Keeping rabbits as pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience. They are an absolute joy to have these animals hopping around your backyard.
Rabbits are some of the cutest pets one can own.
If you’re looking for a truly special rabbit breed to bring home, you’re at the right place.
Today, we’ll discuss the rarest rabbit breeds found around the world.
We’ll also talk about how you can take the best care of them, so your new pets love their life with you.
Let’s begin!
What are the Rarest Rabbit Breeds?
Anybody who knows about rabbits has heard of the Lionhead and Rex breeds. However, few people realize that there are over 300 different rabbit breeds found worldwide.
Many of these breeds are rare and endangered, so you won’t find them with your local breeder or at the shelter.
But, if you’re passionate about rare rabbit breeds, you can always ask around and see if you can find some to keep as your pets.
Each rare breed of rabbit has its own distinct and astonishingly unique qualities.
They have different personalities, and some make amazing pets!
Let’s look at the eight rarest rabbit breeds found in America and abroad.
Blanc De Hotot Rabbit
Found originally in France, the European breed of rabbit is as unique as its name sounds.
It was first recognized in 1912 and officially earned a breed title in 1922.
The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is a rather delicate breed with a pure white coat of fur and black bands around its eyes.
These bands are thin, giving the rabbit quite a peculiar look.
They also have compact, round bodies with a thick set of fur that has a gorgeous sheen to it.
Even though the Blanc De Hotot rabbit looks like quite a delicate beauty, it is known to be an active breed.
They are hardy rabbits; hence make a great choice for breeders.
Currently, the Blanc De Hotot rabbit is labeled ‘threatened’ by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
There are less than a thousand rabbits of this species left in the world.
American Blue Rabbit
The American Blue rabbit was initially called the German Blue Vienna and developed in California. But the name was during World War 1.
This was developed by Lewis Salisbury in Pasadena, Califonia, where he is believed to use Blue Beveren rabbits, Blue Flemish Giant rabbits, and Blue Vienna to form this breed.
Since these were all German rabbit breeds, the new breed was called the German Blue Rabbit (now called the American Blue Rabbit).
The American Blue Rabbit is a native North American breed and is often considered the rarest bunny in all of America.
It can weigh up to 12 pounds and has a semi-arch body type.
It is mostly bred for its fur and meat, but recently this rabbit is earning a spot for itself as a show rabbit too.
The American Blue is a docile and loving rabbit breed.
Therefore, if you want to introduce a rare rabbit to a home with children, they make a perfect choice!
Silver Fox Rabbit
Next, we have the third breed of rabbit that was developed in the United States.
The Silver Fox rabbit is also considered threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
The name Silver Fox comes from the striking coat of fur that this rare rabbit breed has.
Not only is the color absolutely gorgeous, but even the texture of their fur is unlike any other breed of rabbit.
They have a one-color blue or black coat, and the fur starts to turn into a silver shade when they are about four weeks old.
Their coat is dense and has 1.5 inches of long hair.
It can weigh up to 12 pounds (5.4 kg).
It also has another rather unique feature – if you stroke their coat from the head to the tail, the hair will stand upright until you stroke it again in the other direction.
Teddywidder Rabbit
If you want a bunny that looks the most like a stuffed toy, try finding a Teddywidder rabbit!
These are also known as Teddy Dwarf Rabbit, Teddyzwerg, and Teddykaninchen.
These bunnies are some of the most loving rabbits with a calm temperament.
This also makes them a great choice for households that have children.
The Teddywidder is a relatively new breed of rabbit and can be quite difficult to acquire.
They are primarily found in Germany and Belgium; however, you can try to find breeders online.
These rare bunnies have a thick and super soft coat of fur. They are woolly and fluffy, making them look almost too cute to be real!
Cinnamon Rabbit
The Cinnamon rabbit breed originated in the US (Missoula, Montana) and was recognized by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) in 1972.
Named Cinnamon because of its uniquely colored coat, the Cinnamon rabbit has a shade of rust coloring its fur.
You will also notice some smoked grey coloring on the sides and a dark brown on its legs and face.
It can weigh up to 11 pounds (5 Kg).
The Cinnamon rabbit was accidentally created when a Chinchilla doe mated with a Zealand buck.
