Author: Laurie Stroupe, Precious Pet Rabbits

I find a common misperception among those new to rabbits that larger rabbit breeds are more excitable and smaller rabbit breeds are more calm and docile. Once you come to understand rabbits more, you will find the exact opposite to be true.

Large rabbit breeds can honestly be called gentle giants. While it is true that they are heavier to lift and produce more "fertilizer," their personalities are well suited for pet-hood. There are a few exceptions, of course. Checkered giants are both large and a bit excitable. But Americans, American chinchillas,
Beverens, English lops, Flemish giants, giant chinchillas, New Zealands, satins and silver foxes are all considered both large breeds and calm in temperament.

You will find several of the smaller breeds to be excitable. These include the dwarf hotot, Netherland dwarf, and Britannia petite.

Smaller breeds with calm personalities include the Dutch and Himalayan, both of which are highly recommended for children. Jersey woolies are another small breed with amazingly sweet personalities.

Another personality type that can make a good pet is the curious, inquisitive group which lies somewhere between the calm and the excitable. My own breed, the Holland lop, falls into this category. Also curious, but not overly excitable and not too large are the Polish, American fuzzy lop, mini-rex (beware
of exposed nails that seem sharper than other breeds), and a new breed, the thrianta (a red rabbit).

There are many combinations of size and temperament besides those mentioned here. And, there are other qualities that make for good pets (including the amount of grooming required).

Knowing the general temperament of a breed of rabbits is no substitute, however, for evaluating the particular rabbit in question. My daughter has a Netherland dwarf who is sweet and calm. He was raised by a youth breeder who focuses on temperament and handles her rabbits frequently.

Most of my Hollands are curious and friendly, but I have had a few who were excitable and downright temperamental. And I've had a few who were just absolute teddy bears.

If you are looking for a pet rabbit, begin by researching the general characteristics of the breed, locate a quality breeder, and then carefully evaluate the particular rabbits available to you. A rabbit is a 7 to 12 year commitment. Choose carefully.

About the author:
Laurie Stroupe is the owner of The Nature Trail Rabbitry and breeds Holland Lops, which she shows competitively about 30 weekends per year. She is currently ranked #17 nationally in sweepstakes points. Her newest project is Precious Pet Rabbits (http://www.pet-rabbit-care-information.com/), where you can read more about this topic. You can also read her daily blog at http://www.thenaturetrail.com/blog/BLOG