A "What to get?" question...

[faiththequeen]

I need some advice from all you seasoned rabbit people What would be a great breed for my son and I to start showing and breeding? I had a small rabbitry when I was young. French Lops and Flemish Giants. I loved those, but we were thinking of trying something smaller. But then again, that whole "dwarf gene" thing intimidates me a little. Also, I think I'd like something that's not so popular, you know? But yet not SOO hard to find for us. I keep researching, but I find myself drawn right back to the "plus size" buns. What are your opinions? Thank you in advance

 

[ladysown]

if your heart is on the plus sized...then get a plus sized rabbit.

but honestly... I'd get out to some shows and just check out what is available.

 

[skysthelimit]

Maybe havanas. They just sound cool. Or mini satins?

But you see where I'm at, the bigger the better!!!

 

[3mina]

Find a show and talk to the exhibitors, you'll find something that makes your heart go pittypat and that's what it's all about

 

[Peach]

Go to a show. Lol I'm too biased. I love my Mini Lops. Not too big,not too small. Just right

 

[ZRabbits]

Definitely go to a show. You will see so many different types of rabbits, and can talk to the breeders. Will help you figure out where you want to go. Understand the "dwarf gene" being intimidating. Could have peanuts in my future, but have accepted that because I had to keep to smaller breed. But do have one Flemish (couldn't help myself, lol).

Plus you will get a taste of what showing your future rabbits is all about. I think you Son will enjoy the experience too.

Karen

 

[tnelsonfla]

Like most people are saying go attend a few shows and go from there. You are in a good location there are decent breeders of a good variety of breeds in your area. Maybe Tans, Havana's, or if bigger is your choice maybe a Checkered Giant or American's. ARBA's website does have a nice list of breeders that may help you.

 

[SatinsRule]

Maybe havanas. They just sound cool. Or mini satins?

But you see where I'm at, the bigger the better!!!

Mini "Satans" aren't what I'd recommend to a youngster. They have developed a reputation for being nasty tempered.

A reasonably-sized breed I'd recommend would be the Mini Lop. Enough personality to keep the young man's interest up.

And yes, DO go to a show first.

 

[skysthelimit]

Maybe havanas. They just sound cool. Or mini satins?

But you see where I'm at, the bigger the better!!!

Mini "Satans" aren't what I'd recommend to a youngster. They have developed a reputation for being nasty tempered.

A reasonably-sized breed I'd recommend would be the Mini Lop. Enough personality to keep the young man's interest up.

And yes, DO go to a show first.

Hmm, interesting. In general, except for the hollands, I have a strict aversion to mini animals of any kind, especially small dogs. I was hoping they were close...

 

[ZRabbits]

Lots of Holland here. And mini-lops. I guess I have an aversion to droopy ears. They are cute, but the research I did was lots of ear issues. And I just don't want that. Now I know from reading here, there are issues with their delivery. If I had the room, I would have gone full Flemmish. Big awesome bunny.

But went Lion Head. What a unique specialty rabbit. Never had seen anything like it. Lots of grooming, which I enjoy because it connects with my rabbits. They love the attention. Can't wait until they are truly recognized. Lots of breeders working hard to get this bunny to acceptance. I guess I like the challenge.

If you want a bigger bunny, Silver Fox would be neat to show.

Karen

 

[curlysue]

Dutch are a really nice medium size breed.they dont have the dwarf gene.they breed easily compared too tiny breeds.great mothers and good personalities.some competition but not as much as Holland lops.they come in several colors.

 

[LindseysWoolies]

I love my jersey woolies! They're sweethearts but im biased. Lol!

 

[faiththequeen]

Thank you so much for all your great advice! There are a couple shows in Ohio coming up that are fairly close to me and we will definitely be checking them out. I also love all things LOP! But Hollands and Minis are SOOO common around here. I'm afraid there would just be way too much competition and he would get discouraged. But we shall see. You gotta be in love with whatever breed you pick, right? The problem there is we just love them all! LOL! We have an English Lop house bunny. She's awesome. But I don't think they are something I would breed. For us anyway.

Anyways, thanks again for all your wisdom! I think I'll be hanging around here!

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

If you like big buns and like lops...maybe consider the English or French Lops? They are adorable, loppy, and probably slightly less common than Hollands or Minis.

 

[trinityoaks]

I'll put in a plug for Rex. They're a good, medium-sized rabbit with the most WONDERFUL fur, and no worries about peanuts or any other dwarf-gene issues.

 

[lonelyfarmgirl]

If you want something that will be tame and handleable for a child, get himalayans. They are very pliable and come in all four self point colors. They are unusual but not super rare. I see more children, young children, carrying around himi's like dolls than any other breed, overall. They just kind of hang there.

