Smoke Pearl Rabbit: Care, Temperament, Habitat & Traits (With Pictures)

The Smoke Pearl rabbit originated in Scotland and became popular in the United States. It also underwent a name change due to its luxurious, shiny coat. Its distinctive coat makes it an excellent show rabbit, and it is relaxed and friendlier than other breeds.

If you are looking for an affectionate rabbit companion, read on to learn more about the Smoke Pearl rabbit and see if it suits you and your family.

Breed Overview

The Smoke Pearl rabbit is rare and often hard to find. However, rabbit lovers that can find one are quickly captivated by their luscious, soft, dense coat and affectionate personality.

This breed was initially bred in Scotland for shows as far back as the 1920s. It was known back then as the Smoke Beige Rabbit but went through a name change, motivated by its color, in the 1930s. The Smoke Pearl Rabbit gained popularity among breeders and pet owners during the 1940s and 50s.

As its name suggests, the coat of this elegant breed is a smoky brown or blue. The pearl comes from a blue hue, but other colors include light gray and beige. It also appears to have a light underside due to the presence of smoky tips, white guard hairs, and a pale saddle region.

Smoke Pearl Rabbit Characteristics

How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?

The Smoke Pearl rabbit is a rare breed, so it may be hard to find a reputable breeder, especially outside of the United Kingdom and Australia. However, it is now very popular in the US, and despite its rarity, it is a relatively inexpensive breed to purchase.

A simple internet search should help you find reputable breeders and sources for a Smoke Pearl rabbit. You can find a Smoke Pearl rabbit for about $20–$60, depending on the breeder, but some can cost as much as $100. They are very hard to find in shelters because of their rarity and distinct coloring, but if you are patient enough, one may show up.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Smoke Pearl Rabbit

The Smoke Pearl rabbit is not only famous for its beautiful appearance but also its friendly personality. They are generally calm and laid back but love the attention of their owners. They also tolerate being handled, making them great family pets.

Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets? 👪

Smoke Pearl rabbits make great pets and are suitable for first-time owners and families with children. They love to be cuddled and petted; however, children must be cautious of playing too rough. They will crave your attention, so you must provide them with sufficient playtime. They are most suited to a family that will be home often and will be able to spend enough time with them.

Does This Rabbit Get Along With Other Pets?

Smoke Pearl rabbits are sociable and get along with other rabbits, so they are great for a multi-rabbit home. However, if you don’t plan on baby rabbits, separate the males from the females to avoid breeding.

They often get along with other animals, more so if they are brought up with them, but with a careful introduction, your Smoke Pearl rabbit should get along with your other pets just fine. It is best to supervise your pets when your rabbit is out of its hutch, especially if you have larger dogs whose prey drive may kick in. Even if your dog doesn’t manage to catch your rabbit, it can be a traumatizing experience.

Things to Know When Owning a Smoke Pearl Rabbit:

Keeping a Smoke Pearl rabbit is relatively easy and doesn’t require any specialized care. Like other breeds, your Smoke Pearl will need a good diet, a safe home, exercise, and minimal grooming.

Food & Diet Requirements 🥕

Your Smoke Pearl rabbit’s diet requirements won’t differ much from most other breeds. These herbivores will thrive on a diet of about 80% hay. In addition to that, you can feed them high-quality pellets and nutritious, leafy vegetables.

Leafy greens should comprise at least 15%, while pellets should only account for 5% or less of the diet. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, broccoli, and blueberries can be fed as a snack or treat. Always ensure there is a supply of fresh drinking water in a bowl or a drip feeder.

Habitat & Hutch Requirements 🏠

Your Smoke Pearl Rabbit can happily live indoors or outdoors. If you choose to keep your rabbit outdoors, its hutch should be weatherproof, and your rabbit should be protected from the elements. If you choose to keep your rabbit indoors, it will need enough light and ventilation. You need to make sure that the hutch is big enough so that your rabbit can run, hop, stand on its hind legs, and stretch out.

A rabbit run will provide extra space to run around, and the Smoke Pearl should be allowed to exercise in its run every day. An outdoor hutch should be protected from the sun but must be ventilated. A solid floor is safer and more comfortable for rabbits since wire mesh can cause injuries if their feet get stuck.

Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇

Your Smoke Pearl Rabbit will need about 4 hours of exercise a day. This can include running, hopping, and jumping. A run is ideal because it allows them to exercise freely while keeping them safe from predators. Most of the remaining time in the day will be for sleeping as they sleep for about 6–8 hours a day.

Their most active time is early morning and evening. When the Smoke Pearl sleeps, it will want to retreat to a dark, sheltered area away from the noise. Their bed must be soft, comfortable, warm, and non-toxic as they tend to chew it. The hutch should be lined with shredded paper and loaded with a constant supply of hay.

Training 🥎

Smoke Pearl Rabbits are generally easy to train, especially if you start them from a young age. Neutered rabbits are more even-tempered, and training can begin when they are about 6 months old.

Positive reinforcement using your rabbits’ favorite treats and praise is the best training method since they respond well to kindness. Two to three short sessions of 5–10 minutes a day will keep your rabbit interested in learning. You can train your rabbit to spin in circles, jump, fetch, and even run an agility course with patience!

Grooming ✂️

The most important part of grooming is maintaining your Smoke Pearls teeth. They don’t stop growing, so they need enough hay and plant matter to chew on regularly to file them down. Because of this breed’s luscious coat, you only need to brush it once a day. Regularly checking your pet’s ears and trimming their nails is also vital to keep them healthy and content.

Lifespan and Health Conditions 🏥

The lifespan of a Smoke Pearl Rabbit is 5– 9 years. It will need the utmost care to live as long as 9 years. While this breed has no specific predisposed disease to look out for, you should look for illnesses that all rabbits are prone to. Your vet can provide vaccinations for your rabbit to guard against diseases like VHD and myxomatosis. Regular treatment for worms and fleas is also necessary, especially if your Smoke Pearl lives outside.

Male vs Female

The main differences between a male to a female are: A male rabbit or buck is generally calmer and is usually recommended for first-time owners. They are typically more friendly and less aggressive towards humans. A female or a doe is a little more protective and cautious and can therefore be territorial. However, they’re very loving and affectionate once you bond with them.

An unneutered rabbit will also act differently. An unneutered male will spray urine to mark its territory and thumps its feet as a sign of wanting to mate. Neutering your female will help decrease the chances of uterine cancer and decrease dominant behaviors such as being destructive.

3 Little-Known Facts About Smoke Pearl Rabbits

1. Smoke Pearl Rabbits Are a Rare Breed

2. The Smoke Pearl Rabbit Appeared for the First Time in Public in a Show in 1926

3. It Was Formally Named the Smoke Beige Rabbit

Final Thoughts

The Smoke Pearl rabbit is an attractive breed and a friendly bunny that makes an excellent companion. They love affection and are generally more sociable than other breeds. They are suitable for any family; whether there are kids or other pets, the Smoke Pearl can make an excellent addition. The Smoke Pearl can also learn to perform tricks and use the litter box. Unlike some breeds, they enjoy being petted, are ideal for first-time owners, and tolerate being picked up.

Featured Image Credit: Hayball, Shutterstoc