Short Hair Rabbit Breeds

Aside from keeping the long hairs, we also keep a selection of short hair breeds. As I started with short hairs so many years ago, these have also retained a place in my space. These are basically kept for show, and have taken many prizes in the various categories over the years.

Short Hair Rabbit Breeds

The care of the short hair rabbit is very similar to the long hairs, Special pelleted rabbit food should be fed according to the manufacturers instructions, along with fresh water and good quality hay, as well as occasional treats of fresh fruit, fresh cut grass etc.

Housing should also be planned with our extremes of heat in mind, and a shaded hutch in the garden will always work well, so long as it is predator proof, and will keep out the rain.

More information will be posted on my blog as time goes by, please do not hesitate to ask me questions on rabbit care.

One of the First breeds was the Flemish Giant, followed by Dwarf, Rex, New Zealands, and many other experiments.

At the moment I have the following breeds, and will list them with accompanying photos.

THE SILVER FOX

Superb child’s pet, as it is gentle and calm.

This is a medium sized rabbit, mostly seen in black with a white belly, and white markings on the jawline, nostrils and inside its ears, as well as white tickings on the flanks and rump. Chocolate is also occasionally seen. These rabbits have an exquisite coat, which is thick and soft to the touch, and the white tips on the guard hairs make a beautiful contrast. Can be regarded as both a pet and commercial rabbit.

THE JERSEY WOOLLY

Suggested for someone looking for a pet angora, without the fuss!

This is a breed only slightly larger than a dwarf, and looks like a mini angora , but has more hair than wool, and no ear tufts. A good woolly does not matt, so the coats do not need to be trimmed – they will moult once a year, so a brushing will keep them looking good. The wool does not need to be harvested. They are calm rabbits, and make good pets. They come in a range of colours

REX

This breed needs special attention, housing and care.

As the name suggests, a king among rabbits with a short dense velveteen coat, and curly whiskers. As the coat is so short, they do need special attention, housing and care, as they are very prone to feet sores. They are a medium sized breed, with a fair temperament, though some can be flighty. They come in a range of colours. These are in short supply right now as I am in the process of re-introducing them into my herd.

SATIN

This breed needs extra care.

These rabbits have a beautiful sheen called satinisation on the coats, hence the name. The coat is almost glassy in texture and shine. They are a breed needing extra care, and can be a bit bad tempered. They are medium sized and tend to be cobby in shape.

CHINCHILLA GIGANTEA

A very large rabbit.

With a gorgeous ringed blue grey and white patterned coat. The effect is of a sparkle of silver and dark grey in a mature coat. These are in short supply right now as I am in the process of re-introducing them into my herd.

FLEMISH GIANT

Not suitable as a childs pet.

Another of the giant breeds, weighing over 6kg, these are a sometimes moody large rabbit that will not tolerate being bullied – not suitable as a childs pet, they make a good companion, although very slow to reach maturity. These are in short supply right now as I am in the process of re-introducing them into my herd.

CALIFORNIAN

A quick maturing large rabbit.

One of the two most popular commercial breeds in the country, these are quick maturing large rabbits – and inclined to get fat when not breeding. They are a white rabbit with red eyes, and coloured marking on the nose, ears, feet and tail. Mostly marked in black, chocolate is also seen.

NEW ZEALAND

The most popular commercial breed of rabbit.

The New Zealand white is the most popular commercial breed of rabbit. It is quick maturing and is a large rabbit. However as it is a commercial breed, it does not have a pet temperament, and is prone to high early fertility and large litters. A slight whoops with separating male and female youngsters can lead to a population explosion. As the name implies, the colour is white, with red eyes. A red form also occurs, which is a slightly smaller rabbit with a red head’s temper – don’t mess with this mama when she has babies in her nesting box!!