A bit of advice...

[The_Dutchess]

Someday I would like to start a new rabbit breed because while I love our little Dutchies, they aren't exactly the breed I always want to have. SO I probably would like to decide on another breed to have for 4H in a few years or when/if my brother and I decide to start breeding a little bit. I am looking for a show rabbit, a meat breed is okay. I love striking coloring like the Dutch breed with the black and white. I kind of have my eye on something like a Rex/Mini Rex, or a Lop of some type but I really don't know. So what breeds do you like? what do you like in the breeds that you have or what do you recommend?

 

[Bad Habit]

Lionheads!!!

I love them, they're so poofy and adorable. They're also very friendly and personable, easy to handle, small and tame. They come in a bajillion different colours, but will hopefully finally be accepted in REW and Tort after convention this year - making them suitable for 4H rabbits. They are a little more work than the short haired breeds, because of the grooming, but I just adore them.

 

[The_Dutchess]

Thanks! I had my eye on Lionheads because I love their poofy fur and the mane. I LOVE to groom rabbits so that wouldn't be a chore. XD I'll have to learn all I can about them. The only problem is my brother doesn't like Lionheads and the only way I can really afford rabbits is because we split all the rabbits costs so it's not such a financial struggle. But I'll see what he says. :rollseyes:

 

[PSFAngoras]

If you want something poofy and little, try Jersey Woolies. Your brother might like them better

 

[ckcs]

I'm a big fan of Lionhead myself but they are still not a recognized ARBA breed. Hopefully they pass in October, even then it will at the most be torts and REW that are accepted. Other breeds that I am in love with are
English Lops, I just can't resist the ears
Velveteen Lops, The ears and rex fur whats not to love. They are also not an accepted ARBA breed.
American Blues What are beautiful rabbit. I have a breeder near me and I am in love with this breed
Mini and Standard Rex - Beautiful looking rabbit and the fur looks wonderful
NZR - I don't like the other colors of NZ but boy o boy the reds are spectacular

 

[The_Dutchess]

Thanks PSFAngoras and ckcs! I read a bit and introduced the Jersey wooly to my brother and it seems like a possibility! The Velveteen Lop sounds awesome! Hmmm...never heard of American Blues, And I'll have to look into Standard Rex... Any other suggestions welcome as well.

 

[Dood]

English Spot, Rhinelanders and Checkered giants are all broken white breeds and vary in size from 5 pounds to over 12.

 

[amandainohio24]

I also recommend the Lionheads, ours our all such sweethearts.

 

[The_Dutchess]

Okay, I have been researching all the breeds you guys have suggested. I'm really interested in the Jersey woolies, and Velveteen Lops. Does anyone know more about them?

 

[PSFAngoras]

I just picked up my first pair of jerseys, but I can tell you what I know so far...

Weight is to be no more than 3.5 #, ears are supposed to be 2" I believe. They were bred by crossing a Netherlands dwarf with a French angora (my favorite ), with the goal of obtaining a rabbit with all the wool and temperament attributes of the French angora in a body almost as small as a Netherlands dwarf. The pair I have are spot on for temperament. They are lovey once they get comfortable being handled. Of course the wool won't actually be as long as an angoras, but it is still spin able. If you don't plan to spin you can save it for those who do and sell it to them!

Due to their long wool, you will still have to brush them, but you should be able to get away with once a week unless they're molting (about once every three or four months). There are other members on here that show their JW's, so they'll be able to help you more.

 

[ladysown]

avoid the poof! Stay small.. do polish.

 

[bunnychild]

Thriantas or Rhinelanders. I don't have any but my friend does and they look so cool. Rhindlanders can be bitters though, and Thriantas get grouchy when they haven't been bred in a while.

__________ Sat Sep 07, 2013 9:55 pm __________

I just picked up my first pair of jerseys, but I can tell you what I know so far...

Weight is to be no more than 3.5 #, ears are supposed to be 2" I believe. They were bred by crossing a Netherlands dwarf with a French angora (my favorite ), with the goal of obtaining a rabbit with all the wool and temperament attributes of the French angora in a body almost as small as a Netherlands dwarf. The pair I have are spot on for temperament. They are lovey once they get comfortable being handled. Of course the wool won't actually be as long as an angoras, but it is still spin able. If you don't plan to spin you can save it for those who do and sell it to them!

Due to their long wool, you will still have to brush them, but you should be able to get away with once a week unless they're molting (about once every three or four months). There are other members on here that show their JW's, so they'll be able to help you more.

Jersey Woolies do have sweet personalities. It might be my imagination but they seem to like routines. The ideal weight is 3 lbs for a senior. Ideal ear length is 2 1/2 in. They are playful and curious and do come in very nice colors. It is not suggested to use their wool for spinning (at least on a large scale)

Senior coats are mat free, but they do go through the awkward stage between baby wool and the senior coat were it mats like crazy and thins out. I have a rabbit that is two years old and just got out of the awkward stage. most Jerseys aren't like that though. They usually only molt once a year about the same time. (ex. Shadow always molts in late august to mid September and Kiaya always molts Late January to mid February.)

This information came from the current Standard of Perfection and personal experience.

 

[JolieLapinFarms]

Mini lops <3 They get to be about 6 lbs, have amazing colors, and their personalities are extremely laid back and amazing. I have several, and they are all super friendly. I have a few JW also, and one is a basket case we should have named Spazarella instead of Princess Celestia and the other is a peach we named Shining Armor. My absolute favorite is Californians for their meat purposes as well as just being absolutely lovely and deep and calm.

 

[Birds Buns N Bees]

One breed I really like for its personality is the Himalayan. They often get overlooked as a small breed, I think because they're not "dwarfy" and they've got the pink eyes which a lot of people don't care for; but they are generally VERY sweet rabbits. I would never hesitate to recommend a Himalayan to someone who wants a nice, gentle breed. And those markings are quite striking, in my opinion.

 

[Zass]

I have a Velveteen lop(among many others). Best rabbit EVER. Can't beat her for personality, or general awesomeness. She loves being handled, Loves petting and attention, is adorable and fun. Be careful though, cause they gave rex coats, and the sensitive feet that go with it. I have to keep mine off all wire.

 

[dayna]

I love all of them! I breed mutts though since I could never decide what I want.

 

[Ramjet]

I'd like to combine the fur of a Rex with the size of a NZ , litter size of the Cali & the grow out size/ rate of an Altex.



Ugh .... where to start ?!?! Maybe my meatmut cali altex .... no , no ..... Im old and grey enough.

 

[The_Dutchess]

Well my brother really likes polish but I know nothing about them. What do they look like?do they have sweet temperaments?