Rabbits are among the most affectionate pets you can find. Even though all seem lovely, their temperaments can be significantly different, so you should look for the most affectionate rabbit breeds when choosing a new pet.
However, be aware that naturally cuddly and affectionate bunnies can only manifest their wonderful nature if you treat them appropriately. A neglected, mistreated, and hungry bunny living in poor conditions won’t be as kind and cuddly as you expect.
Table of Contents
Most Affectionate Rabbit Breeds
Many pet rabbits enjoy sitting оn your lap and petting, but they are affectionate at different levels. Additionally, you should be aware that this particular trait is not the only one to make a rabbit an excellent companion.
Therefore, you should consider the entire picture before adopting one and then take care of it and socialize it appropriately.
Most affectionate rabbit breeds |
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| Breed | Personality | Lifespan | Size |
| Netherland Dwarf rabbit | Friendly and energetic | 10 to 12 years | 1.1 to 2.5 pounds
(0.5 – 1.1 kg) |
| Flemish giant rabbit | Relaxed and cuddly | 8 to 10 years | 9 to 20 pounds
(4 – 9 kg) |
| Holland Lop rabbit | Friendly and energetic | 7 to 14 years | 2 to 4 pounds
(0.9 – 1.8 kg) |
| Lionhead rabbit | Playful and energetic | 7 to 10 years | 2.5 to 3.5 pounds
(1.1 – 1.6 kg) |
| Dwarf Hotot rabbit | Committed and active | 7 to 10 years | 2.5 to 3.5 pounds
(1.1 – 1.6 kg) |
| Jersey Wooly rabbit | Docile and gentle | 7 to 10 years | 1 to 3 pounds
(0.4 – 1.4 kg) |
| Sussex rabbit | Curious and cuddly | 6 to 8 years | 7 pounds
(3.2 kg) |
| Rex rabbit | Intelligent and playful | 6 to 8 years | 7 to 10 pounds
(3.2 – 4.5 kg) |
| English Spot rabbit | Cuddly and gentle | 6 to 8 years | 5 to 8 pounds
(2.3 – 3.6 kg) |
| Angora rabbit | Friendly and independent | 5 to 12 years | 5 to 11.5 pounds
(2.3 – 5.2 kg) |
| Californian rabbit | Cuddly and gentle | 5 to 10 years | 8 to 10.5 pounds (3.6 – 4.8 kg) |
| Thrianta rabbit | Docile and gentle | 5 to 10 years | 4 to 6 pounds
(1.8 – 2.7 kg) |
| Mini Lop rabbit | Cuddly and cheerful | 5 to 10 years | 4.5 to 6 pounds
(2 – 2.7 kg) |
| Havana rabbit | Gentle and calm | 5 to 8 years | 4.5 to 6.5 pounds
(2 – 2.9 kg) |
| Palomino rabbit | Docile and friendly | 5 to 8 years | 8 to 11 pounds
(3.6 – 5 kg) |
| Dutch Lop rabbit | Gentle and calm | 5 to 8 years | 4 to 5.5 pounds
(1.8 – 2.5 kg) |
| Florida White rabbit | Docile and quiet | 5 to 8 years | 4 to 6 pounds
(1.8 – 2.7 kg) |
| Harlequin rabbit | Playful and gentle | 5 to 8 years | 6.5 to 9.5 pounds
(2.9 – 4.3 kg) |
| Himalayan rabbit | Patient and calm | 5 to 8 years | 2.5 to 5 pounds
(1.1 – 2.3 kg) |
| Mini Satin rabbit | Gentle and calm | 5 to 8 years | 3 to 4.5 pounds
(1.4 – 2 kg) |
| Standard Chinchilla rabbit | Calm and curious | 5 to 8 years | 5 to 7 pounds
(2.3 – 3.2 kg) |
| English Lop rabbit | Easy-going and calm | 5 to 7 years | 9 to 10.5 pounds
(4 – 4.8 kg) |
| Mini Rex rabbit | Quiet and calm | 5 to 7 years | 3.5 to 4.5 pounds
(1.6 – 2 kg) |
| Polish rabbit | Friendly and cuddly | 5 to 6 years | 2.5 to 3.5 pounds
(1.1 – 1.6 kg) |
Here is a list of the most affectionate pet rabbits you can find. However, you should check their other traits, like anxiety, untrustworthiness, and fearfulness, which can be irritating. Remember that affection factors depend on:
- Breed and lineage
- Gender
- Way of raising
- Socialize level
- Way you treat it
1. Netherland Dwarf rabbit
Netherland Dwarf rabbit is not a recommended companion for kids, but these affectionate creatures are an excellent option for adults, particularly those with disabilities.
