Did you know that rabbits often only survive for one or two years in the wild?
Sadly, it’s true. Wild rabbits can experience extreme hardship in the wild.
They are food for larger animals and have delicate immunological and digestive systems. On the other hand, indoor rabbits can live for around five to twelve years on average.
Longest Living Rabbits Breeds
Here is a list of rabbit breeds known to live the longest. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Polish Rabbits
Upon first glance, you could mistake the Pole for a Netherland Dwarf. They both have perky ears and are tiny, compact rabbits that come in various colors.
However, the similarities stop there. Polish rabbits are far more submissive and laid-back than the active Dwarf rabbits.
This is due to their distinct genetic origin. Typically, polish rabbits can live anywhere between eight to twelve years.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits
The Netherland Dwarf rabbits are known for their somewhat excessive energy that occasionally borders into plain hostility.
However, this incredibly small rabbit species isn’t strong enough to harm themselves or others. It is one of the top three most popular breeds of rabbits available today.
Most owners enjoy its energetic nature. They can live anywhere from seven to twelve years.
Mini Rex Rabbits
All Mini Rex rabbits have incredibly kind personalities and soft hair. Their origins can be traced back to 1986.
They are a low-maintenance rabbit breed that normally doesn’t weigh more than five pounds. They are typically recognized for their dedicated and loving personalities.
Mini Rex rabbits can live anywhere between eight and twelve years when given the proper care.
Lionhead Rabbits
The Lionhead, a relatively new breed, is a mix between an unidentified Belgian “bearded rabbit” and other breeds, including the Netherland Dwarf.
Their “usually winning disposition and adaptive character are two of the most important factors in their appeal.
This rabbit breed can typically live anywhere between eight to twelve years.
Jersey Wooly Rabbits
The Jersey Wooly rabbit breed descended from dwarf rabbit breeds crossed with Angoras and Chinchillas.
This cross-breeding is why they possess all the characteristics of a long-living rabbit breed.
Jersey Wooly rabbits are cute, laid-back, affectionate, and love to groom themselves. A nutritious, balanced diet and sufficient care are important to ensure they live a long life.
Typically, Jersey Wooly rabbits can live anywhere between eight to twelve years.
Holland Lop Rabbits
One of America’s top three most popular rabbit breeds, these rabbits are easily recognized for their linebacker-like physique.
They are well-known for their high spirits and are easier to live with.
They also make caring and devoted pets. Although the average age is closer to eight, they can survive up to twelve years.
Himalayan Rabbits
The Himalayan rabbit’s history is rather mysterious. In fact, Himalayan rabbits are considered the smallest of all rabbit breeds without dwarf traits.
Unlike other tiny rabbit breeds, they have a usually laid-back, gentle attitude. It is why they live a long, happy life.
They can easily survive for ten years or more when given the right care and exercise.
American Sable Rabbits
The American sable rabbit is one of the best rabbit breeds to own as pets.
American sables are very friendly and cute. It is why you can take them anywhere you want. However, expect a lot of petting from strangers when you are out and about.
The unfortunate news is that they are typically raised for use or sale on the market. Nonetheless, they still have a lengthy life expectancy of eight to ten years.
Argente Rabbits
Argente rabbits come in three basic varieties: de Champagne, Crème, and Brun. They are sometimes also referred to as French exhibition rabbits.
They are a member of the oldest category of rabbit breeds. They have a life expectancy of eight to ten years.
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbits
The American fuzzy lop rabbit is the best household pet rabbit you can adopt. It is lazy, laid-back, and enjoys being showered with love and care.
It is the reason why they live such long lives. On average, the American fuzzy lop can live between ten to twelve years.
Cinnamon Rabbits
Cinnamon rabbits are usually friendly and easygoing. However, the best thing about this rabbit breed is that they are easy to take care of.
Their cinnamon-colored hair and chubby body make them cute and cuddly. These rabbits have a prolonged life expectancy of between ten and twelve years.
