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Two rabbits sit on hay; one is black and white with upright ears, the other is grey and black with long, fluffy fur. A blue litter tray and cage bars are visible in the background.

Popular pet rabbit breeds: a guide for new owners

Sam Ryan, a woman with long brown hair, stands outdoors smiling. She is wearing a green fleece with a Woodgreen logo and a green polo shirt. Lush trees and greenery form the background on this sunny day.

Sam - Small animals behaviour and training specialist

Three things you should know

There are over 50 recognised rabbit breeds in the UK, but most pet rabbits are crossbreeds or one of a handful of popular types.

Breeds with flatter faces, such as lop-eared rabbits, can be more prone to dental and breathing problems due to their skull shape.

All rabbits, regardless of their breed type, are highly social animals and should always live with a bonded companion or as part of a group rather than alone.

With so many known rabbit breeds, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Rather than covering every breed out there, here are some of the most popular pet rabbit breeds in the UK, along with what makes each one distinctive.

 

Mini Lop

One of the most popular pet rabbit breeds, the Mini Lop is compact, round-faced, and known for being friendly. Their floppy ears need regular checking, as the shape can make ear infections more likely, and their compact, rounded face means they are prone to dental problems.

A brown mini lop rabbit with floppy ears munches on fresh green grass, sitting on a light surface with a small wooden tunnel behind it.

A Mini Lop rabbit

Netherland Dwarf

The smallest breed of rabbit commonly kept as a pet, the Netherland Dwarf weighs under a kilogram. Their compact head shape means they can be prone to dental problems, so regular check-ups are important. They can also be more nervous than other breeds and benefit from gentle, patient interactions.

A black Netherland Dwarf rabbit with a white paw sits on hay, looking alert with one ear upright.

A Netherland Dwarf rabbit

Lionhead

Easily recognised by the fluffy mane around their head, the Lionhead is generally docile and friendly. Their longer fur needs regular grooming to prevent matting, and routine vet checks help catch dental issues early. Their mane can also obscure their vision, so it’s best to approach them calmly and speak softly as you get close, giving them a chance to know you’re there before you touch them.

A fluffy brown lionhead rabbit with mane-like fur around its head sits in a pile of hay, looking slightly to the side. A light-coloured wooden wall is visible in the background.

A Lionhead rabbit

English Angora

Known for their long, wool-like coat, English Angora rabbits are generally affectionate but need daily grooming. This helps to prevent matting and a build-up of ingested fur, which can cause serious digestive problems. Their long fur can also obscure their vision, which may make them more prone to nervousness or being startled if they haven’t noticed you approaching.

Two fluffy white English Angora rabbits with long fur sit close together on a surface covered in hay. One rabbit has hay on its face, and a green plastic basket is visible on the left side.

English Angora rabbits

Dutch

With a distinctive white band and coloured markings, the Dutch rabbit has a more traditional head shape compared to flatter-faced breeds, which can mean fewer dental and breathing problems. They are generally calm and sociable, making them a popular choice for first-time owners.

Two dutch black and white rabbits sit close together on a maroon mat, nibbling on leafy greens. One rabbit looks at the camera whilst the other focuses on eating.

Dutch rabbits

Health risks in flat-faced rabbits

Lop-eared and other flat-faced breeds have become increasingly popular for their appearance, but research shows this skull shape is linked to higher rates of dental and breathing problems. Rabbits with a more traditional, longer face shape, such as the Dutch, tend to experience fewer of these issues.

 

Choosing the right breed for you

Coat type, size, and temperament vary considerably between breeds, but every pet rabbit needs daily care, social company, and space to exhibit natural behaviours such as running, digging, and stretching out fully.

Before choosing a breed, think about how much grooming you can commit to, whether you have other rabbits for them to bond with, and the space you can provide. Many wonderful rabbits of all breeds and crossbreeds are also waiting in rescue centres.

Most pet rabbits in the UK today are crossbreeds rather than pedigree, and they make just as wonderful companions. Breed standards mainly matter for showing, so do not feel that a crossbreed rabbit is any less suitable as a pet.

Three things you can do today

Research breed-specific care needs

Look into the grooming, handling, and health needs of any breed you are considering before bringing a rabbit home.

Consider adopting a bonded pair

Rescue centres often have bonded pairs of rabbits ready to rehome, which avoids the challenges of introducing rabbits later.

Plan for adequate space

Whatever breed you choose, check you can provide enough space for them to run, dig, and stretch out fully. As a guide, rabbits need a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, giving them room to move freely, stand fully upright, and take a few hops.

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