This energetic bunny enjoys human interaction when feels safe, protected, and stable, but be prepared for its occasional grumpiness and aloofness. However, gentle handling and love can help it become sociable and friendly.
2. Flemish giant rabbit
This gentle, friendly giant rabbit adores petting and getting attention, but its size is a limiting factor if you need a pet for a toddler. They can’t hold such a chubby bunny, leading to possible injuries to both the child and the bunny.
Even though it requires more spacy cage and food than regular rabbits, the sweet, relaxed, patient, and cuddly nature makes up for this inconvenience.
3. Holland Lop rabbit
Known as highly active and energetic, this friendly bunny will enjoy playing with you and exploring the environment. However, it will refuse to calmly tolerate picking up and holding, making it an unsuitable pet for families with kids, particularly toddlers.
4. Lionhead rabbit
This friendly, playful, and affectionate rabbit full of energy is actually a genetic mutation. Nowadays, it is an excellent companion for both kids and adults but be prepared that this long-haired bunny requires more grooming than most other breeds.
If you choose this little furry ball, you will get a pet that enjoys spending time with you. On the other hand, it will demand attention, so you shouldn’t leave it alone for long.
5. Dwarf Hotot rabbit
This friendly and outgoing rabbit looks for frequent human interaction, but be prepared for occasional moody behavior.
It will enjoy cuddling and playing with its human family members. This quiet bunny is also perfectly satisfied to sit on its owner’s lap. Such a calm nature is not the best solution for families with toddlers.
6. Jersey Wooly rabbit
This gentle, calm, and docile rabbit is a great pet and one of the most exhibited bunnies at American shows. It is a lovely creature that never bites and kicks, making it suitable for children of all ages.
Even though it is laidback, you can often see your curious pet exploring the environment. The soft and fluffy coat requires regular brushing, but this activity is pleasurable for both a rabbit and the owner.
7. Sussex rabbit
This affectionate, medium-sized bunny is a new breed appearing in the 1980s. Its short gold-colored hair makes it one of the most beautiful you can find. This rabbit enjoys attention and can be naughty when left alone for a long.
A docile, laidback, curious, and cuddly temperament recommend it as an excellent pet for families with children. Since this playful rabbit is a people-oriented creature, you can expect it to seek more attention than others.
8. Rex rabbit
This breed is well-known for its extra soft, dense fur. You can find bunnies in any of sixteen standard coat colors, but these lovely creatures are more than only beautiful. This docile, affectionate, and intelligent breed enjoys petting and exploring the environment and will quickly bond to you when treated well.
An adequately socialized bunny will be an excellent companion to your kid and friendly to other pets and strangers. Its protective nature makes it a desirable companion for single people and seniors.
9. English Spot rabbit
This rabbit breed is the oldest ever domesticated, so you can expect it to be well-accustomed to living with people. This affectionate, cuddly, and gentle bunny enjoys being handled but also likes playing with children. Since it is friendly and dedicated, it is an ideal pet for seniors, families with kids of all ages, and first-time rabbit owners.
10. Angora rabbit
Sweet, friendly, and independent angora is among the oldest domestic rabbit breeds. You can choose between at least five types, but all are affectionate and lovely companions.
This super-soft bunny is an excellent option for older kids since this intelligent and gentle creature enjoys playing. The only disadvantage of this breed is that it can become aggressive when frightened.
11. Californian rabbit
This affectionate and mild-tempered bunny is shy but enjoys cuddling when well-socialized. Since it is gentle, playful, and friendly, you can adopt one as an excellent companion for your older kid.
It is less suitable for households with toddlers since a loud environment, and inappropriate holding can cause anxiety.
