English Angora Rabbits

English Angora Rabbits are the smallest and the cutest representatives of the Angora breed. These rabbits provide fine quality wool, because it has little guardhair. Mature English Angoras weigh 5-7.5 pounds. English Angora Rabbits are often viewed as the “clowns” of all Angoras, due to their unique appearance. They have dense facial hair and tufts of fur on the ears and legs. This gives them a characteristic teddy bear appearance.

English Angora Rabbits possess a very docile and friendly temperament. They are very easy to litter train, and they are renowned lap companions. However, it can be hard for a novice rabbit owner to properly care for such a rabbit. English Angoras require specific care, and they must be groomed on a regular basis. English Angora Rabbits come in various colors, solid and broken, but the Angora Rabbit Breed Association (ARBA) recognizes only white rabbits.

ARBA recognizes four Angora species: English, French, Satin and Giant. All Angora Rabbits are valued for their fur and make superb pets. English Angora Rabbits are the most people-friendly rabbits, and hence they are more popular than other Angoras. The Angora breed originated in Turkey, along with Angora cats and Angora Goats. In the 18th century, Angora rabbits won popularity among French royalties, and by the end of the century they became known in most European countries. They found their way into the New World by the beginning of the 20th century.  

Satin Angoras are larger than English Angora Rabbits. The Satin Angora is famous for its shiny wool, and it is most preferred by spinners. Satin Angoras weigh 6.5-9.5 pounds. Satin Angoras are not recommended for families with children, because they are less restrained than English Angoras and may bite hard. However, Satin Angoras are easier to groom than English Angoras.

French Angoras weigh 7.5-10.5 pounds. They have a clean face, and the hind legs are slightly tufted. For this reason, they are easier to maintain than English Angora Rabbits. The ARBA allows for white and broken colors. The breed was recognized in 1944, when the ARBA drew a demarcation line between the English Angora and the French Angora, recognizing them as separate breeds.

Giant Angoras are the largest Angora rabbits, and they produce more wool than any other Angora breed. Giant Angoras weigh up to 12 pounds. White is the only ARBA recognized color. Giants are bred and raised for their fiber, which can be of three types; the underwool, awn fluff and awn hair. They are docile and friendly, almost like English Angora Rabbits, and hence they are very popular among pet lovers.