Rabbits are one of the cutest and most fun-loving pets you can have. So, it’s no surprise you are considering getting one to share with your family and kids. The real question is, what is the best rabbit for kids?
The honest answer is that there isn’t one ‘best rabbit.’ Each rabbit has its own quirks and personality and are almost guaranteed to make good pets. But luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly indoor rabbits out there that can bring that special spark of joy to your children’s lives.
No matter what, though, being a new bunny parent carries a lot of responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, if you are interested in the different rabbit breeds for kids and what it takes to own them, keep reading.
This guide will dive right into the 10 best rabbit breeds for kids.
Are rabbits good for kids?
Let’s start things off with a hard-hitting question. Are rabbits even a good pet option for kids? Long story short — yes, they are.
Rabbits make a great family pet, particularly for those with young children. There is no denying that kids love all things cute, with their floppy ears and twitching noses. So it only makes sense that they would love their own rabbit.
Not only are rabbits adorable little fluff-balls, but they are also known to be quite cuddly and playful. Plus, bunnies are generally considered easy to care for if you (and your kid) know what you’re doing.
An essential part of owning a rabbit is knowing exactly what they need (but we will get more into that later). As long as you are thoroughly educated, know what to expect, and ensure your kids understand the responsibility, you’re golden.
10 best kid-friendly rabbit breeds
While bunnies make good all round pets for children, the best breeds of rabbits for young pet owners are typically small or even medium-sized, as they are easier to handle. So, giant breeds like the flemish giant are best left for a slightly more experienced rabbit owner.
Worry not — there are plenty of other breeds out there that will make the perfect pets. Let’s look at 10 rabbit breeds you and your kids will love.
Read next: How many rabbit breeds are there?
1. Dutch rabbits
If there is any rabbit breed you’ve likely heard about, it’s the Dutch rabbit. They are sweet, small, and usually white, black, brown, or a mixture of all three. Their distinctive pattern adds even more to their charm.
While they can be shy, Dutch rabbits have a calm and friendly demeanor and, if socialized correctly, are a good choice for families with children. They are pretty easy-going and easy to handle, too.
Dutch rabbits are also rather intelligent, so you can never go wrong with extra mental stimulation to keep them busy. Consider a puzzle toy to hide some tasty treats.
A fully grown Dutch rabbit also only weighs around 5.5 lbs (2.5 kgs) at most, making them a smaller rabbit breed, which tends to be easier to care for as a new rabbit owner.
2. Himalayan rabbits
Due to their docile nature, Himalayan rabbits are often a popular choice for small children. They are playful and curious, so children can always find new ways to play. Their inquisitive nature means they will love exploring interesting environments like platforms or a bunny tunnel hideout.
You’ll most likely recognize this rabbit by its distinct color and patterns. They usually sport clean, white fur, with dark ears, a spot of dark hair on their nose, and adorable little sock patterns on their legs.
A typical Himalayan rabbit is considered a small breed, growing up to weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 lbs (1.1 – two kgs).
3. Chinchilla rabbits
What could be better than a rabbit that vaguely looks like a chinchilla? Nothing, really. These unique bunnies, aptly named after chinchillas, are the perfect companion for anyone, including kids.
Their soft and silky fur is irresistible, and no child could ever resist cuddling up and petting one of these furry friends. They are known to be sweet, curious, and playful, making them a perfect addition to families with children.
They come in various colors, most commonly gray. A standard Chinchilla rabbit generally weighs around five or seven lbs (2.2 – 3.2 kgs), but some can weigh a bit more, up to 12 lbs (5.4 kgs).
4. Harlequin rabbits
The Harlequin rabbit, not to be confused with a Japanese Harlequin, is another exceptional pet for children, especially given their rather eye-catching appearance. This bunny is primarily white and brown, with distinct black markings on its nose, tail, and ears.
They are sweet creatures that are incredibly friendly and patient. So, petting and cuddling are definitely on the table with these little guys. Plus, their playful temperament means they can have fun with children.
These adorable little bunnies typically weigh around five lbs (2.5 kg), so they are small enough to be handled by small children easily.
5. Havana rabbits
If you want an energetic, playful bunny ready to play at a moment’s notice, look no further than the Havana rabbit. These excitable angels are always happy to hop around, explore, and play with their toys, making them an excellent choice for kids.
Their energetic nature means they aren’t as content cuddling for long periods — but that’s what playtime is for.
This breed typically sports a solid coat of stunning black but can also be found in dark brown shades. Their small eyes and large, sweet ears just add to their endearing appearance. They typically weigh between 4.5 and 6.5 lbs (two – 2.9 kgs).
