Rabbits are one of the most popular pets. These cute and charming creatures win the hearts of both children and adults. When it comes to choosing which rabbit to get, future pet parents often find themselves at a loss. After all, there are many breeds of rabbits suitable for keeping at home. In this article, we will talk about those that are most suitable for living in a city apartment.
How decorative rabbits differ from ordinary rabbits
The main difference is their weight—decorative rabbits are much smaller than ordinary rabbits. Since they are bred artificially, they have other distinctive features: tufts on their ears, lop ears, or soft, plush fur.
Decorative rabbits were specially bred for keeping at home, so they are more socialized and become attached to people more quickly. At the same time, they are more fragile. For example, they need to be kept at a temperature between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, the little ones can easily get sick. Keep in mind that long-haired breeds are more difficult to care for than short-haired breeds, as it takes more time to keep their fur in good condition.
Dutch lop-eared
The name speaks for itself when it comes to the appearance of these rabbits. Other advantages of this breed include their incredible curiosity, intelligence, and quick wit. These playful creatures are perfect for families with children or people who live alone.
They have short fur and chubby cheeks, which makes them look even more like stuffed animals. Babies weigh no more than 1.5 kg and live on average up to 7 years. They are easy to train and enjoy spending time with people. They can be picked up and played with. No special care is required for this pet, but their ears must be treated with care. Under no circumstances should they be washed! Doing so could cause the rabbit to lose its hearing. It is best to gently wipe them with a cotton pad moistened with a special lotion.
Dwarf ram
They got their name because of their muzzle, which resembles a lamb’s head. These fluffy babies weigh about 1 kg and are 28 cm tall. Dwarf sheep quickly get used to people and are easy to interact with. Spend more time with them, and they will quickly become tame and affectionate.
Rabbits should be fed hay, grass, vegetables, and fruits, as well as ready-made feed with a balanced composition. These fluffy little creatures are vegetarians by nature, and animal protein is strictly contraindicated for them.
Harlequin
This breed was named for its unique coloring: black and brown stripes on white fur.
Harlequin rabbits are affectionate and gentle, and they are easy to train. Babies are easy to litter train, but they love to spend a lot of time outside their cage. They love to jump and frolic, and can be overly curious, so they need to be watched closely. This is a large breed. Rabbits can weigh up to 4.5 kg.
Chinchilla
Yes, there is a separate breed of decorative rabbits. And they really resemble chinchillas in their color and coat characteristics.
They get along easily with both people and other animals. They love to play and are also quite intelligent and quick-witted. These pets are very affectionate and eager to interact. You need to find the right approach to them, and then there will be no problems with training.
These are large rabbits that need a spacious cage. However, they are easy to train to use a litter box, so it is not necessary to keep them in a hutch all the time.
Himalayan
They are calm, gentle, and playful. These rabbits are completely non-confrontational and non-aggressive. They most resemble soft stuffed animals, so it is important to talk to children about the fact that they are living creatures first and foremost.
They love to play with people and easily adapt to any changes in their environment. However, they require thorough grooming: they need to be combed every day and washed regularly.
Colored
These little ones weigh only 1 kg. They have small round heads and short ears. They are short-haired, but their fur is shiny and soft. These rabbits come in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find a pet to your liking.
They are easy to care for. They have a very friendly disposition, so they are suitable for children.
Lionhead
Due to their thick fur on their head and neck, rabbits of this breed really do resemble lion cubs. That is why they require thorough grooming.
These are intelligent and playful pets that will happily participate in games with children.