30 Cutest, Cuddliest Bunny Breeds That Make Perfect Pets

First bred in Hotot-en-Auge, in the Normandy region of France, the blanc de Hotot can be traced back to the early 19th century. This beautiful white bunny with what Dr. Thompson calls "distinctive 'eyeliner' markings," is also available in a smaller, dwarf size. "They are sweet, docile and great for children," Dr. Thompson adds. "They're one of my favorite breeds."

• Weighs 8-11 pounds
• White coat with black eye bands
• Lustrous fur

Dating as far back as the early 1500s, the Flemish Giant is thought to have originated in Flanders, Belgium. Nicknamed the "Gentle Giant," they are "the largest breed of rabbit," says Dr. Meijer. "They can weigh up to nearly 50 pounds. However, most often they are about 15 pounds on average, which can be a consideration for someone who doesn’t live in a large space. They are very friendly and love to cuddle!"

• Usually weighs around 15 pounds
• Coat available in a wide variety of colors
• First came to U.S. in early 1890s

A Dutch breed developed in the mid-20th century, the Holland lop is today one of the five most popular breeds recognized by the ARBA. "They are miniature rabbits, (weighing) 2 to 4 pounds on average," says Dr. Meijer. "Their ears are lopped, which means that they hang down instead of standing up. If you live in a smaller space, then this cute breed might be ideal for you."

• Weighs 2-4 pounds
• Coat available in a wide variety of colors
• Compact body with a large head

Selective breeding accounts for the English spot's charmingly speckled appearance, which typically includes eye circles, cheek spots and a butterfly nose marking. Developed in England in the 1800s, this is a fully arched, medium-sized breed, with a pleasantly mild, even-keeled temperament. But though they were bred to be pets and show rabbits, they aren't typically fond of being picked up.

• Weighs 5 to 8 pounds
• White coat with black, blue, chocolate, gold, gray, lilac, or tortoise
• Arched, hare-like body

Despite his name, this distinctive-looking, bi-color bunny hails from England, where he can be traced back to the 1830s. A smaller breed, but plenty spritely, Dutch rabbits are "known for their striking color patterns and friendly nature," says Dr. Dench. "They are one of the most popular pet breeds."

• Weighs 3.5-5.5 pounds
• White coat with black, blue, chinchilla, chocolate, gray, lilac, steel or tortoise
• Well-rounded body

Developed, like the Hotot, in the early years of the 1800s, the English lop was a favorite pet of the Victorians. According to Dr. Thompson, they're famous for their "calm nature" and long ears—the longest of any bunny breed! "They make great pets for families with children and require little grooming," she adds.

• Weighs 9-12 pounds
  
• Coat is short and stiff
• Very long ears

According to Dr. Meijer, despite their name New Zealand rabbits originate from California. They are said to be affectionate and gentle, though, as Dr. Meijer notes, "White New Zealand rabbits have albinism, which means a lack of melanin. Their eyes are ruby pink. This makes them more sensitive to light, so if you live in a bright, sunny location, this is something to keep in mind."

• Weighs 9-12 pounds
• White, red, or black coat
• Broad, muscular body

Considered a threatened breed, the rare Belgian hare shows its wild rabbit heritage in its lithe, long, muscular body and arched back. One of the oldest breeds found in the United States, with roots going back to the 1880s, this beautiful bunny was actually developed more than a century earlier in Eastern Europe. Active, energetic and intelligent, they also tend to be high-strung and may make better outdoor pets than indoor ones.

• Weighs 6 to 9.5 pounds
• Red rufus coat with black ticking or tan coat with black, blue, chocolate, and lilac with a tan undercoat
• Slender body

An extremely rare breed, which now is found only in the United States and the U.K., this bunny originated in France in the mid-1800s. They're "known for their friendly, spunky personality," says Dr. Thompson, as well as a creamy white coat with a distinctive orange under-color. With a population numbering less than 1,000, this is the ideal bunny for any family looking for a unique pet.

• Weighs 8-11 pounds
• Creamy white coat with orange cast
• Good breed for beginners

Dubbed "The King of the Rabbits," the stately rex made his public debut at a Paris rabbit show in 1924. Theses beloved bunnies are most famed for their short, thick and very soft fur, but Dr. Dench notes that they are also "well-regarded for their calm and sociable demeanor, making them excellent pets for families or individuals seeking a rabbit that genuinely enjoys being handled and petted."

