Rabbits with long hair are famous because of their beautiful and colorful coats. Aside from that, they are also in demand as household pets because of their temperament. Are you planning to get a long-haired rabbit? Keep reading and know some of the angora rabbits you can keep.
Beautiful Rabbits with Long Hair, Stylish and Sweet
English Angora
Angora rabbits are bred initially commercially for their fur. The American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) recognized four types of angora rabbits. English angora is the smallest angora rabbit since it can only weigh up to five to six pounds. Unlike other angora rabbits, it has a furry face.
English Angora Rabbits
French Angora
French angoras have the most resemblance to the original angora rabbits. Next to English angora, they are the second most popular angora breed. Since they can grow up to 7.5 to 10 lbs, these cuddly creatures are large. Like other angora breeds, their coats also have numerous colors and patterns.
French Angora Rabbits
Giant Angora
Of all the angora rabbits, the Giant angora is the largest breed since it can weigh up to 9.5 to 12 lbs. It always steals attention during rabbit shows because of its large body. Giant angora can produce the most number of wools. Its coat has three fibers: soft underwool, awn fluff, and awn hair.
Satin Angora
With their thin furs, Satin Angora has one of the finest coats of all other rabbit breeds. As fiber animals, they cannot feel discomfort when breeders shave their coats. The standard colors of their coats are brown, grey, white, and tan. In terms of their size, they can reach up to 3.5 to 9.5 lbs.
Lionhead
Lionhead earned its name because its mane resembles the male lion. Since it can only grow up to 3.5 lbs, it is considered petite in size. They can live up to seven to ten years. At first, Lionhead can be timid and skittish. They are one of the timidest fuzzy rabbits. However, they become energetic and active after some time.
LionHead rabbits
Jersey Wooly
Jersey Wooley is one of the common rabbits with long hair. Breeders exhibit these bunnies in rabbit shows because of their Angora-like coats. Since they can only grow up to 2.5 to 3.5 lbs, rabbit owners consider them a dwarf breed. Because of their square-like heads, they are called “mug heads.”
Because of their even-tempered character, Jersey Wooleys are also called “no-kick” bunnies. They are very calm and patient with their owners. Although they have long coats, they only require low maintenance.
American Fuzzy Lop
Besides their furry lopped ears, the American Fuzzy Lops are also famous for their coats. They have coats that resemble the coarse, wooly coats of angora rabbits. Although their furs are only two inches long, they are spun into yarn. They have a compact body that can weigh up to 3.5 to 4lbs.
These adorable furry pets are also docile like other fuzzy rabbits. It is also easier for them to get along with other rabbit companions. They prefer to socialize than to be alone. Since they are affectionate, you need to give them some time and attention.
American Fuzzy Lop
Cashmere Lop
Next on the list is the Cashmere lop. Compared to other fuzzy rabbits, its coat is not wooly. It has a thick silky coat that adds to its charm. However, its fur can be matted and knotted at a very young age, so special attention to grooming is required. Its compact body can only reach up to 4 to 5 pounds. Most rabbit owners adore its playful and friendly behaviors.
Rare Types of Long-Haired Rabbit Breeds
Swiss Fox
You are lucky enough if you own Swiss Fox rabbits. The breeders from Switzerland aimed for a bunny with a coat similar to Arctic foxes. Although they didn’t achieve the desired coat they wanted, the fur of these bunnies doesn’t disappoint. Their coats are soft, glossy, silky, and dense. Thus, they are easier to maintain.
Some of the colors of Swiss Fox’s coats are black, Havana, chinchilla, and white with blue or red irises. They also have a medium, compact body weighing up to 5.5 to 7.5 lbs. Aside from its fur, it also has ears that can grow to four inches.
Miniature Lion Lop
The Miniature Lion lop is the miniature version of the Lionhead rabbit. The only difference is that it has a short and petite body weighing up to 3.5 lbs. A lot of grooming is required for its thick and soft rollback fur. You must also pay attention to their heads since they have plenty of furs that can grow up to two to three inches long.
These teddy-bear-looking bunnies are also known for their distinct broad and woolly ears. Because of their curiosity, Miniature Lion lop prefers to play outdoors. If you are a busy person, this is the perfect rabbit for you since they dislike too much attention.