12. Thrianta rabbit
Since the 1930s, when the breed was created, it has had a complicated fate. The species was brought to the brink of extinction after soldiers used rabbits for food during WWII, and only a few survived. Nowadays, these lovely fire-red creatures are docile, affectionate, and gentle pets. They are safe for children and cuddly companions for seniors.
13. Mini Lop rabbit
If you look for a bunny that enjoys human interaction and often cuddles and petting, this breed is the best option you can find.
You can train this cheerful, intelligent, and playful creature effortlessly and make it a perfect pet. However, it is not a preferable option for homes with loud and restless kids.
14. Havana rabbit
Havana rabbit originated in Holland but got its name after the Cuban cigars’ chocolate color. A calm and gentle nature and quick bonding with humans make this breed a desirable family pet. Since it is friendly, affectionate, and unenergetic, you can expect it to be a preferable option for seniors and disabled people.
15. Palomino rabbit
A medium-sized Palomino (Washingtonian) rabbit was bred in the 1950s. This docile, friendly, sweet bunny comes with short to medium-long fur in two color varieties.
You can expect your new sociable pet to enjoy being around its people and playing games, so you should avoid leaving it alone for a long time. Without enough interaction, it will quickly become depressed.
16. Dutch rabbit
Once you adopt this rabbit breed, you will get a calm, easy-going, and gentle pet that enjoys playing with kids. It is unsuitable for you if you are often out of the home. In such a case, your highly sociable bunny will quickly get depressed.
17. Florida White rabbit
The first short-haired Florida white rabbits with red-hued eyes appeared in the 1960s. Their docile, affectionate, and quiet temperament recommend them as great pets for every family. Remember that this breed can live outside, but it is better to keep them indoors if you prefer a socialized pet.
18. Harlequin rabbit
Playfulness and curiosity make this docile, gentle, clever rabbit a desirable family pet. It is affectionate and playful, making it an ideal option for families with kids. Even though it enjoys cuddling and is known for its outgoing and happy-go-lucky nature, you shouldn’t expect such an active bunny to sleep on your lap calmly.
19. Himalayan rabbit
This breed is among the oldest that still exists. These patient, easy-to-handle, calm, and pleasant bunnies appeared in the US in the early 1900s and became trendy almost immediately.
Thanks to a fantastic affectionate personality, this friendly creature is the best companion you can find for your kid. However, it is not the best option for toddlers since they are too loud for these rabbits that enjoy quiet households.
20. Mini Satin rabbit
This beautiful rabbit breed is known as calm, affectionate, gentle, and friendly, but it is often skittish with strangers. Since some individuals can be temperamental, you should check the litter and parents before adopting one.
21. Standard Chinchilla rabbit
Thanks to its calm and sweet nature and unique coat color, this rabbit breed is a favorite pet in the US. It is affectionate, easy-going, and curious, plus it likes human company, particularly playing with kids.
It can spend hours in your arms, and enjoy petting as long as you are careful while handling it. It will probably relax on the sofa or floor for the rest of the day without the intention to make mischief.
22. English Lop rabbit
This calm, friendly, and easy-going bunny enjoy playing and spending time with its human family. The quiet and laid-back nature makes it an excellent pet for any family. Remember that it requires more space to move freely without injuring and damaging its giant ears.
23. Mini Rex rabbit
This bunny with an impressively luxurious coat is a calm, sweet, and quiet creature but won’t tolerate too tightly holding. It is a friendly, docile, cuddly, and undemanding companion for seniors and first-time owners. It is also curious and playful and enjoys spending time with kids and other rabbits.
24. Polish rabbit
After coming to the US, this mild-mannered rabbit breed quickly became popular with magicians. This lovely, cuddly, intelligent tiny creature is affectionate with kids, but you should teach your child to be gentle to it. It is not particularly active but is calm, laid back, and friendly.
Summary
Rabbits are excellent pets for people of all ages, particularly kids and elders. Luckily, you have a great selection of rabbits when deciding to adopt an affectionate, friendly, and loving companion for yourself, your child, or your parents. These cuddly little balls don’t require much but can offer joy.
Alice
Saturday 18th of February 2023
Looking for a bunny that is small, affectionate, cuddly ,loves to be held for seniors and toddlers. Also how much, where to find one and what kind of care, food etc