Rabbits are intelligent, social animals with unique personalities and just like dogs and cats, different rabbit breeds have different needs, temperaments, and space requirements.
Whether you’re choosing your first rabbit or simply curious, this guide explores popular pet rabbit breeds in the UK and what makes each one special.
Small Rabbit Breeds
Smaller rabbit breeds are often lively and full of character, but they still need plenty of space and companionship.
Netherland Dwarf
One of the smallest and most recognisable breeds.
Key traits:
Very small size
Short ears
Bold, confident personality
Needs gentle handling
Great for: Experienced owners, indoor homes.
Polish Rabbit
A compact breed with a gentle nature.
Key traits:
Small, fine-boned body
Calm temperament
Short coat
Great for: Indoor living and quieter households.
Medium Rabbit Breeds
These breeds are often ideal for families due to their balanced size and temperament.
English Spot
A striking, athletic breed known for its distinctive spotted markings.
Key traits:
Slim, athletic build
White coat with dark spots and markings
Intelligent and energetic
Enjoys space to run and explore
Great for: Active households, owners who can provide plenty of space and enrichment.
These breeds are often ideal for families due to their balanced size and temperament.
Mini Lop
One of the UK’s most popular pet rabbits.
Key traits:
Lop ears
Friendly, affectionate nature
Medium size
Great for: Families, indoor or outdoor setups (with protection).
Rex Rabbit
Known for their incredibly soft, velvety fur.
Key traits:
Plush coat
Calm and sociable
Medium build
Great for: Owners who enjoy gentle interaction.
Large Rabbit Breeds
Large rabbits are often very gentle but require significantly more space.
Flemish Giant
One of the largest rabbit breeds in the world.
Key traits:
Very large size
Laid-back personality
Needs lots of space
Great for: Spacious homes, experienced rabbit owners.
French Lop
A big rabbit with a soft temperament.
Key traits:
Large body
Lop ears
Calm, friendly nature
Great for: Indoor living with plenty of floor space.
Long-Haired Rabbit Breeds
These breeds are beautiful but require regular grooming.
Lionhead Rabbit
Easily recognised by the mane of fur around the head.
Key traits:
Fluffy mane
Small to medium size
Curious personality
Great for: Owners happy to groom regularly.
Angora Rabbit
Famous for their long, wool-like fur.
Key traits:
Very long coat
Needs frequent grooming
Gentle nature
Great for: Dedicated, experienced owners.
Does Breed Affect Personality?
While breed influences size and grooming needs, a rabbit’s individual personality and handling matter most. All rabbits:
Need companionship (never keep a rabbit alone)
Thrive on routine
Need space to run and explore
Choosing the Right Rabbit
Before choosing a breed, consider:
Space available
Time for grooming
Indoor vs outdoor housing
Experience level
The best rabbit is the one that matches your lifestyle not just the one that looks cutest.