Mini satins are nasty, rex can be. Netherland dwarfs are problem breeders. Dutch will give you litters and litters of bunnies NOT suitable for the show table. Mini lop, mini rex and holland lop competition can be very stiff. Lionheads are not as yet recognized by the ARBA. They can be shown, but cannot compete for Best in Show. You also have to be careful, as there are a lot of crap lionheads out there and few and far between high quality ones worth having.

There is always the runner group. I would recommend rhinelanders, but choose carefully. They are a plus size animal, they are unusual, but not unheard of. They are pretty and active. Be careful. You will either get a nasty line or a tame line. There isn't much in between.

 

[ZRabbits]

If you want something that will be tame and handleable for a child, get himalayans. They are very pliable and come in all four self point colors. They are unusual but not super rare. I see more children, young children, carrying around himi's like dolls than any other breed, overall. They just kind of hang there.

Mini satins are nasty, rex can be. Netherland dwarfs are problem breeders. Dutch will give you litters and litters of bunnies NOT suitable for the show table. Mini lop, mini rex and holland lop competition can be very stiff. Lionheads are not as yet recognized by the ARBA. They can be shown, but cannot compete for Best in Show. You also have to be careful, as there are a lot of crap lionheads out there and few and far between high quality ones worth having.

There is always the runner group. I would recommend rhinelanders, but choose carefully. They are a plus size animal, they are unusual, but not unheard of. They are pretty and active. Be careful. You will either get a nasty line or a tame line. There isn't much in between.

As I was doing my research on the breed, you have to watch out for those who mix Rexes and Lops into their line. That's why I found a breeder with 4 generation of Double Lion Heads.

My Double Mane Lion Head Buck

My Double Mane Lion Head Doe

Good News on the Lion Head front, Lion Head Breeders and ARBA are working closely regarding the skirt length in Double Mane Juniors. Since the Single Mane look good as Juniors, by the time they hit Seniors they are losing their manes. Really excited for all those who really have been pushing this breed. Keep up the good work! The Convention in Ohio this May showed many beautiful, well rounded Lion Heads.

Karen

 

[Dreamerz]

You gotta be in love with whatever breed you pick, right?

Is there a reason for only getting one breed ? Maybe get a large breed for you & something a bit smaller for your child. I'm not going to mention any breeds for you to think about, as I love more then one breed myself Remember to keep in mind the time you have available to put in to grooming, some breeds require next to none others it's a daily thing. Also remember some of the things you read or hear about (ex: peanuts, ear problems in lops ... etc.) are things that breeders have worked on weeding out & do not appear as often as you might think. It is kinda like the news you hear about the bad & not some much the good.

 

[ZRabbits]

You gotta be in love with whatever breed you pick, right?

Is there a reason for only getting one breed ? Maybe get a large breed for you & something a bit smaller for your child. I'm not going to mention any breeds for you to think about, as I love more then one breed myself Remember to keep in mind the time you have available to put in to grooming, some breeds require next to none others it's a daily thing. Also remember some of the things you read or hear about (ex: peanuts, ear problems in lops ... etc.) are things that breeders have worked on weeding out & do not appear as often as you might think. It is kinda like the news you hear about the bad & not some much the good.

Excellent advise. Just make sure when you do purchase whatever breed or breeds you decide, make sure those lines are pure (example: peanuts, ear problems, teeth problems, etc.). Its an easier set up if you start with the best you can buy and build from there.

And I think you really have to love the breed you want. It's a lot of time and effort (grooming, feeding, cleaning, breeding, showing etc.) but IMHO, it's well worth it if you truly love what you are doing.

Enjoy the journey. Finding out what you truly want to start with is an amazing educational experience. Lots of people out there, who love it as you will, are very helpful and informative.

Karen

 

[LauraNJ]

How old is your son? That will make a difference on what he can comfortably handle.

We have Beverens, my teenage son can handle them no problem. My just turned 11 yr old can not take them out of the hutch himself without help, well, he could but I am not totally comfortable with it because they are large and if they were to twist or kick, I don't know that he could maintain his hold on them. They average 10-12 lbs approx so they are a large rabbit but calm and friendly. The 2 mo old bunnies he has no problems with, 3 mo old and they are already big!

I am considering getting a smaller breed just for my 11 yr old to make it easier. My dd had angoras and a jersey woolie. She could handle them no problem, the JW was easier than the angoras for her. They were all inside though and were super calm. I think all the grooming gets them so used to being handled that they, at least ours, never even did a kick when picked up.

I have been told to stay away from the popular breeds like minirex just because there is so much competition at shows and if your child isn't placing with their rabbits at all that it does become discouraging. From my dog showing background I would agree with that so if you decide on a popular breed, then get superb quality.

Let us know what you decide on, good luck in your search!