Breed directory

Rabbit Breed Directory

Compare the size, coat and grooming needs of popular rabbit breeds. Breed gives you a useful starting point — but every rabbit is an individual, so meet the rabbit before you decide.

At a glance

Breed	Size	Weight (ARBA)	Coat	Grooming
Netherland Dwarf	Dwarf	Up to 2.5 lb (ARBA maximum)	Short, normal fur	Low — weekly brushing, more while moulting
Holland Lop	Small	Up to 4 lb (ARBA maximum)	Short, dense normal fur	Low to moderate
Mini Rex	Small	Up to 4.5 lb (ARBA maximum)	Rex — short, plush and velvety	Low — the plush coat needs only light brushing
Lionhead	Small	Up to 3.75 lb (ARBA maximum)	Wool mane around the head	Moderate to high — the mane mats without regular brushing
Dutch	Small to medium	Up to 5.5 lb (ARBA maximum)	Short, normal fur	Low
Flemish Giant	Giant	No maximum in the standard; ARBA notes many exceed 20 lb	Short, normal fur	Low to moderate

Photo: Melanie Kreutz / Unsplash

Dwarf

Netherland Dwarf

One of the smallest breeds, with a compact body and short ears. Small, light rabbits need gentle, well-supported handling.

Weight: Up to 2.5 lb (ARBA maximum)
Coat: Short, normal fur
Grooming: Low — weekly brushing, more while moulting

Useful next: How Long Do Rabbits Live? Lifespan Guide · Rabbit Cage & Habitat Setup Guide

Photo: Ceren Büşra Sevtekin / Pexels

Small

Holland Lop

A compact lop-eared breed. Lop ears can trap wax and debris, so make ear checks part of routine care.

Weight: Up to 4 lb (ARBA maximum)
Coat: Short, dense normal fur
Grooming: Low to moderate

Useful next: Rabbit Grooming: Brushing, Nails & Shedding · Are Rabbits Good Pets? Pros & Cons

Small

Mini Rex

Rex coats have less padding on the feet, so solid, soft flooring matters for comfort.

Weight: Up to 4.5 lb (ARBA maximum)
Coat: Rex — short, plush and velvety
Grooming: Low — the plush coat needs only light brushing

Useful next: Best Rabbit Cage Mats for Sore Hocks · Rabbit Cage & Habitat Setup Guide

Photo: Chan Swan / Unsplash

Small

Lionhead

Recognisable by its mane. Plan time for grooming, especially during moults.

Weight: Up to 3.75 lb (ARBA maximum)
Coat: Wool mane around the head
Grooming: Moderate to high — the mane mats without regular brushing

Useful next: Rabbit Grooming: Brushing, Nails & Shedding · Best Rabbit Grooming Kits

Photo: Susanne Jutzeler (suju-foto) / Pexels

Small to medium

Dutch

Known for its distinctive two-colour markings. A practical size for many homes.

Weight: Up to 5.5 lb (ARBA maximum)
Coat: Short, normal fur
Grooming: Low

Useful next: What Do Rabbits Eat? Complete Diet Guide · How to Litter Train a Rabbit

Photo: 12photography / Pexels

Giant

Flemish Giant

A giant breed that needs far more floor space, sturdier housing and larger carriers than smaller rabbits.

Weight: No maximum in the standard; ARBA notes many exceed 20 lb
Coat: Short, normal fur
Grooming: Low to moderate

Useful next: How to size a rabbit hutch correctly · Best Rabbit Exercise Pens

Source: maximum weights and coat notes as listed on the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized-breeds page (accessed October 2026). Weights describe show standards for adult rabbits; pet rabbits may differ. Recognition and standards can change — check ARBA or the national breed club for the latest standard.