Introduction to Rabbits

Unlike the other small animals in this chapter, rabbits are not rodents but are classified as lagomorphs. Domestic rabbits in the United States are descendants of European or African rabbits. They can’t survive in the wild, nor can they successfully breed with North American wild rabbits.

Rabbits originally were raised for meat and fur. Today, however, many breeds are raised strictly as companion pets. Rabbits may live up to 6 or 12 years depending on breed. They can be trained to come on call and to use a litter box.

Dwarf rabbits typically weigh 2 to 4 pounds; most full-size rabbits weigh 6 to 11 pounds on average.

to view a series of pop-up boxes that further explain appropriate rabbit care.