Breeds of decorative rabbits: description and classification, how to determine

We see rabbits as farm animals, bred for inexpensive fur and dietary meat. But these cute creatures can make excellent pets. For these purposes, many specialized breeds have been bred. However, before you start a fluffy pet, you should find out how many breeds of decorative rabbits there are, how to choose and maintain them.

Assignment of ornamental rabbits

Along with cats, dogs, birds and fish, people also use rabbits as pets. At the same time, representatives of breeds specially created for this purpose, called decorative ones, are chosen as pets, because they are compact in size, have no value as sources of meat or skins, but are endowed with a number of other specific features:

1. Small sizes, giving a chance to keep a pet even in city apartments.
2. Compliant, calm and playful nature.
3. Friendly towards people and other pets, no aggression.
4. Unpretentious.
5. The ability to adapt to the conditions of detention in an apartment or house.
6. Good he alth.
7. Attractive appearance.

Decorative rabbits are bred in hundreds of colors, so it is possible to choose a pet to your liking. Such animals are not too picky about the conditions of existence, however, they require special knowledge for keeping. On average, rabbits live up to 6 years, and with proper feeding and proper care, life can double.

To make pets feel comfortable in a human home, you need to provide them with living conditions. For rabbits, spacious cages or aviaries are purchased, but keeping them constantly locked up is unhe althy - animals must move.

For safety in the room where the rabbit will walk, all wires, indoor plants and valuable items that he can gnaw and damage should be removed.

With proper upbringing, a pet gets used to going to the toilet in a certain corner of its cage or in a special box that needs to be cleaned as often as possible. This will help keep the animal he althy and rid the owners of the bad smell.

Nutrition is an important condition for vigor and longevity of a decorative rabbit. He should receive a balanced diet as recommended by the breeder or veterinarian. It should include fresh vegetables, grass or hay, grain products, plant branches. It is equally important that the rabbit has clean drinking water available at all times. It is best to equip a drinker that he cannot knock over or accidentally pollute.

Breed classification

All rabbits are classified according to the following criteria:

1. By body weight:

• small;
• medium;
• large.

2. By product type:

• meat;
• meat skins;
• downy;
• decorative.

3. According to the length of the coat:

• shorthair;
• with normal coat length (standard);
• longhaired.

In this whole system, the smallest are the decorative breeds of rabbits. They were bred specifically for keeping as pets, so they have approximately the same body weight, they are dwarf varieties.

Therefore, the classification uses such parameters as the length and quality of wool, as well as the size and shape of the ears:

1. By wool type:

• shorthair - standard;
• longhair;
• wire-haired - Rex;
• satin;
• lionheads.

2. By type of ears:

• with upright ears;
• with floppy ears.

Due to selection, many breeds of decorative rabbits, varieties of color and type of coat have been obtained.

How to recognize the breed?

At the moment, there is no single classification system and standards for rabbit breeds, which causes confusion with the identification of an animal belonging to a particular type.There is no unity in the names of the breeds, therefore, when buying an animal, it is necessary to consult with experienced specialists, rabbit breeders with extensive work experience, and veterinarians.

There are many decorative breeds of rabbits, among which the following are the most sought after and popular:

1. Straight ears: Himalayan, Danish, Hermeline, Dutch, Hotot, Lionhead, Butterfly, Satin, Mini Rex and so on.
2. Lop-Eared: Dutch Dwarf, Mini Sheep, Plush Fold and many more.
3. Longhaired: Fox, Angora, Russian Dwarf Angora, Woolie Jersey.

It should be noted that some breeds can be included in several points of classification, as they can have both short hair and fold ears, straight ears and satin hair and other features.In addition, several varieties of color can be present within the breed. It is these features that make it so difficult to develop a breed standard.

Selection Tips

With the existing variety, every lover can find a rabbit to his liking. These cute animals get along well with calm, reserved people, they can put up with the presence of other pets in the house, but it must be borne in mind that young children should not buy them. The rabbit is a non-aggressive creature, but if the child is too intrusive, it can scratch or bite.

You need to buy an animal if the buyer is completely sure that he will be able to adequately support him, cope with feeding, care, and, if necessary, treatment and vaccinations.

The acquired rabbit must be completely independent, that is, weaned from the mother's breast and confidently eating standard food for these creatures. This is important, since it is troublesome to feed a breast rabbit, besides, such animals are weaker, with poor immunity, prone to illness and indigestion.For a beginner rabbit breeder, this is an unbearable burden.

He althy Bunny:

1. Cheerful, cheerful, active.
2. He has a clean, well-groomed coat without tangles.
3. Clear, shining eyes.
4. Ears without signs of inflammation.
5. No discharge or signs of digestive system disturbances.

Can't buy:

1. A lethargic, lethargic animal that looks untidy.
2. With stray, stale hair.
3. With pus in the eyes.
4. With bad smell.

It is also not worth buying an aggressive animal into the family, although this is an exception to the rule for decorative rabbits.

Where is the best place to buy a pygmy rabbit

In most pet stores and "bird" markets, sellers cannot name the breed or correctly identify the rabbit. If this is not important to the buyer, then in this case you need to focus on the external attractiveness of the animal and signs of its he alth. If you want to buy a purebred animal and have offspring from it, this purchase option will not work.

For breeding and just if you want to have a thoroughbred pet with a passport and pedigree, it is better to purchase it through clubs of decorative rabbit breeding lovers or directly from professional breeders.

Such centers and farms exist abroad and in our country, mainly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In this case, the buyer will receive a he althy vaccinated animal with veterinary documents, with a guarantee of correct breeding, without defects and hidden diseases.

But when buying, you still need to check the rabbit for well-being and ask the seller questions of interest. A professional will never refuse to advise a beginner and give useful recommendations on keeping the animal at home.

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