How to Extend Your Pet Rabbit’s Life
You can extend your pet rabbit’s life by looking after it dedicatedly. For instance, medical treatment, exercise, a stress-free life, and other types of care will allow your rabbit to live longer.
So, on that note, here are a few tips to help you extend your pet rabbit’s life!
Get Your Rabbit Neutered or Spayed
Rabbits that have been spayed or neutered typically live longer. In fact, female rabbits should always undergo this process by the age of four. It is because they have an 80% probability of developing ovarian or uterine cancer.
Similarly, male rabbits should be neutered as they also risk developing prostate cancer at an older age.
Typically, rabbits achieve sexual maturity at around six months old. Therefore, setting up the spaying or neutering session with your veterinarian is preferable as soon as possible.
Lastly, getting your rabbits neutered or spayed also helps reduce aggressiveness.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
Feeding your pet rabbit a healthy diet is the easiest way to increase their lifespan. At the end of the day, rabbits are extremely fragile animals with a delicate digestive system.
Giving your rabbit the wrong food items can lead to them developing GI Stasis, a life-threatening disease.
So, feed your rabbit a diet rich in fiber if you want to provide the finest care possible.
This includes feeding them grass-based items such as timothy hay. Furthermore, fresh, leafy green vegetables are strong in fiber and are relatively healthy for your rabbit.
That said, whatever you do, keep them off pellets. After all, a rabbit with an unlimited supply of pellets will never touch hay.
Give Them Plenty of Physical Activity
Besides a healthy diet, Rabbits also require a lot of open space to live and run about. Their enclosure needs to be at least three to four times as big as their body.
A pet playpen is usually better than a conventional rabbit cage since it is cheaper and offers more running around space for your pet rabbit.
Furthermore, just like humans, rabbits require plenty of exercise to help them maintain good health. So, give your rabbit some exercise time in the morning or the evening, if you can.
Rabbits are most active during this time of day and will make the most of their playtime when you let them out during this particular time.
Don’t Forget to Socialize with Your Pet Rabbit
Animals such as cats, dogs, and rabbits are very social creatures. They will become lonely or depressed if you ignore them or don’t socialize with them.
So, ensure you’re giving your pet rabbit the attention it deserves. Make it a routine to watch TV or read as you cuddle with your rabbit.
Furthermore, training your rabbit to do tricks or even sit on your lap is another way to squeeze in some bonding time.
However, if you have a busy lifestyle, you can still help them socialize by adopting another rabbit.
Before they can live together, you must go through the arduous process of bonding rabbits. After all, they need some time to get to know each other. Otherwise, they will end up fighting.
Take Your Rabbit to the Vet Regularly
Similar to cats, dogs, or other house pets, rabbits must visit the vet for annual checkups. This will enable you to identify early indications of certain health issues, such as tooth disease.
Typically, obesity and enlarged teeth are the two common health issues seen in rabbits. So, by visiting the vet, you’ll be able to monitor their teeth, weight, and general health.
Furthermore, regular checkups will allow you to form a good relationship with your vet. Due to this, you will be able to contact your vet right away if your rabbit becomes ill.
Don’t Let Your Rabbit Get Bored
Rabbits are social and playful animals. You need to give them enough daily activity to keep them happy.
Although some rabbits are rather fussy about the toys they will play with, they are still essential to keeping your rabbit healthy.
It’s important to note that any form of enrichment activity will suffice for this purpose.
So, play hide and seek with them or let them dig your yard. In the end, a happy rabbit is a long-living rabbit!
Wrapping Up
No one knows how long their rabbit will live based on research alone. However, you can increase your rabbit’s lifespan by providing it care, love, and a ton of playtime.
Furthermore, getting them spayed or neutered will add a few years to their lives.
So, whether you own a rabbit or are looking to adopt one, we hope you and your furry buddy can enjoy a long time together!
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