Pet rabbits aren’t made equal. Each breed has a unique appearance, characteristics, and behaviors. And when it comes to giving rabbits to kids as pets, you have to be careful with your pick. You should get the best pet rabbit for child that suit their personality and preferences.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 50 rabbit breeds. These rabbits aren’t all friendly. Also, not all are ideal as domestic pets.
If you’re looking for a fluffy, cuddly, and adorable bunny to surprise your kids, you can consider these 10 breeds.
1. Californian Rabbits
Californian rabbits are cross-breed between a Chinchilla rabbit and a Himalayan rabbit. It’s known for its thick and dense coat, as well as its outgoing disposition. This rabbit loves both the indoors and outdoors, even the thick snow.
This rabbit was actually bred for shows, but it has since become a pet owner favorite. They are also an excellent choice for kids due to their cuddly appearance.
Also, many parents prefer Californian Rabbits because of its mild temperament. At first, this rabbit is shy and reserved. But with proper training, Californian rabbits will love playing with your child, regardless of age.
Take note that you should give this rabbit enough toys so it won’t chomp on your personal belongings.
Moreover, the Californian Rabbit doesn’t have any strong predispositions to diseases. However, you should keep their cage well-cushioned as this breed can develop hocks.
Also, it’s not advisable to keep the Californian Rabbit caged. They need more time out of their enclosures to bond with their owners.
2. Harlequinn Rabbits
For kids who want a goofy pet, the Harlequinn Rabbit is a great choice. This bunny is dubbed as the ‘clown of the rabbit kingdom due to their active and playful personality.
Also, Harlequinn Rabbits love exploring around. They will sweep the house many times, especially if left on its own. They are best paired with a child who needs a company and a reliable playmate who will hop around with them.
Moreover, this rabbit is famous since it’s available in different colors. It’s suitable for young kids, apartment living, and first-time owners. They are outgoing bunnies, and although not as small as other options, they are fairly manageable for kids.
Unlike the Californian rabbit, the Harlequinn has a shorter coat that’s easier to brush. Still, they will shed so you should groom the pet regularly. Also, never bathe this rabbit since it can trigger a heart attack.
3. Dutch Rabbits
Dutch rabbits are one of the most popular bunny breeds. They were first developed in 1830 in England and have been carried to various countries thereon.
This bunny is an energetic one, and it can get depressed if you leave it inside the cage for too long. The good thing about this fluff is they are very great with kids. Their outgoing nature also makes them great playmates.
However, the Dutch rabbits are better kept as indoor bunnies. They are small and should be handled carefully to prevent biting and nipping.
Also, you should remember that this rabbit shouldn’t be left alone for long. Without a company, Dutch rabbits can be depressed and bored.
Since this bunny is small, it’s easy to groom and cuddle among kids. Take note that this rabbit loves attention. The more you give it to them, the happier they become.
4. English Spot Rabbits
The English Spot Rabbit is a sweet and friendly bunny who doesn’t run out of curiosity. This is an old breed that dates back to the 19th century and is developed for show purposes.
It’s called an English Spot Rabbit due to its spots and markings all over the body. The most prominent is the chain of spots located in their stomach area.
This rabbit is a great choice for families, seniors, couples, kids, and even single owners. They are very adaptable bunnies that will stay happy with enough affection. Also, your child should have the personality to keep up with this bunny’s spunk.
The good thing with the English Spot Rabbits is it’s used to being petted and handled. It’s also a medium-sized bunny, which is manageable for kids.
Since this bunny is very active, expect that they will also have a larger appetite than most rabbits.
5. Florida White Rabbits
If you’re looking for a small bunny for your young child, you’ll never go wrong with the Florida White Rabbit. This cute bunny is perfect for your kids, thanks to its quiet and gentle disposition. It’s also very friendly since it’s developed as an all-purpose rabbit.
Aside from being a perfect pet, the Florida White Rabbit is also known as one of the top show bunnies. They don’t mind playing with strangers and kids.
Moreover, the Florida White Rabbit has a show-quality coat and medium-length fur. The unique thing about this bunny is that the hind area of their bodies is wider than its shoulders.
Although this bunny is small, it needs a large cage to stay comfortable. Their cage should be big enough to let this rabbit hop and stretch around. Also, you shouldn’t leave this bunny outside as it’s prone to overheating.
6. Chinchilla Rabbits
Chinchillas are medium-sized rabbits that were first shown in France back in 1913. Due to its gorgeous coat and sweet temperament, the Chinchilla bunny took the market by storm. They instantly became pet owner favorites, much so because they are kid-friendly too.
These bunnies are called ‘Chinchilla’ due to their fur’s similarity to the South American rodent of the same name.
Still, don’t let the Chinchilla’s size fool you. They are energetic fluff balls that will hop around endlessly.
These bunnies have short and rollback that’s low-maintenance. Also, they love petting, especially on the ears, back, and neck.
