Choosing a rabbit

Baby or adult?

First of all, decide if you want a baby rabbit or an adult. Babies are great fun, but very hard work. If you want your bunny to live indoors as a houserabbit it's much easier to start off with a rabbit over 12 months old. Adopting an adult rabbit also means you can pick a bunny whose personality you like.

Which breed?

As for the question of breed.... there is no "best breed" for life as a houserabbit and there are plenty to choose from - there are around 50 breeds in the UK! Basically, any rabbit can be a houserabbit. The vast majority of rabbits adapt happily to life indoors, even after several years alone in a hutch.

As a general rule, large/giant breeds are more laid back and less excitable than small/miniature rabbits. On the other hand, the larger the rabbit the shorter the life span. Dwarf breeds may live 10-12 years whereas many giant breeds struggle to reach 4 or 5 years. Long haired rabbits are only for the dedicated - they often require hours of grooming.

More of a concern is whether the breed you have chosen has any health problems. For example, Netherland Dwarfs as well as the popular Lop breeds are at high risk of serious teeth and eye problems. It's vital to select a breeder whose stock has no history of such problems, or if you are adopting a rescue rabbit, choose a bunny that has had a careful dental check at the time of neutering.

In response to demand from people visiting this web site we are constructing a database of rabbit breeds, providing basic information on breed characteristics, as well as important data on breed- specific health problems.

Don't forget that any rabbit (male or female) living indoors will have to be neutered - rabbits left un-neutered are difficult if not impossible to house-train once they reach puberty.

Where from?

Please consider adopting a rescued rabbit. Tens of thousands of unwanted rabbits pass through rescue organisations in Britain every year and by adopting a rescue bunny you will have the satisfaction of knowing you've saved a life. A wide selection of rabbits (including babies) are usually available via rescue and as an added bonus many are already neutered and vaccinated. The RWA holds a national list of rabbit rescue centres - if you require assistance locating a suitable establishment please call our National Helpline on 01403 267657 between 2.30 and 10pm.

If you are looking for a rabbit of a particular breed or colour, your best option is to locate a reputable and caring breeder. The Pet Plan Rabbit List contains information on the different breeds and lists breeders by region. A free copy can be obtained by writing to Pet Plan Rabbit List, FREEPOST, SEA0883, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9YY. Make sure you visit the premises before purchasing your rabbit and that you are happy with the conditions the rabbits are kept in.

Please don't buy your new pet rabbit from a pet shop. Changing homes is a very stressful experience for a young rabbit and baby bunnies in pet shops have to endure two changes of diet and environment in quick succession which can trigger serious and sometimes fatal stress-related digestive problems. Plus, rescue workers and knowledgeable breeders are likely to be much better equipped to teach you how to look after your new pet.