Smoke Pearl Rabbit: Pictures, Care Guide, Lifespan & Traits
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
If you’re looking for a unique, uncommon rabbit to add to your family, you’ll want to consider the Smoke Pearl Rabbit. The Smoke Pearl Rabbit is a breed that was developed in Scotland during the 1920s, to make it an exhibition animal. While the Smoke Pearl Rabbit didn’t gain much traction outside of Scotland, it gained a large following within Scotland. Keep reading below to learn more about what makes this rabbit so special.
| Size: | Medium |
| Weight: | 5–7 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5–9 years |
| Similar Breeds: | Beveren Rabbit, English Lop, Havana Rabbit |
| Suitable for: | First-time or experienced rabbit owners, families with children |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, social, easy-going |
This Scottish breed ranges from small to medium in size and is considered a hardy animal. It can live indoors or outdoors and does not require special care compared to other breeds. This makes the Smoke Pearl Rabbit an excellent candidate for first-time rabbit owners.
Many owners of the Smoke Pearl rabbit remark that their rabbit’s fur is thick and luxurious. The Smoke Pearl rabbit was intentionally bred for its exceptional coat, making it a beautiful animal. The beauty of the rabbit goes deeper than the surface level, too, as the Smoke Pearl Rabbit is known for its easygoing, affectionate nature.
Smoke Pearl Rabbit Characteristics
How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?
One of the main difficulties you will come across with the Smoke Pearl Rabbit is trying to find one in the first place. The breed is relatively rare outside of Scotland, other parts of the UK, and Australia.
However, the Smoke Pearl Rabbit is shockingly inexpensive. You can expect to pay around $20–$60. The Smoke Pearl Rabbit costs so little because it is a hybrid breed rather than a purebred rabbit. Again, the Smoke Pearl Rabbit is difficult to acquire, so the chances of you finding one at a shelter are slim. However, if you can find one at a shelter, the adoption fee may range from $20–$50.
Most of your up-front expenses will be in purchasing your Smoke Pearl Rabbit’s care items. For instance, the hutch, food and water bowls, and other necessary items can cost $300 or more.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Smoke Pearl Rabbit
What makes the Smoke Pearl Rabbit so beloved is its stunning fur and dazzling personality. This rabbit has an excellent temperament and is known for being laid-back and social. They are affectionate too, so if you bring a Smoke Pearl Rabbit home, you can expect this little ball of fluff to cuddle you as much as possible.
Since the Smoke Pearl Rabbit is so easygoing, it loves to be stroked and will accept being handled. In fact, handling the Smoke Pearl Rabbit can improve your bond with your pet. Owners of the Smoke Pearl rabbit commend the breed for its interactive personality since the rabbit is always eager to give and receive attention. This makes the Smoke Pearl Rabbit an excellent companion.
Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets? 👪
The Smoke Pearl is a great choice for first-time rabbit owners and experienced owners alike, and it gets along well with children. If you have small children in the home, make sure that they know how to properly handle and pick up the Smoke Pearl Rabbit, or else your rabbit may become agitated or fearful around anyone who holds them improperly.
The Smoke Pearl Rabbit is very social, so it will feel like a family member in no time. However, busy families who are often out of the house may not be the right fit for the Smoke Pearl Rabbit, as this rabbit requires frequent attention and socialization. Without companionship, it will get lonely. So, ensure you have plenty of time to keep your Smoke Pearl Rabbit company.
Does This Rabbit Get Along with Other Pets?
They bond quickly with other Smoke Pearl rabbits and are known to be friendly with most other animals, provided they have been introduced and socialized properly. It’s best to keep Smoke Pearl Rabbits of the opposite sex apart, or else they may breed.
Likewise, be vigilant if you have larger animals in the house, especially animals with high prey drives. By instinct alone, those animals will likely view the Smoke Pearl Rabbit as prey and may chase it. This will greatly startle your Smoke Pearl Rabbit and may cause it to feel unsafe in its home.
Things to Know When Owning a Smoke Pearl Rabbit:
Food & Diet Requirements 🥕
The Smoke Pearl Rabbit is an herbivore. A healthy diet for this rabbit will include hay, veggies, and supplemental pellets. Most of their diet should be high-quality hay, while pellets should be given in strict rations. The vegetables you feed your rabbit should be leafy greens, such as cilantro or romaine lettuce. Regularly shuffling different greens into your rabbit’s meal can be a great way to keep your pet interested in meal time.
Of course, ensure your Smoke Pearl Rabbit has access to fresh, clean water. Water bowls or bottles are acceptable, but water bottles can become clogged and prevent your rabbit from drinking.
