Rabbit farming is a good small livestock farming venture. Rabbits are relatively small in size. This makes their housing needs less sophisticated and less costly. Rabbits have good reproductive rates as well. One rabbit can birth an average of 40 rabbits annually. There is also a good demand for rabbit meat in many places. Other than for meat, rabbits can be raised for other purposes. There are many different types of rabbits breeds in the world. Some of the distinguishing characteristics are the physical features. One such physical feature is being long haired. Here are some of the common long haired rabbit breeds:
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Angora Rabbits
The Angora rabbit family comprises several different types of rabbit breeds. Angora rabbits are famous for their long and thick coats. When looking at what are considered rabbits that have been in existence the longest, Angora rabbits come up. Their coat has commercial value being used as wool. That is why Angora rabbits have diverse commercial value. They can be used as show rabbits, as pets, and their coat can be sold. Here are some common Angora rabbit breeds:
Giant Angora
The Giant Angora rabbit can grow to an average of 6 kilograms or more. No wonder it is the biggest of the Angora rabbit breeds. This also makes it one of the most expensive rabbit breeds. The Giant Angora can live for up to 12 years. That is also another characteristic that makes them stand out. Temperament-wise, they are shy and gentle. They are not that hectic to care for and groom; basically they just need medium care.
English Angora
The English Angora is the smallest Angora rabbit breed. They can reach weights of between 2.3 and 2.7 kilograms. They need to be groomed more frequently than other rabbit breeds. They are great pets but you need to be careful. English Angora rabbits can become combative if they feel provoked. That is why they can be averse to being suddenly picked. It is best to allow them sufficient time to warm up to you. The English Angora can live up to 10 years.
French Angora
The French Angora is a good pet rabbit and it is also suited as a show rabbit. You can also use the French Angora for breeding purposes. Then of course they are a good rabbit breed for producing wool. If you want them to warm up to you then you must handle them more. This is often made easier by their need to be groomed often. There are risks of wool block with French Angoras so prioritize grooming. The French Angora can live to up to 7 to 12 years.
Satin Angora
The Satin Angora stands out because its coat is the softest and the finest of all Angora rabbit breeds. That is why their importance is mainly in their coat. Regardless, they can also be used as family pets. Satin Angoras are great show rabbits as well; especially because of their unique coat. You do need to be prepared to handle frequent grooming. At the very least the Satin Angora must be brushed daily. The Satin Angora has substantial quantities of fur. The Satin Angora can grow to between 1.6 and 4.3 kilograms of weight. They also have a long lifespan – up to 12 years.
Lionhead
Crossbreeding the Netherland Dwarf and the Swiss Fox produced the Lionhead rabbit. This is a dwarf (i.e. small) rabbit breed with lots of hair. They are well-suited as domestic pets. They are also commonly used as show rabbits. Their average lifespan is between 7 and 10 years. They can grow to an average of 1.5 kilograms in weight. The Lionhead generally needs a quiet environment and they need delicate handling. They tend to be shy and withdrawn at first but once settled they love to bond. Lionhead rabbits can have single or double manes. They require substantial grooming due to the magnitude of their hair.
Swiss Fox
The Angora rabbit and the Havana rabbit were crossbred to produce the Swiss Fox rabbit. The Swiss Fox is medium-sized with a compact body shape. Docility is the major aspect of their temperament. It can grow to weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. It is best for use as a pet though it is rare rabbit breed. Their lifespan ranges between 5 and 8 years on average. The Swiss Fox also requires delicate care, especially grooming due to its hair. If not well groomed it may lead to health problems e.g. the skin. Using a Swiss Fox as a show rabbit can be a unique highlight due to its rarity.
Jersey Wooly
This is yet another small and docile rabbit breed. The Jersey Wooly is a small rabbit breed; grows to around 1.4 kilograms in weight. They are great family pets irrespective of the ages. This is because they are not an aggressive rabbit breed. They are also perfect for use as show rabbits. Their grooming needs are not as hectic as those of other rabbit breeds. A Jersey Wooly can be groomed once in a week and that will suffice. Their lifespan can be between 7 and 10 years. French Angora and Netherland Dwarf rabbit breeds are what were crossbred to produce the Jersey Wooly.
Long Haired Lop Rabbits
Lop rabbits have a lifespan ranging from 5 to 7 years. They are docile but curious rabbit breeds. They are called lop rabbits because their ears are not erect but rather they droop. There are several different types of lop rabbits but not all of them are long haired. Some of the notable long haired lop rabbits are Cashmere Lop, Holland Lop, and Mini Lop. You can use them as pets, show rabbits, or for wool production.
Final Words
These are long haired rabbit breeds you can consider. Your choices can be guided by several things. The primary consideration should be your intended use of the rabbit(s). You can consider temperament, coat size and characteristics, and lifespan. You can also consider availability and the prices. Care level is also a major consideration i.e. does it need low, medium, or high care. If you are unsure you can consult applicable rabbit experts.
