If you like rabbits, you've probably heard of the Angora rabbit, a breed of Turkish origin that became popular mainly because of its abundant white fur. But did you know that there are up to four varieties of Angora rabbits and each of them has its own characteristics?
In this PlanèteAnimal sheet, you can find out much more about the origin, behavior and he alth of the Angora rabbit. And if you are considering adopting a rabbit of this breed, we will also tell you about the main care and feeding it needs to lead a he althy and happy life.Happy reading!
Origin
- Asia
- Europe
- Türkiye
Origin of the angora rabbit
The Angora rabbit is a breed of rabbit originating from Turkey, more precisely from the Ankara region, where the Angora cat also comes from. Originally, these lagomorphs were developed primarily for the exploitation of their fur, which was used to make the valuable fiber known as angora wool.
In the mid-18th century Angora rabbits began to become popular as pets after being adopted by French roy alty. Before the end of this same century, thanks to their adorable face and their affable behavior, they had already spread on the European continent. During the 20th century, they began to be "exported" to the United States, where they became very popular in no time.
Once introduced to different countries, the "original" Angora rabbits began to be crossed with other rabbits typical of each country or region. This is how the four varieties of Angora rabbits currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeding Association (ARBA) were born:
- English angora rabbit
- French angora rabbit
- Giant Angora Rabbit
- Angora satin rabbit
Physical Characteristics of the English, French, Giant, Satin Angora Rabbit
The morphological characteristics of the angora rabbit may vary slightly depending on the variety to which each specimen belongs. Logically, what most characterizes this breed is its abundant coat.
The hair color that most identifies the Angora rabbit is white, but it is possible to find specimens with different tones, such as gray, cinnamon, cream or brown.The only exception is the giant variety whose coat is entirely white. Next, we review the physical characteristics of each variety of Angora rabbit:
English angora rabbit
Weighing between 2.5 and 4 kg in adulthood, the English Angora rabbit is the smallest variety and is considered to be a type of dwarf Angora rabbit. Its body is compact and robust and it is covered with plumes of silky hair located all over the body, including the legs, ears and head.
French angora rabbit
this variety is medium in size, weighing between 4 and 5 kg when fully grown. Its body is oval in shape and is distinguished by the fact that its face and ears are surrounded by tufts of smooth hair.
Giant Angora Rabbit
As its name suggests, it is the largest variety of Angora rabbit, weighing no less than 4.5 kg and reaching, in adulthood, a weight of 6 kg. Its coat is completely white and these rabbits do not shed during moulting like other varieties.
Angora satin rabbit
This variety is distinguished by the shine of its coat which has a satin effect. Its fur is short and soft to the touch but these lagomorphs do not have as profuse a coat as other varieties. Its height is medium and its adult weight is about 4 kg.
Angora Rabbit Character
The beauty of the Angora rabbit's coat is as well known as the docile and balanced character that characterizes this breed of rabbit. These lagomorphs are generally very peaceful in their daily lives, behaving with patience and affection towards their guardians. In general, they are easy to socialize as they tend to enjoy the company of those close to them and can adapt very well to other animals. For all these reasons, they can be excellent pets for children, provided they are properly educated and have a positive environment in which they can feel safe.They also need their quiet time respected, especially when resting and feeding.
In addition, Angora rabbits are very intelligent animals and are predisposed to learn. This is why when adopting a rabbit, it is important to commit to training and mentally stimulating it, presenting it with different orders of obedience, tricks, tasks and varied activities. .
How to take care of an angora rabbit?
One of the main cares of the Angora rabbit is the regular maintenance of its beautiful coat. The ideal is to brush it two or three times a week, always using an appropriate brush that does not break the fiber of its delicate hairs. When brushing your rabbit's coat, remember to act calm and calm him down before you start combing him. As they are very sensitive and alert, rabbits can easily be spooked, so grooming should always be a time of relaxation, reward and mutual trust.
As we already mentioned in the previous section, it will be very important to stimulate the mind of your Angora rabbit. To educate him and teach him to behave, you can use a clicker, the same device that we usually use to facilitate the training of dogs and cats. To reward him and stimulate him to continue learning, you can opt for he althy treats, such as small pieces of fruits and vegetables recommended for rabbits.
In addition to working on their cognitive abilities, Angora rabbits also need and love physical activity. Ideally, they should be able to get out of their cage every day and have a safe open space where they can run, jump and explore their surroundings. Physical exercise will be essential for the rabbit to maintain a correct weight and a balanced behavior, as well as to prevent obesity and behavioral problems.
Good hygiene will also be essential care for the Angora rabbit so that it does not come into contact with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The ideal is to clean up excrement and food residues, such as wet hay or bits of food, daily to prevent their accumulation. Drinkers and feeders should be washed at least three times a week and it will be necessary to clean and disinfect your Angora rabbit's entire cage at least once a week.
Feeding the angora rabbit
Like all animals, Angora rabbits need a complete and balanced diet in order to fully develop physically, emotionally and cognitively. The rabbit's diet must fully meet the specific nutritional needs of each stage of its life. Hay will be the most important element in the diet of adult rabbits, thanks to its high fiber content which stimulates intestinal transit and facilitates digestion, thus preventing gastrointestinal problems.
Your rabbit will need fresh, good quality hay in its cage, but you should check and change it regularly to prevent it from getting wet or coming into contact with urine or feces. Humidity promotes the growth of bacteria, fungi and other pathogens that can make your rabbit sick. In addition, you can offer him vegetables and fruits, always in quantities appropriate to his height, weight, age and lifestyle. It is also fundamental to provide your rabbit with optimal hydration, always leaving fresh and clean water in its cage.
Finally, don't forget that rabbits need to wear down their constantly growing teeth. In specialized stores, you can find wood and organic fruit branches that should be offered to your rabbit. But make sure they come from organic sources so they don't contain chemicals that could harm your lagomorph's he alth.
Angora rabbit he alth
Angora rabbits are generally better suited to temperate climates and can handle heat poorly. That is why we must pay particular attention to their environment during the hottest days in order to avoid high temperatures that could cause heatstroke. In addition to leaving fresh, clean water available to the rabbit, make sure that the room where he is is cool and well ventilated.
On the other hand, cold weather, unfavorable weather conditions and sudden temperature changes can also affect the he alth of your lagomorph. Although he has an abundant coat that helps him keep warm, the Angora rabbit is also sensitive to the cold and must suffer burns, colds and even hypothermia when exposed to low temperatures. So remember to provide your rabbit with a well-conditioned shelter during the winter.
The Angora rabbit can also develop some common rabbit diseases such as rabies, turalemia, infections of viral, bacterial or fungal origin, skin problems such as scabies, among others. Your rabbit will also need to have adequate preventative medicine to maintain optimal he alth and prevent the development of these conditions. For this reason, don't forget to take him to a specialized veterinarian every 6 months for a preventive consultation and to keep his vaccines up to date.
Angora Rabbit Pictures