Common Health Issues of Rabbits with Long Hair
Flystrike
One of the common diseases experienced by fuzzy rabbits is flystrike. It is the condition wherein flies lay eggs on the rabbit’s skin. Once the eggs hatched, the maggots feed and burrow on the rabbit’s flesh. This condition can kill the bunny for only 24 hours. Because of their dense coats, these rabbits have more difficulty grooming themselves.
Flystrike is most common during the summer; however, it can happen anytime. In addition to that, poor hygiene and poor diet can also result in illness. A rabbit with a dirty bottom attracts more flies than healthy and clean ones. If your rabbit has a wound, you must clean it immediately since flies are also attracted to the blood’s smell.
Here are some symptoms of flystrike:
- Presence of maggots under the rabbit’s skin
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fur loss
- Loss of consciousness
If you observe any of the following symptoms, go to the vet immediately.
Wool Block
Fuzzy rabbits are prone to ingest their wool whenever they are grooming themselves. It may lead to a condition called a wool block. Once too much fur is consumed, the rabbit will stop eating and drinking due to the discomfort in its stomach. Some wool block symptoms are diarrhea, appetite loss, stomach pain, and weight loss.
Taking your bunny to the vet is advisable to prevent worsening the condition. He will give fluids to your pet to rehydrate it. Aside from that, the vet will prescribe a high-fiber diet to the bunny. The vet may also prescribe analgesics and motility drugs. In case of obstructed gastro intestine, surgery is recommended. However, the survival rate may be low.
Ways to Groom Rabbits with Long Hair
Fuzzy rabbits need special attention when it comes to grooming. Because of rabbits’ sensitive skin, you must use the proper tools to groom them. Instead of using a slicker brush, it is easier to use a wire-toothed comb with rounded tine ends. Besides the comb, you also have to prepare a mat rake.
In brushing the rabbit’s fur, start with the deepest layers first. To expose the undercoat, you need to lift the top layers. Be very gentle when brushing the fur since they have very sensitive skin. Pulling the hair may tear up the rabbit’s skin, leading to injuries.
If the rabbit has long hair on its belly and between its legs, it is advisable to shave or cut them. Doing this will prevent matting and tangling. It will be also easier for the bunny to hop around since there is a lesser chance to step and pull its fur. Cleaning these areas will keep the bunny’s bottom clean, preventing flystrike.
To prevent matting, you need to groom a long-haired rabbit regularly. Some areas where matting is common are under and around its chin, bottom, and belly. You may also want to check its tail, the bottom of its feet, and its back end. You must remove the mat carefully.
Proper Diet for Rabbits with Long Hair
Like any other breed, long-haired rabbits need a lot of hay. It must be 80% of your rabbit’s diet to keep it healthy and strong. You can choose different kinds of hay. Each of them may differ in nutritional value. But whatever hay you give to your rabbit, make sure it is fresh and pesticide-free.
Another essential part of your rabbit’s diet is clean water. The supply must be unlimited to keep the rabbits hydrated. Long-haired rabbits need more water during summer to prevent overheating. You must also put their water supply in a water bottle or deep dish so they can avoid wetting their furs.
Although vegetables are packed with nutrients, you must give them in moderation. Because of their sensitive guts, rabbits require a high-fiber and low-calorie diet. Unfortunately, some vegetables can also be deadly to your pet. Mushrooms, rhubarb, potatoes, and kidney beans are dangerous to bunnies.
If you want to give treats to your pet, give them occasionally. Like humans, overeating sweets may cause obesity and weight gain in bunnies. It may also result in severe conditions like liver disease. You must cut the fruits into small pieces before feeding them to your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I take care of my long-haired bunny?
You must give special attention to the grooming of your long-haired bunny. While sitting on your lap, you can gently brush its fur and pluck some tufts. If you can’t do it every day, you can choose an angora bunny that requires low maintenance, like Jersey Wooley.
What best bedding can I provide to rabbits with long hair?
You can provide different types of bedding to a fuzzy rabbit, such as hay, wood shaving, and fleece. When choosing bedding, you must consider whether it’s dust-free and comfortable. If you want eco-friendly bedding, there are available in the market.
Is a Rabbit with Long Hair Your New Pet?
Rabbits with long hair are undoubtedly adorable, cuddly, and attractive. However, their coats cost them a lot. Angora rabbits with poor grooming suffer from illnesses like flystrike and wool block. If you want to keep fuzzy rabbits, you have to take care of these bunnies. With your love and attention, they can live their lives happily and robustly.
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