14 Long Haired Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures)
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
Long-haired rabbits can be amazing pets, but not all breeds are comfortable in captivity. If you are thinking about getting a long haired rabbit and want to know which one is best, keep reading while we discuss several long-haired rabbit breeds and provide information on their personalities and grooming needs, as well as whether they make good pets for families or individuals to help you make an informed decision.
The 14 Long Haired Rabbit Breeds
1. Angora Rabbits
| Good Pets: | Yes |
Angora rabbits have long, soft fur that requires regular grooming, but they can make great pets for those willing to put in the time. Many people describe them as having a friendly, docile personality. They like to spend lots of time outside the cage and will even let you carry them around once they get used to you.
2. English Angora
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The English Angora is slightly smaller than the standard Angora, with a soft wooly coat that requires regular grooming. Most owners describe these rabbits as gentle and docile, so they are a good choice for people with children. They enjoy interacting with humans and will even let you handle them briefly.
3. French Angora
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The French Angora is similar to the English Angora in that they both have a wooly coat, requiring regular grooming and calm, friendly personalities. They are also easy to train and enjoy being around people, so they make great pets.
4. Satin Angora
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Satin Angora rabbit has a shinier, silkier coat than other Angora rabbits, but it will still require regular grooming to keep it from forming knots and tangles. Like most other Angora breeds, these rabbits are friendly and playful, making great paths for people who can spend a little extra time with them as they enjoy human interaction.
5. Giant French Angora
| Good Pets: | Yes |
One more Angora we want to tell you about is the Giant French Angora. This breed is larger than the standard French Angora and has a thick wooly coat. These rabbits are easy-going and gentle but require a lot of space and daily grooming to stay happy, so they’re better suited for someone with a large home.
6. Giant Angora
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Giant Angora is the largest of the Angora breeds, with a long, soft wooly coat that requires daily grooming, which can result in a lot of work. Their large size also demands more space than many other breeds. However, these rabbits are friendly and gentle, so they are a great choice for children or as a first pet.
7. Jersey Wooly
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Jersey Wooly is a small rabbit with a wooly coat that gives them their name. These rabbits make great pets for families with children who often like their small size and friendly nature. They are easy to train and enjoy interacting with their owners. They will often sit on your lap and may let you handle them with some training.
8. Mini Lop
| Good Pets: | Yes |
While not all Mini Lops have long hair, some do, so we put them on the list. These rabbits make great pets because they’re extremely friendly and outgoing. They like to walk around the house while you carry them and enjoy petting as much as cats, so they are a great choice for a family pet.
9. Holland Lop
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Holland Lop is not usually considered a long-haired breed, but some individuals can have longer coats, so we put them on this list. They’re friendly rabbits with gentle personalities and don’t take up too much space, so they make great pets. They enjoy spending time with people and like to roam around the house exploring their environment.
10. Cashmere Lop
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Cashmere Lop is a great choice if you like to handle your rabbits and keep them with you. They enjoy being held and are quite intelligent, so they are easy to train. However, they have a long wooly coat that requires regular grooming to keep it from becoming knotted.
11. Lionhead
| Good Pets: | Yes |
Lionhead rabbits have a distinctive main of long hair around their neck and head, which gets them on this list. These rabbits are extremely playful and curious. They enjoy searching around the house whenever you let them and don’t mind when you handle them as long as you’re gentle. They require regular brushing to prevent matting but are fairly easy to maintain.
12. American Fuzzy Lop
| Good Pets: | Yes |
As their name suggests, this breed has a fuzzy, wooly coat that requires regular grooming. They are known for their calm and easy-going personalities, making them great pets for those looking for a more laid-back companion. These rabbits like to spend time out of the cage and are a good choice for people with room to spare.
13. Teddy Widder
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Teddy Widder breed has a soft wooly coat and a quickly identifiable round face. These rabbits are intelligent and easy to train to do several tricks, and they like hanging out with their human owners. While they might not let you handle them as much as some other breeds, they are gentle and friendly, making great pets for children and older adults.
14. Mini Rex
| Good Pets: | Yes |
The Mini Rex is another rabbit that doesn’t always have a long-haired coat, but some individuals might have one. When they have longer fur, they will require more grooming. However, these rabbits are popular pets because they are extremely friendly and outgoing. As one of the smarter rabbit breeds, they’re easy to train and learn new tricks quickly. You can also handle or keep them on your lap, as they like spending time with humans.
Tips and Tricks
Grooming
Long-haired rabbits require daily grooming to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting, and it also helps to prevent hairballs, which can be dangerous to rabbits. Use a slicker brush, a comb, and scissors to trim any matted or tangled fur.
Housing
Long-haired rabbits require more space than short-haired breeds due to their grooming needs. Make sure their living area is spacious enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. They should also have a hiding place or a covered area where they can go if they feel stressed.
Diet
Your rabbit should always have access to fresh hay, pellets, and water, while you should only give treats in moderation to avoid obesity and dental problems.
Exercise
Long-haired rabbits need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent health problems. Providing them with plenty of toys and playtime outside of their enclosure will help to keep them happy and entertained.
Health
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian will help you learn about any potential health problems early. Watch for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and changes in behavior, and call the vet immediately if you notice any issues.
Wrapping Up
Overall, long-haired rabbit breeds can make great pets for families and individuals, but their coats require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best. The French Angora, Jersey Wooly, and Teddy Widder make great choices for a first pet because they are easy to train, like spending time out of the cage, and will even let you handle them. If you are an experienced owner, the Giant French Angora, Giant Angora, and the American Fuzzy Lop offer a little more of a challenge but are wonderful pets that are well worth the effort.
Featured Image Credit: Hidden Springs Farm, Shutterstock