• Weighs 7.5–10.5 pounds
• Coat available in 16 varieties
• Arrived in U.S. in 1924

Favored around the globe, where the breed is variously known as the Black Nose Rabbit from China, the Egyptian, and the Russian Rabbit, the Himalayan has been fondly nicknamed Himmies here at home. Said to be both ancient and one of the few bunnies not man-made through breeding, this fellow is renowned for his loving and mellow personality. For this reason, he makes an excellent pet for children.

• Weighs 2.5 to 4.5 pounds
• Typically white coat with black, blue, chocolate, and lilac points
• Unique cylindrical body

The result of breeding chinchilla, New Zealand, and checkered giant/Californian rabbits, this beautiful bunny is "a large, hardy breed with a calm temperament, making them ideal pets for children," says Dr. Thompson. Their "short, easy-to-care-for coat" offers a lovely orange under-color with gray ticking on the back and gray coloring on the sides.

• Weighs 9-11 pounds
• Cinnamon coat
• Sweet-natured

There are said to be at least 11 breeds of angora rabbits in existence, though only four are recognized by the ARBA. Angoras are distinguished, in part, by their ability to produce soft, silky luxury wool also called angora. "Their coats require a bit more maintenance than your average rabbit, but you can use the wool," says Dr. Meijer. "One of my friends actually knitted a scarf out of wool from her Angora rabbits."

• Weighs 3-12 pounds
• Coat available in a wide variety of colors
• Higher maintenance

Developed about a century ago in the state it's named for, the Californian bunny is as chill as a SoCal surfer dude. "Gentle and easy to handle, these rabbits are rarely aggressive and make excellent family pets," says Dr. Thompson. "They're one of the most common breeds of rabbits that we see. They have beautiful white fur with black tips on the nose, tail, and ears."

• Weighs 8-10 pounds
• White coat with black points
• Gentle demeanor

Dubbed the giant papillion in Europe where it was developed, the checkered giant has called the U.S. home for more than a century. Also known as "the rabbit beautiful," this is a very big, running bunny that needs a large cage to be happy, although they do well living inside the house with their humans and can be litter trained.

• Weighs at least 11 pounds
• White coat with defined black or blue markings
• Arched body

This pleasingly pouffy puffball has a long, silky coat and is "the most popular Angora breed" of those recognized by the ARBA, according to Dr. Thompson. "Intelligent and playful, they love to interact but require significant grooming," she cautions. Angoras that aren't molting should be brushed/combed at least weekly.

• Weighs 5-7.5 pounds
• Abundant, fluffy coat with dense bangs
• Compact body

This small breed resulted from breeding Netherland dwarfs and angoras, according to Dr. Thompson, and is not currently recognized in the U.S. "They are more timid and need regular grooming," she says. "Dwarf bunnies (in general) tend to be more timid and not enjoy being held as much or may spook easily."

• Weighs less than 3.5 pounds
• Luxurious, long coat
• The popular Jersey Wooly is a type of dwarf angora

With a nickname like "The Mink of the Fancy," you know this bunny will have a lush and intensely-colored coat, and indeed it does. Called the Havana because the hue of its fur resembled the chocolate shade of the cigar, the breed initially appeared in Holland in 1898 before spreading to the United States. Havanas are affectionate to the point of loving a good snuggle and make wonderful family pets.

• Weighs 4.5-6.5 pounds
• Chocolate, blue, black, broken and lilac coats.
• Compact body

Initially named the "satinette," this American bunny is the result of breeding satin, Polish and Netherland dwarfs. Dr. Dench calls them "delightful," adding, "They are relatively small, making them perfect for those who prefer a pet that requires less space. Mini satins are friendly and generally easy to handle, though their fine fur does require regular grooming to keep it in good condition."

• Weighs 3 to 4.75 pounds
• Coat available in 16 colors
• Unique fur reflects light, giving it a satin-like sheen

One of the breeds more recently recognized by the ARBA (in 2014), the lionhead is one showstopping bunny. While it's not known exactly where or how the lionhead was developed, Dr. Meijer notes "The Lionhead breed has one of the longest life spans of all rabbit breeds, typically around 7 to 9 years. Their name comes from the mane that they have, they can be single-maned or double-maned. They can be a bit more nervous, so if you have a busy household (with young children) then they might not be the ideal breed."

• Weighs 2.5–3.75 pounds
• Coat available in a wide variety of colors
• Long, woolly fur with thick mane