Habitat & Hutch Requirements 🏠
The Smoke Pearl is not a difficult rabbit to care for, as it has minimal special requirements. This breed can be kept indoors or outdoors, although it will require a decent hutch and an outdoor area to roam safely. The hutch should be large enough for your Smoke Pearl Rabbit to comfortably move around in all directions. Your rabbit should be able to spread out fully and should not be struggling to find space. The minimum dimensions of your Smoke Pearl Rabbit’s hutch should be 6’ x 2’ x 2’. Offering more space is ideal.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇
As mentioned previously, your Smoke Pearl needs room to run. A large hutch is not enough for this rabbit; it will need an 8’ x 4’ outdoor run. The more space you can provide, the better. The Smoke Pearl has no specific sleeping requirements other than needing a safe, private, and comfortable place to rest. A cage is the perfect place for your rabbit to doze off.
Training
The Smoke Pearl is capable of being trained. Training your rabbit to use a litter tray properly is one of the most important ways to house-train your Smoke Pearl Rabbit. Likewise, crate training your rabbit will help it feel secure and give it peace and quiet.
When training the Smoke Pearl, avoid punishments or harsh words. This rabbit responds best to reinforcing good behaviors with rewards and praise rather than discouraging undesired behaviors with negative consequences.
Grooming ✂️
When grooming your Smoke Pearl, one of the most important areas to pay attention to is the teeth. Rabbits’ teeth grow constantly, so they need to be managed and kept to an appropriate length. This can be done by feeding your Smoke Pearl plenty of vegetables that are high in fiber and by providing it with chew toys. If your Smoke Pearl’s teeth continue to grow despite your efforts, take it to the vet and have the teeth professionally shortened.
Lifespan and Health Conditions 🏥
Since the Smoke Pearl rabbit is a hybrid breed, it is considered healthy and relatively free from hereditary conditions. Still, medical complications are common among all rabbits, and the Smoke Pearl is no exception.
- Dental disease
Minor Conditions
- Dental disease is common in rabbits and can often be traced back to a poor diet. Although dental disease alone can be a relatively minor condition, it can become a more serious complication without intervention. Likewise, it can lead to other severe medical complications (such as GI stasis), so treating dental issues as soon as they arise is absolutely necessary.
Serious Conditions
- Gastrointestinal stasis. A common, serious condition that may affect your Smoke Pearl Rabbit is called GI stasis, short for gastrointestinal stasis. This is a condition in which your rabbit will cease to eat or defecate. This results in bloating due to the accumulation of gases, fecal material, and hairballs inside the digestive system. Due to a combination of decreased eating, dehydration, and changes in gastrointestinal bacteria, the contents of your rabbit’s digestive system may form an impaction, causing the movement of food and hair through the bowels to stop. Oftentimes, this condition develops when rabbits quit eating. Your rabbit may stop eating for many reasons, such as dental issues, other medical complications, or stress. Regardless of the cause, any rabbit experiencing GI stasis must immediately be taken to the vet; this condition can rapidly become fatal without veterinary intervention. When treated early, a full recovery is possible.
Male vs Female
While the differences between male and female Smoke Pearl Rabbits are limited, there is a significant health issue that female Smoke Pearl Rabbits face. Unsprayed female rabbits over 3–4 years of age are at a high risk of developing uterine cancer, and the chances are as likely as 60%. The tumors are malignant and tend to appear in the endometrial lining within the uterus. Over time, these tumors can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, further complicating your rabbit’s health issues.
The 3 Little-Known Facts About Smoke Pearl Rabbits
1. The Smoke Pearl Rabbit made its first public appearance at a show in 1926.
2. Until 1932, the Smoke Pearl Rabbit was known as the Smoke Beige Rabbit.
3. There are limited historical records about the Smoke Pearl Rabbit.
Final Thoughts
Smoke Pearl Rabbits are a rare, beautiful breed that remains mainly in Scotland, where the rabbit originated. These rabbits are great for first-time rabbit owners since they require minimal specialized care, and their hereditary health issues are minimal since they are a hybrid rather than a purebred rabbit.
If you are looking for a rabbit that has a lot of love to give, the Smoke Pearl rabbit will be hard to beat. They love to snuggle and be handled, but if you are rarely around to provide plenty of attention for this rabbit, the Smoke Pearl may not be the right choice for you.
If you think the Smoke Pearl is right for you, start looking for reputable breeders or calling your local animal shelter to see if any need to be adopted. Anyone who can get their hands on a Smoke Pearl Rabbit will have a loving pet and a beloved companion.
Featured Image Credit: Pintrest
