ENGLISH ANGORA RABBITS

 

The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit and is bred for the long fibers of its coat, known as Angora wool. Because rabbits do not possess the same allergy-causing qualities as many other animals, their wool is an excellent alternative.

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English are the smallest Angora rabbit of the four ARBA-recognized breeds. This breed is more common as a pet because of the facial features that give it a puppy dog or teddy bear look.

English Angora are adorned with tassels of wool on their ears and the entire face except above the nose. They are gentle in nature, but they are not recommended for those who do not groom their animals. Their wool is very dense and needs to be groomed at least once a week.

 

Angoras are bred mainly for their wool, which is silky and soft. At only 11 microns in diameter, it is finer and softer than cashmere.  A healthy adult Angora's wool will grow approximately 1.2 inches per month. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent the fiber from matting and felting on the rabbit, which causes discomfort that can lead to pain and even infection. Angora wool is harvested every three to four months throughout the year. Angora wool may be gathered periodically by hand-plucking the hairs within the coat that are being naturally shed. A full harvesting is done by shearing the coat with clippers.

 

When showing an English Angora rabbit, the toenails should also be only one color, the ears could be folded over at the tips, and the furnishings on the face may cover their eyes. They generally weigh between 4.4 and 7.7 lbs. The ARBA recognizes English Angora in the following color varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Ruby-eyed White, Self, and Shaded.

 

These rabbits have been a fun and rewarding addition to our farmstead… and oh my, the cuddles!