Angora Rabbits
Angora Rabbits are highly valued for their fine quality wool and as docile and sweet-hearted pets. These rabbits originated in Ankara, Turkey, and became popular in Europe in 18-19 centuries. They were brought to the USA at the beginning of the 20th century. There are four Angora Rabbit species recognized by the Angora Rabbit Breed Association (ARBA): English, French, Giant and Satin. There are also other varieties, which are not recognized by the ARBA: Swiss, German, Finnish, Chinese, etc.
In 1939, the ARBA divided the breed into the English type and the French type, and in 1944 it officially recognized the English Angora and the French Angora as separate breeds. English Angoras are the smallest of all Angora Rabbits. One distinctive feature that makes them easy to tell is profuse facial hair giving them a puppy-like appearance. There are also fur growths on the ears. These rabbits require constant grooming, and they are not recommended for those who are not ready to spend half day looking after their hair. English Angoras are usually white, but there are broken colors, which are not accepted by the ARBA.
French Angoras are more rabbit-like, because they do not have facial hair. There is little hair on their feet, compared to English Agoras. These rabbits come in white, and broken colors are accepted by the ARBA. The French Angora is quite large, weighing 7.5-10 lbs, being one of the largest breeds of Angora Rabbits.
Giant Angoras are the largest ARBA-recognized Angora Rabbits, their average weight exceeding 9 lbs. These rabbits are most valuable as a source of wool, as they have unique coats not observed in other Angora Rabbits. Satin Angoras have very fine silky hair, which is particularly appreciated by wool specialists, although these rabbits produce less wool than other Angora breeds.
Due to their long and silky coat, Angora Rabbits require daily grooming. Special care must be taken to prevent matting and self-grooming. These rabbits are susceptible to hairballs and wool block. The latter can develop because rabbits cannot regurgitate the fibers they swallow when licking their own coats, so the hairs that accumulate in the stomach may form a lump that will block the rabbit’s intestinal tract. Lack of appetite is an alarming sign. If you suspect wood block in your rabbit, take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. More often than not, this condition requires surgery. Angora Rabbits are more susceptible to this serious condition due to their long hair.