6. Mini lops
Mini lop rabbits are among the most popular rabbit breeds for families with children. These little bundles of joy are recognizable by their soft fur, floppy ears, and teddy-like appearance. They are pretty small and sweet, yet not quite dwarf rabbits.
Not only are they popular amongst children, but they are probably one of the most highly-favored choices for a pet in general. They are playful, curious, and very affectionate (so yes — cuddling is a given).
So, how do you keep your rabbit happy? Well, they are easily trained and need enrichment and mental stimulation, so give them plenty of exercise and playtime, which shouldn’t be a problem with eager kids. They usually weigh between 4.5 and 6.5 lbs (two – 2.9 kgs).
7. Thrianta rabbit
Whether you want to admit it or not, everyone has a soft spot for a redhead. The same goes for this incredible, fiery furry friend. The Thrianta rabbit sports a gorgeous, solid red-brown coat that is wonderfully soft.
These rabbits have both a gentle and sweet nature, much like others on this list, but are also up for some fun (the little socialites). They love playing or being cuddled, so you can be sure your kids will love them.
These sweet rabbits weigh around four to six lbs (1.8 – 2.7 kgs) on average, making them the perfect size for younger and older children.
8. Californian rabbits
Californian rabbits are similar to the Himalayan rabbits in that they are pretty calm, friendly, and love cuddle time. Of course, any child will be in love with this soft furball.
They have a distinct look, primarily white fur and black points at the ears, nose, tail, and feet. They also have striking, bright pink eyes. These gentle giants are considered a larger breed, often weighing up to 12 lbs (5.4 kg).
They need a decently large enclosure and plenty of space to roam and play.
9. Mini rex
Mini rex rabbits are the (unsurprisingly) adorable miniature version of the Rex rabbit. Their velvety soft fur and small size make them one of the cutest companions. Children will no doubt be enthralled by this fantastic little bunny.
They are very friendly and cuddly, so they don’t mind being handled — as long as it is done with care, mind you. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes many colors: black, blue, white, chocolate, and gorgeous mixes and patterns.
They are small rabbits (mini, if you will), weighing no more than five lbs (2.2 kg), so they are the perfect size for children.
10. Sussex rabbits
To end things with a bang, we have a reasonably new breed on the scene — the Sussex rabbit. Like many others on this list, the Sussex rabbit is friendly, docile, and accepting of love and attention.
They are also very inquisitive and intelligent, so they would do well playing with a treat ball or any number of mentally stimulating toys.
They have a reddish or golden color to their coat and grow to weigh around seven lbs (3.1 kg), making them a great choice for children.
What to consider before getting a rabbit
The House Rabbit Society states that children and rabbits are often a good pair. But there are a couple of factors that need to be taken into consideration before taking the plunge.
Firstly, you will need to supervise your kids around the rabbit, especially in the early stages. This means you’ll need to ensure they understand the responsibility and what goes into caring for the rabbit.
You’ll also need to consider your child’s personality and behavior. Of course, your child should be an animal lover too — so they can better form a close bond with their little furball.
Other considerations include the space in your home and the amount of money. As much as nobody likes to admit, rabbits can sometimes be costly to look after.
And, of course, you must pay attention to the nutritional needs of rabbits. Knowing what and how much they eat is essential for keeping your hopping friends happy and healthy.
Best rabbits for kids | Wrapped up
It’s no secret that rabbits require gentle handling and can be a huge responsibility — then again, any pet is. But that doesn’t mean that they are challenging to look after. An educated pet parent is a good pet parent, so ensuring you first understand a rabbit’s needs is key.
And yes — kids are fully capable of handling a pet rabbit. In fact, rabbits can prove to be one of the best pets they can have. They are, first and foremost, charming but can also be easy to care for if you know what you’re doing.
Now that you know more about the best rabbit breeds for kids, why not take your rabbit knowledge to the next level and have a closer look at when rabbits sleep?
Steph Dyson is a travel journalist by trade but a lover of all small pets. She’s been a pet mum to everything from gerbils to guinea pigs, rabbits to hamsters, and fish to dogs of all shapes and sizes. She wants to share her years of experience with small pets and make Small Pet Guides the go-to website for pet owners seeking information and care advice.
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Dr. Samantha Devine is a US-based veterinarian. She practices in a general practice and sees all sorts of animals in her day-to-day career. With a focus on educating pet parents, Dr. Devine works hard to empower families with the knowledge and resources to help their beloved pets.
Dr. Devine also enjoys reading as an enjoyable way to spend her free time. She also loves theme parks, and there’s nothing more fun than riding a new roller coaster.
With a compassionate heart and a commitment to animal welfare, Dr. Devine works hard to answer your questions about all manner of pets.