Pedigree rabbits are often bred with a specific appearance as the objective. This can include coat patterns, ear shape, or the size of the rabbit. Similar to dogs and cats, pedigree rabbits also experience problems as a result of this.

Today, we observe many unfortunate breed standards in rabbits, which make them attractive at shows but also lead to health problems. It is important to remember that rabbits are prey animals and therefore hide pain very well.

Rabbits should have long snouts, upright ears, short fur, and a field of vision that extends upwards, downwards, backwards, and sideways.

 

Rabbits with Lop Ears

Several problems arise when a rabbit is bred with lop ears. The ears can limit both the rabbit’s field of vision and hearing. Rabbits also communicate extensively through ear movements. As prey animals, they are highly dependent on both hearing and sight. When rabbits lose these abilities, they can develop nervousness.

Due to narrow ear canals and a bend in the ear, lop-eared rabbits frequently experience ear infections. This is associated with significant pain and must be treated by a veterinarian. It is also not uncommon for lop-eared rabbits to lose their hearing.

Some rabbit breeds have ears so long that they reach the ground. These individuals experience stepping on their own ears, are unable to jump, and lose their balance.

Rabbits do not sweat but use their ears for thermoregulation. The extra-large surface area of some breeds’ ears, such as the English Lop, causes them to dissipate too much heat. On cold days, this can lead to frostbite on the ears, tail, and toes.

Breeds with lop ears: English Lop, French Lop, English Lop, Dwarf Lop

 

Large Rabbit Breeds (Giants)

Breeds that have been developed with the goal of becoming large encounter various problems as a consequence of this breeding. It is especially important to ensure good opportunities for movement and a healthy weight for these giants, as they are more susceptible to both sore hocks and arthritis. When joints stiffen, rabbits can have problems with their intimate hygiene.

Heart conditions are also more common in giant rabbits, with an enlarged and weakened heart being the most common challenge.

Large breeds: Belgian Hare

 

Abnormal Fur

Similar to rabbits with lop ears, rabbits with abnormal fur are often plagued by a limited field of vision. For a prey animal that can be attacked from both the ground and the air, it is very challenging not to have fully functional senses. This contributes to both stress and fear, and many rabbits develop nervousness as a result.

When a rabbit has long fur, the fur will often mat together, creating problems for the rabbit. In addition to movement difficulties, both sores and infected skin are common consequences, and all of this is painful for the rabbit.

If the fur mats around the urethra and anal opening, the rabbit will often have difficulty keeping itself clean. Both sores and urine scald – where unwashed urine corrodes and causes fur loss and inflammatory conditions – occur. Because of this, the rabbit also becomes more susceptible to flystrike. A flystrike attack can be difficult to avert and can lead to death within a few hours.

Rabbits have a fragile digestive system. For rabbits with long fur, the amount of hair ingested into the digestive system will be higher than in other animals. This can lead to digestive problems.

The Angora rabbit is probably the most well-known breed in terms of fur. The Angora rabbit’s fur is particularly prone to matting, and sometimes they have so much fur that they have difficulty moving normally. Angora rabbits have fur that is less water-repellent than other rabbits, and it therefore becomes soaked in damp weather, often leading to respiratory infections as a result.

Even short-haired breeds can have problems. Sore hocks due to hairless areas under the paws lead to pain and infections. If left untreated, this can spread to underlying bones and cause blood poisoning.

Breeds with abnormal fur: Lionhead, Angora (long-haired), Rex (short-haired)

 

Short Snouts

A healthy rabbit has a long snout with ample space for both airways and teeth. Due to breeding for small skulls, the incisors do not meet in the correct position in pedigree rabbits with short snouts. Consequently, the rabbit’s teeth are not worn down, and since they grow continuously, this results in uncontrolled tooth growth. The upper teeth can then create holes in the palate, and the lower teeth bend out of the mouth. The rabbit experiences pain and will eventually stop eating.

Dental problems are also often seen in small rabbit breeds. Dental problems are easiest to detect in the incisors, but it is often the molars that are problematic.

Blocked tear ducts, respiratory disorders, and breathing difficulties are challenges faced by rabbits with short snouts.

Breeds with short snouts: Hermelin, Lionhead, Dwarf Lop

Ref:
Veterinærinstituttet. Report 12-2017: Welfare needs in rabbits
Buseth.M.E. The Great Rabbit Book