The resulting rabbit was kept as a pet by the breeder’s children, who then bred it with a Checkered Giant/Californian Doe.
The result was a litter of adorable bunnies who were further bred with other breeds, leading to the development of these russet-colored Cinnamon rabbits.
Lilac Rabbit
Having a gorgeous powder blue coat, the Lilac rabbit is a true beauty to behold.
The Lilac rabbit was originally from Britain but was bred and raised in the US in the early 1900s.
They are named after the light purple blooms of lilac. While they are not purple-colored, they do have a light-colored pinkish-dove coat.
This breed has been labeled a ‘breed to watch’ by The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
They are some of the calmest rabbits to ever exist, making them a perfect choice for families with little kids.
Lilac rabbits are small and weigh up to 8 Pounds (3.6 Kg)
However, it can be quite challenging to acquire a lilac rabbit since there are less than 2000 bunnies of this breed found worldwide.
Belgian Hare Rabbit
Although called a hare, this Belgian rabbit isn’t one at all! It is actually a rare breed of rabbit that resembles a hare, hence the name.
The Belgian Hare rabbits have a muscular body with strong legs and a high arched back.
They are originally from Belgium but were popularized after import to England in 1856. They were recognized by ARBA as a rabbit breed in 1914
Due to their unique physique, these rabbits are perfect as show bunnies.
They have long front legs and ears and their fur is a bit rough. They can weigh up to 9.5 Pounds (4.3 Kg)
They are active and thrive in outdoor environments where they can get plenty of exercise.
However, if you manage to acquire this rare breed, keep in mind that they can be anxious and skittish.
So, you should be careful not to keep them locked in a small cage and avoid exposure to loud noises.
Rhinelander Rabbit
Lastly, we have the Rhinelander rabbit, a bunny with adorably large ears.
The Rhinelander breed is known for its soft white coat with tan prints on it. They have two-color markings, a streak along the spine, and a dark butterfly-like design on their muzzle. They also have eye bands of the same colors.
They usually keep their ears in a V shape
They are friendly and social animals that love to be around people.
This makes them great indoor pets that will enjoy snuggling up with you.
They were developed in Germany (hence the name Rhine) in the 20th century and arrived in the States in 1923.
There are lesser than 2000 of these rare bunnies worldwide, so they are grouped with rare rabbit breeds.
Apart from their unique tan markings, the Rhinelander rabbits are known to be quite active.
So, they are primarily used as show bunnies.
Tips on Caring for Rare Rabbit Breeds
Bringing home rare rabbit breeds ensures that there is never a dull moment in your life.
Rabbits are full of energy and mischief.
You will find your bunnies getting into hidden spots and discovering new ways to escape their hutch.
These con artists have the most adorable puppy dog (or should we say bunny!) eyes to melt your heart every time.
But, before you choose to adopt or buy a rare breed of rabbit, make sure you have done your research.
Different rabbit breeds require different levels of care.
You will need to be mindful of their shelter, diet, and even exercise times so they can live a fulfilling life as your pet.
Here are some quick tips to help you take the best care of your rare bunnies.
- Create proper housing before you bring home your rare rabbits. The hutch should have at least 1 sq ft. or space per pound of your bunny’s weight. Multiply it depending on how many rabbits you’re getting.
- If you’re going to place the hutch outdoors, ensure that it is protected against wind, rain, and snow. It should also have plenty of ventilation, so your rare bunnies are comfortable.
- Clean the hutch every day to avoid the spread of diseases due to manure pile-ups. Since your bunnies are already a rare breed, you should take extreme care that they don’t get sick or die due to unhygienic living conditions.
- Commercial feed pellets are great for rabbits of all breeds. However, you should also ensure they get plenty of hay to chew on. Adding the occasional fruits and veggies as treats to their diet will also do wonders for your rare rabbits’ health.
- Handle the rabbits gently and let them get used to your touch. Since they are prey rabbits, rabbits can get skittish easily. So, go slow, and eventually, your bunnies will love cuddling up next to you.
Good food and daily exercise will help your rabbits live their best lives with you.
It is also recommended to book annual vet checkups so you can identify any diseases or other health problems early on.
Quick diagnoses and treatment will help your rare rabbits live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.
All the best in taking care of your new pets!
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