For kids who love playing, the Chinchilla rabbit is a great partner. Still, we recommend them for older kids, at least eight years old and above. This bunny suits both indoor and outdoor environments. However, since they are large bunnies, they aren’t advisable for apartment living.
Chinchillas are fairly active bunnies, so you shouldn’t leave them inside the cage for too long.
7. Himalayan Rabbits
If there’s one popular bunny for kids, it would be the Himalayan rabbit. This easy-going bunny is an old breed, though its origins aren’t clear. It was believed to have originated in the Himalayan Mountains, thus its name.
Himalayan bunnies are small, usually ranging from 2.5 to 5 pounds. They have a cylindrical body and black marks similar to the Californian rabbit.
Temperament-wise, the Himalayan bunny is gentle, calm, and friendly. They love petting and are perfect pets for young kids. And since this rabbit is small, they fit perfectly on the small hands and arms of children.
The Himalayan Rabbit is also less likely to scratch and bite humans, which is a big plus as a pet for children. Still, you should teach your child to handle this bunny properly.
Although they are best kept indoors, you should let your Himalayan rabbit get ample sunlight during the day.
8. Thrianta Rabbits
If you want a bunny that resembles a cuddly plush toy, we recommend the Thrianta Rabbits. This breed is very gentle and calm, not to mention that they only grow at a maximum of six pounds. With their small size and docile behavior, there’s no doubt that they are the best pet rabbit for child.
This breed has similarities with the Polish bunny as well as the Havana rabbit. It was first recognized in 1940 and was first developed by a breeder in the Netherlands.
During the war, Thrianta Rabbits were killed for meat to the point that they almost got wiped out. Some survived, thanks to the help of German breeders. The Thrianta rabbits then arrived in the United States in 1996.
Moreover, this bunny has a rollback and medium-length fur. They are soft to touch, which makes them more appealing to children.
FUN FACT: The Thrianta bunny was developed as an honor to the Royal House of Orange.
9. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit came from white Hermelin rabbits, which were cross-bred with local native bunnies. In 1940, this dwarf breed was recognized in the Netherlands. It only arrived in the United States in 1965.
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit has a short to medium-length coat that’s soft to touch. It doesn’t need much grooming, which is perfect for busy households. And although they are small bunnies, they have longer lives and can live for as long as 12 years under proper care.
We recommend this bunny to older kids, at least 10 years old, and who are considerate enough to take care of the bunny. Since this rabbit is small, it’s easy for very young kids to drop them and hurt their tiny bodies.
It’s also important to socialize this rabbit, so they will know that you mean no harm whenever you approach them. The Netherland Dwarf rabbit can be a little skittish if not socialized or trained early on.
10. French Lop Rabbits
The French Lop Rabbits are large, but they are also dubbed as the ‘gentle giants’. Although it can grow up to 14 pounds, this bunny will stay gentle and calm. They are always ready for a cuddle, especially when they are well-socialized.
Moreover, French Lop Rabbits are wonderful pets for young kids. They were first bred back in 1850 in France. However, it’s only in the 1970s that they were brought overseas.
Although some pet owners will be intimidated by this bunny’s size, the French Lop remains as one of the laidback options for a pet. When you bond with this bunny at a young age, they will be loyal and will stick by your side.
However, the challenge with this breed is the size of its cage. You need a larger enclosure so the bunny will stay comfortable. Also, you must take the French Lop out of its cage to get enough sunlight and to play around.
Overall, this bunny thrives in human interaction. As long as your kid knows the limitation, they will have a good relationship with the bunny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a rabbit a good choice of pet for my kids?
A: If you want a furry pet for your child that’s not a dog or a cat, rabbits are a great choice. They are gentle animals that will only scratch or bite if they feel threatened or harmed. Kids also love petting and hugging the soft coat of rabbits.
Q: Which is better, a female or a male bunny?
A: The choice of gender is usually a matter of personal preference. Both male and female are great pets. We recommend having the rabbit neutered or spayed if you don’t intend to care for more bunnies should a female one got pregnant. Neutering is a good move if you’re getting rabbits in pairs.
Q: Will rabbits bite too hard?
A: Trained and well-bred rabbits will usually nip or scratch if they are harmed. However, some breeds may react more aggressively. If you want a docile rabbit, we recommend having it neutered and forming a bond with the furry ball.
Q: What does it mean when my pet bunny licks me?
A: Bunnies usually show their affection toward a person by licking. It’s a sign that the rabbit trusts you as their owner. Usually, a lick is also a demand for something: petting, food, or water.
Q: Can I potty train a bunny?
A: Yes, you can potty train your pet rabbit. However, it’s only possible if you get your dog neutered or spayed first. An unsexed rabbit will only run around the house even before it gets into the potty.
Conclusion
With over 50 unique breeds, you have to be careful in choosing the best pet rabbit for child. Make sure that its size, personality, and temperament are suitable for what your child can handle. Above all, you should always supervise your children when handling these types of pets. Have you found the right rabbit for your child? Which one are you planning to get? Share your choice with us in the comment section!
