The best rabbit breeds for beginners consist of the ten most popular and easiest to raise rabbits. From big to small, this countdown features a rabbit for everyone, including breeds for pets, show, meat, and wool.
#1 Holland Lop: A Compact Beginner-Friendly Rabbit
A small compact rabbit breed hailing from the Netherlands, the Holland Lop is one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners. These little rabbits weigh between two and four pounds (individuals lacking the dwarf gene can weigh a little more), and are the perfect size for a pet rabbit.
These adorable floppy-eared rabbits have endearing personalities and are a wonderful addition to the family. Sweet, gentle, friendly, and mischievous, Holland Lops quickly warm up to their handlers.
While the Holland Lop is one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners, they can be skittish at first until they adjust to their new surroundings.
An interesting note on the Holland Lop is that although both the males and females are friendly, the males tend to be more outgoing.
#2 New Zealand White: Calm and Versatile
The New Zealand White is one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners, as these rabbits are highly versatile. Despite their name, the breed was actually bred in the U.S. Famous for their excellent meat production, the New Zealand White reaches market weight between eight and eleven weeks, and has an excellent bone to meat ratio.
Excelling in the show ring, the New Zealand White holds the record for the most Best in Show wins (the highest award given by the American Rabbit Breeders Association).
Another quality that makes them one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners is their calm and gentle disposition. The New Zealand White is an affectionate pet, and enjoys interacting with humans and other rabbits. However, they can misbehave if they do not receive enough attention.
#3 Satin Angora: A Wool Rabbit for Beginners
The Satin Angora rabbit isn’t the most popular of the wool rabbit breeds (also known as fiber rabbits), despite its easy-to-manage wool.
Satin Angoras are pretty rabbits with soft, shiny wool, and come in a variety of eye-catching colors. Although their wool is easy to manage while on the rabbit, it can be more challenging to spin than other Angoras.
After being spun, however, the wool should be strong and soft, and can be sold as a specialty yarn. On average, Satin Angoras produce four to six ounces of wool per rabbit annually.
These intelligent rabbits are friendly and enjoy interacting with humans. However, potential owners should be aware that if not handled frequently, they can be prone to misbehaving.
#4 Mini Rex: Intelligent and Gentle
The Mini Rex rabbit was first developed in Texas in 1983 and is considered to be a relatively new breed. Stunning beauty, low-maintenance fur, and the ability to excel as both show rabbits and pets have all contributed to the breed’s continued popularity.
Mini Rex rabbits make good pets and are one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners. Very intelligent, these clever rabbits can learn their names and can even be trained to listen to simple commands.
As a family pet, the Mini Rex is gentle and calm, and enjoys interacting with their trusted handler. Although friendly, they can be shy when introduced to new surroundings or an unfamiliar face.
Since 1988 (when they were submitted to the American Rabbit Breeders Association Standard of Perfection), the Mini Rex has dominated the show table with their velvety coat and docile temperament.
#5 Florida White: A Budget-Friendly Meat Rabbit
Another meat rabbit breed, the Florida White, may not be as popular as the New Zealand White, but they are still one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners. Florida Whites look very similar to the New Zealand White, but are only about half the size of their larger cousin.
Bred for excellent meat-to-bone proportions, the Florida White has a sixty-five percent meat-to-bone ratio. These small meat rabbits also excel at feed-to-weight management, making them a good choice for those trying to raise their own meat on a budget.
#6 Dutch: Popular Pet and Show Rabbit
Probably the most popular on the list of best rabbit breeds for beginners is the Dutch. These happy, go-lucky rabbits are easy to raise, excel on the show table and have a winning personality to boot.
As family pets, the Dutch rabbit is affectionate, gentle, and good with children. Their calm and laid-back demeanor makes them easy to handle and contributes to their continued popularity as both pets and show rabbits.
Although they can be skittish when meeting new people, if properly socialized, they will quickly warm up to visitors.
On the show ring, Dutch rabbits are the ideal choice for beginners due to their popularity and ease of handling. The breed’s only downside is ensuring that all of their distinct markings cohere to the breed’s Standard of Perfection.
#7 Havana: Affectionate with Mink-Like Fur
Small with short fur, the Havana is a cute little rabbit. Nicknamed the “Mink of the Fancy,” this popular breed has mink-like quality fur.
Favored on the show table, the Havana rabbit frequently takes home the prize. Their small, compact body and easy-going temperament are two reasons for the breed’s continued popularity.
Not only is the Havana one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners in the show ring, but they are also a good pet for beginners. Calm, gentle, and affectionate, Havana rabbits enjoy being petted for long periods of time and are an excellent choice for children.
#8 French Angora: Easy-Care Fiber Producer
The French Angora is not only one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners, but it is also the most prolific of the fiber rabbits to make the list.
The wool of a French Angora is soft and warm and is comparable to cashmere. French Angoras are good producers of wool, which can be plucked or trimmed every three to four months. On average, each French Angora should produce ten to sixteen ounces of wool annually. Even with their high yields, French Angoras are the easiest of the fiber rabbits to care for.
With their handlers, French Angoras are calm, friendly, and sweet. While they are good with children, they may not make the best pet due to their dislike of being picked up.
#9 American Chinchilla: A Multipurpose Breed
If you are looking for a rabbit breed that can do it all, the American Chinchilla is for you. This large rabbit has a calm and friendly nature, making them an ideal breed for show and pets, as well as having a good carcass and pelt.
These delightful rabbits possess a sweet and docile nature and are ideal rabbits for families with older children or seniors. Female American Chinchillas have strong maternal instincts and raise approximately six to nine kits per litter.
American Chinchillas do well in the show ring when kept clean. When breeding for show, other important factors to bear in mind include breeding for good genetics, health, and feeding a nutrient-rich diet.
#10 Californian: Adaptable Meat and Show Rabbit
The Californian is one of the best rabbit breeds for beginners looking to raise their own meat. Highly adaptable, the Californian is suitable for both backyard environments and commercial meat raisers alike.
These large meat rabbits grow quickly, reaching market weight (about four to five pounds) in eight to twelve weeks, and have a good bone-to-meat ratio.
Another plus to raising Californians as meat rabbits is that their carcass is easy to make into different cuts of meat. These fast growers have an excellent taste whether fried, roasted, or grilled.
In the show ring, Californians are easy to show, due to their distinctive markings and calm, docile personalities.
When raised as pets, the Californian is a good choice for the novice. While the breed can be shy at first, with time, patience, and gentle interactions, they will quickly become one of the family.
Best Rabbit Breeds for Beginners: Final Thoughts
There are many more rabbit breeds available for experienced handlers, but these ten best rabbit breeds for beginners offer a wide array of breeds to help you get started on your rabbit-keeping journey.
This article about rabbit breeds for beginners was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
