find and has a fascinating history. The earliest known Harlequin rabbit came from Tokyo in 1872, but by 1890 the Harlequin had traveled to France, where the breed spread quickly. Recognized by the ARBA in 1914, these rabbits became so sought-after that they were sold for the equivalent of $900 in today’s money! A constantly curious breed, the Harlequin will be more than happy to spend time roaming around your home (supervised, of course!) and exploring.
17. Himalayan
As the name indicates, the Himalayan rabbit did originate in the Himalayan Mountain region, most likely in China, though they appeared in the U.S. in the early 1900s. The breed is relatively widespread, so finding one should be easy enough. The Himalayan has a fabulously laid back personality and will even forgive minor mishandling, making it one of the better breeds for children. They also love being cuddled and petted, so if you’re looking for a more hands-on bunny, this could be the one for you!
18. Holland Lop
The Holland Lop is one of the tiniest rabbits around; though they can weigh up to 4 pounds, many will only weigh in at 2 pounds! The breed is incredibly popular in the U.S., although, due to their size and delicateness, they aren’t the most suitable rabbits for children. However, the Holland Lop does make for a wonderful pet, as they’re terrifically friendly and calm. The breed does enjoy chewing on things—more so than other rabbits—so be aware of that! You’ll want to get this bunny plenty of toys to avoid them chewing on things they shouldn’t.
19. Jersey Wooly
If you’re looking to get one of the more popular pet rabbit breeds, then the Jersey Wooly could be an excellent fit. This rabbit breed was only introduced to the ARBA in 1984 and was bred to be kept as a pet. A cross between the French Angora and the Netherland Dwarf, the Jersey Wooly is a very teensy bunny with a very large, puffy coat, making it one of the more adorable breeds. As they were bred to be pets, they make great ones; this breed is known as a “no-kick” bunny, which means they don’t often kick or bite (though if they feel threatened, they will defend themselves). Overall, they’re gentle, docile, and fantastic with all members of the family!
20. Lilac
The Lilac rabbit is a favorite of rabbit owners, even though it didn’t arrive in America from Great Britain until 1922, so it hasn’t been around as long as some other breeds. Its beautiful gray-blue colored fur gives it its name, and that fur is incredibly soft, making petting these rabbits a delight. Luckily, the Lilac rabbit will enjoy being petted as the breed is very interactive with its owners. This bunny is also intelligent, so you can easily house-train them if desired and even teach them tricks. Immensely curious with a penchant for cuddling, the Lilac makes a fantastic pet!
21. Lionhead
It’s easy to see how the Lionhead rabbit got its name—this bunny’s “beard” closely resembles the “mane of a lion! This newer breed was only accepted by the ARBA in 2014, but it’s quickly become a favorite of pet owners and rabbit keepers. Weighing only around 4 pounds, this tiny rabbit is incredibly sweet and energetic. If you train yours to roam safely around your home, chances are you’ll find yourself with a small shadow following you everywhere you go!
22. Mini Rex
Known for its plush, dense coat, the Mini Rex is one cuddly rabbit! Introduced to the ARBA in 1986, it’s easy to see why these beautiful bunnies are often seen in shows and as pets. Other than being cute as can be, the Mini Rex also makes a lovely pet for practically anyone—young, old, singles, and families (though children should always be monitored with the Mini Rex due to its size). These bunnies are quiet and gentle and do best when showered with affection from their humans. They’re not so easy to train, but they can be quite playful, which offers lots of family fun.
23. Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf might have taken the rabbit breeding world by storm only in the past 50 years, but it’s quickly become a sought-after bunny. Both judges and breeders know this breed is one of the leading show rabbits around. These tiny bunnies weigh only 3 pounds or less, but their personalities are certainly large in size. The Netherland Dwarf is known for being high-energy, feisty, and lively, making it a favorite pet of many. Watch out for this rabbit’s mischievousness and tendency for a quick nip to settle disagreements, though!
24. Palomino
The Palomino has only been around since the 1950s, when a breeder’s experimentation created it by accident. Since their introduction to the world, these rabbits have become well-known as both show rabbits and pets. The Palomino absolutely adores being around people and, given the breed’s friendly nature and sweet disposition, will even get along well with younger children (provided those children have been taught how to properly handle rabbits). Their social personalities mean they need lots of time outside their enclosures, though; otherwise, you might find yourself with a depressed bunny on your hands.
25. Rex
The Rex rabbit is fairly common but highly sought-after due to their unique fur and absolute charm. These bunnies, which weigh up to 4 pounds, originally came from France in the 1920s but can now be found worldwide. Known for being adorable and spunky, the Rex is a popular pet that loves being social with its people and other bunnies. Their curious natures also make them highly entertaining!
26. Satin
The Satin is an all-American rabbit breed, having originated somewhere around 1934 in Indiana, and gets its name due to the incredible shine of its coat. It took no time for this bunny to become popular with its luscious coat, and soon, a wave of crossbreeding led to several “Satinized” rabbit breeds. Not only will you find these rabbits in shows, but you’ll find them in rabbit-loving homes, too. Like most bunnies, the Satin is quite docile and friendly—at least with people. You’ll need to take care when introducing this breed to other animals, though.
27. Silver
While some Silver rabbits do have silver fur, the breed is actually distinguished due to its type of body and coat. This breed has a very distinct body type not found in other breeds, and it is also judged in shows by the snappiness of the flyback coat. The breed is exceptionally old, dating back to at least England in the late 1500s, and was one of the first-ever rabbit breeds recognized by the ARBA. Though docile like other rabbit breeds, the Silver is also energetic, requiring a few hours a day of playtime and exercise. Overall, this combination makes for an interesting blend of calm and lively!
28. Silver Marten
The Silver Marten actually does have silver in its coat, as the guard hairs are silvered, and came about as a mix between the Dutch, Angora, and Chinchilla breeds. They can grow to be up to 9 ½ pounds, so they’re considered a medium-sized breed, which is a perfect size for families with children. The breed’s sweet, playful nature also makes them a family favorite, as they enjoy interacting with their families and are fairly tolerant. The Silver Marten is also rather clever, able to learn tricks and how to use a litter box.
29. Tan
This rabbit is a fancy one, making it quite popular for participation in shows and exhibitions. The Tan rabbit has been around since the 1880s but was only recognized in America in the 1960s. Though the breed is a fancy one meant for shows, they can also make excellent pets for the right people. The Tan isn’t a particularly cuddly bunny, but it isn’t a mean one either; the breed is generally friendly, just not big on affection, so they don’t make the best pets for kids eager to give pets to their rabbits. The Tan is also quite energetic and known for being curious, so you can expect this bunny to occasionally get up to a bit of mischief!
30. Thrianta
The Thrianta didn’t receive recognition status from the ARBA until 2006, so it’s a newer show rabbit, but the breed has been kept as pets since its creation. Known for its beautiful coat in the color of an Irish Setter, the Thrianta is easy to care for, making it a wonderful rabbit for first-time bunny owners. The breed is adaptable, gentle, and curious, so they do well in a variety of environments (which they will want to explore!). However, these rabbits do crave attention, so ensure you have enough time to provide that before getting one!
Conclusion
There are 50 show rabbit breeds in the United States, coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are well-known for their beautiful looks, while others are more well-known for their amazing temperaments. No matter what kind of bunny you’re looking for—small or large, floofy or not—you’re sure to find a breed that’s right for you on this list!
Featured Image Credit: Preechaya Kaewsuwan, Shutterstock
