When looking for a new bunny, it is important to learn how much maintenance each breed of rabbit requires before you get one. There are a lot of bunny breeds to choose from out there.
If you are looking for a rabbit to keep indoors, it might be a brilliant idea to find out what type of bunny sheds less than the others.
Learn what kind of rabbit breed can be great to keep indoors due to less shedding.
Table of Contents
- Rabbit Breeds That Sheds the Least
- Why Do Rabbits Shed Fur? (Molting)
- The Importance of Helping the Rabbit with Grooming
- Conclusion
Rabbit Breeds That Sheds the Least
Belov, you will find a table that easily shows which breed sheds less and which bunny requires less grooming.
| Rabbit Breed | Shedding | Grooming (when not molting) |
|---|---|---|
| Angora Rabbit | The Least | Often |
| Mini Rex Rabbit | Lesser | Once a week |
| Mini and Standard Plush Lop | Less | Once a week |
| Velveteen Lop | Less | Often |
Angora Rabbit
The Angora rabbit is commonly referred to as the rabbit that sheds the least. This bunny has long and robust fur that sheds very little due to the breeding of this particular rabbit. The Turkish breed is known for having long fibers in its coat and requires a lot of grooming.
The Angora rabbit is bred to maximize its fur potential for coats and similar products, even how horrible it sounds. Thankfully, breeding these rabbits for profit has become less and less popular.
The angora rabbit requires some amount of brushing and trimming due to its long hair if you want your fluffy friend to look pristine.
Mini Rex Rabbit
This beautiful rabbit is called Mini Rex and has a dense and soft coat. They might not shed less than others, but they have short hair compared to other breeds. That’s why one might think they shed less.
At least they have less hair to shed, which makes the grooming process more efficient for both parties.
Mini and Standard Plush Lop
What is a plush lop, you might ask? Well, both of these are a combo of Holland Lop, Mini Rex, and Mini Lop. The Mini and Standard Plush Lop is a rare breed prized for its unique fur.
This breed is a good option for someone with an allergy in the household, even though no rabbits are hypoallergenic pets. Thankfully, bunnies are less prone to allergic reactions than cats and dogs.
Velveteen Lop
Velveteen lops are known for their soft, straight, and dense fur. Almost luxurious to the touch, you can say. The breed is a mix between the Mini Rex and the English Lop.
Like all rabbits, the Velveteen Lop also sheds its coat and requires grooming, but if you already want a Velveteen Lop, you probably have already fallen in love with its plushy fur.
Due to its long lop ears, the Velveteen Lop must be cleaned and groomed almost daily, especially if you keep the bunny outdoors. This reduces the risk of infection in their ears.
Why Do Rabbits Shed Fur? (Molting)
Usually, rabbits shed a lot, and depending on what breed of rabbit you have as a pet, you can expect to brush a lot to keep the bunny fur in great shape. The amount of molting varies slightly depending on the breed, but you won’t find a breed that does not shed at all.
The rabbit has two types of hair on its body that have different purposes:
- Rabbits have long hairs for cover
- Shorter hairs, which are mainly denser, work as a thermal insulator. These short hairs are mostly the hairs you will see shed off the rabbit.
So, how much shedding can you expect from a rabbit in general? You can expect a young rabbit to start molting as early as 5 to 6 months old. Shedding is seasonal, and you will see two massive sheddings a year when rabbits shed their winter and summer coats.
This incredible phenomenon is built into rabbits, ensuring they adapt to the climate around them. The rabbit will still shed fur even though you keep it inside, and it has no idea what season it is outside. After the rabbit is finished with the transformation into the other seasonal coat, you may also see some color changes.
The Importance of Helping the Rabbit with Grooming
Helping the rabbit clear away the old fur for the new one every season is essential. So try to get your hands on a good brush if you see your rabbit starting to shed its coat. A problem can occur if the rabbit digests too much hair through grooming.
Rabbits Can Get Hairballs
Bunnies’ stomach acid can’t digest the hairs, which can result in the digestion system clogging up because of a hairball, scientifically known as Trichobezoars. This problem primarily affects rabbits on an unhealthy diet, which increases the possibility of blockage in their digestive system.
To keep digestion running problem-free – there are some requirements you need to fulfill when it comes to your rabbit’s diet and avoid getting less hair in the digestion system:
- Give your rabbit quality hay. Fiber-rich hay like timothy is the best alternative when choosing the perfect hay for your rabbit. Not only does it keep their gastrointestinal tract running smoothly, but it also helps them wear down their teeth to optimal lengths.
- Provide fresh water daily. Due to their diet being high in fiber and consuming dry hay, they need water daily to keep everything running steadily. Let them drink water from a bowl is highly recommended if you have the opportunity.
- Brush your bunny often. So brushing at least two times a week, when the rabbit is not shedding a lot, and brushing every day once the seasonal shedding begins is an excellent rule.
Conclusion
The bunny that sheds the least is the Angora rabbit breed. Like most rabbits, you can expect some shedding, and they need to be groomed more frequently because of their fluffy and long hairs.
