Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Updated:  September 4th, 2022
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock

Participating in 4-H clubs and programs can be an experience that will be cherished for life – especially when a child gains a pet best friend thanks to it. One of many programs that 4-H has is the so-called rabbit project, which is supposed to provide experience with “the selection, feeding, husbandry, and exhibiting of rabbits” to young people. There are various rabbit projects within the 4-H, including breeding, pet, and market projects, but we’ll focus on the best rabbits for 4-H programs that are meant for raising pet rabbits.


While bunnies might seem like an easy animal to care for, that might be misleading – rabbits require care, love, and attention as much as any other pet. Even within 4-H guidelines, it is emphasized that the bunnies that are raised for the project should be well taken care of, or the so-called five freedoms rule: freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain, injury or disease, from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. 


With that being said, the 4-H rabbit program can be an excellent way to introduce your kid to the responsibility of taking care of a pet. What starts off as a project, can become a beautiful friendship – but only if your child is serious about keeping the rabbit and providing them appropriate care. 


When it comes to the choice of rabbit breed for 4-H projects, any of the 50 rabbit breeds officially recognized by ARBA are accepted. Here is our choice of the 10 best rabbits for 4-H in terms of ease of care, personality, and showmanship potential.


Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

Katesalin Heinio/Shutterstock

#1 Dutch Rabbit


These small but immensely cute rabbits weigh 3.5 to 5.5 pounds and make great pets as well as show rabbits. The Dutch is distinct for the unusual markings of the coat – white saddle on the back, white blaze on the nose, and a white collar around the neck. These bunnies are smart, relatively friendly, and calm – they are a great first pet and will thrive when provided with proper care. A Dutch rabbit won’t mind being handled and will love being out of their enclosure, experiencing the world by your side, which is perfect if you plan on showing your pet for the 4-H project.

Erika Cross/Shutterstock

#2 Mini Lop Rabbit


Big floppy ears, cute fluffy fur, and a range of accepted colors and markings which make each bunny unique – what’s not to love about these guys? Weighing 3 to 6 pounds on average, Mini Lop rabbits are suited to families that don’t have space for a big hutch because, even though they’ll need ample space to roam about, competitive to their size, that’s not as much room as you’d expect. These bunnies are known as cuddly, playful, and sweet and will make a great pet and a companion at rabbit shows.

KanphotoSS/Shutterstock

#3 Lionhead Rabbit


As their name suggests, Lionhead rabbits are easy to spot thanks to their wooly, lion-like mane. The mane can be either thin and wispy (“single mane”) or thick and wooly (“double mane”) and can really make a bunny stand out in the crowd at the show. These rabbits are very small, weighing only 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, and will do great in an apartment provided that they have free space to stretch their legs. Thanks to their petite bodies, and playful, energetic personalities, these bunnies are a great choice for beginners.

Kassia Marie Ott/Shutterstock

#4 Mini Rex Rabbit


Popular for its plush coat and lovely temperament, the Mini Rex rabbit will make the sweetest companion and the star of any bunny show. These rabbits weigh 3.5 to 4.5 pounds on average and come in a wide range of accepted colors from all shades of solids to patterned and broken – anyone can find a Mini Rex to fall in love with. They are quiet and calm and tend to get along well with respectful, careful children that know how to properly handle a rabbit.

RATT_ANARACH/Shutterstock

#5 Netherland Dwarf Rabbit


The tiniest breed on our list is the adorable Netherland Dwarf, which weighs only 1 to 2.5 pounds! Ideal for people that have limited space for keeping a pet (a cage measuring 18 by 24 inches is perfectly fine as long as your bunny gets plenty of time outside of it). While incredibly cute and mild-mannered, Netherland Dwarfs tend to be a bit shy and skittish, so they might not be the best choice for an impatient young kid – but if you put in the effort to get them to trust you, you’ll be rewarded with a sweet, calm companion.

Sindii/Shutterstock

#6 Blanc De Hotot Rabbit


Unique-looking Blanc De Hotot rabbits are easy to recognize thanks to their striking looks – an all-white coat with dark brown, almost black round markings around their eyes that look like they have eyeliner on. Talk about a showstopper! These bunnies are somewhat large at 8 to 11 pounds on average so take their space requirements into account before committing. Blanc De Hotot rabbits have a sweet, friendly personality when socialized on time and make good pets for families of all sizes.

Lukasz Pawel Szczepanski/Shutterstock

#7 Checkered Giant Rabbit


If you have space to spare and want a big bunny that’s sweet but not too needy, the Checkered Giant is the breed for you. These rabbits weigh 11 to 13 pounds and boast one-of-a-kind markings on their all-white body: blue or black butterfly mark on their nose, two spots on their sides, and a single stripe running across their back. While relatively friendly and docile, Checkered Giants are not clingy as some breeds of rabbits – they don’t mind being handled but won’t seek it out.

Jne Valokuvaus/Shutterstock

#8 Polish Rabbit


An all-around favorite both as a pet and participant at rabbit shows, the Polish rabbit is a dwarf breed with a stellar personality. With their average weight being 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, these bunnies are quite petite and adaptable to various living situations. A cuddly, friendly, and affectionate breed when socialized young, the Polish will enjoy your companionship and won’t mind being handled during the showing. These bunnies are accepted in 6 colors – white with blue eyes, white with red eyes, black, blue, chocolate, and broken pattern.



Orest lyzhechka/Shutterstock

#9 Californian Rabbit


Originally bred as a commercial rabbit, the Californian became a beloved pet and show rabbit across the years. A large breed that weighs 8 to 10.5 pounds, it is quite easy to spot because of its unusual markings, which are the breed’s trademark: black or near-black markings on their nose, feet, and ears. Also, all Californian rabbits must have pink eyes, which makes these bunnies quite striking! Gentle and docile, these rabbits will make lovely pets and show animals – once socialized, they will surprise you with their curious and affectionate side.

purezba/Shutterstock

#10 English Lop Rabbit


If you want a rabbit that will steal the show and always be the most interesting participant in a 4-H rabbit project, you can’t go wrong with the beautiful English Lop. Their most recognizable trait is their long, oversized ears that can measure up to 32 inches, making them the breed with the longest ears in the world. On average, the English Lop rabbits weigh 9 to 10.5 pounds so they will need a bit more space to feel comfortable and happy. Calm, mild-mannered, and affectionate, these long-eared bunnies make rewarding companions for families of all shapes and sizes.



What Is the 4-H Rabbit Project?


Widely considered America’s biggest youth development organization, 4-H provides children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 years with fun and educational opportunities. There are various great activities included, from camps to project clubs – and one of the more popular projects with the 4-H is the rabbit project. 


The 4-H rabbit project teaches children everything about the fascinating world of bunnies, from how to select and breed rabbits all the way to care, feeding, and much more. There are three types of rabbit projects that are available to participate in – market rabbit project, rabbit breeding project, and pet rabbit project. For the market rabbit project, the focus is on breeds that have been bred for meat production, where the goal is to raise at least one litter of rabbits and showcase at least one of them. In the case of the rabbit breeding project, the participants are taught the basics of selecting and breeding rabbits for their desirable traits, but this will also involve culling, which is something to have in mind when considering projects.


Last but not least is the pet rabbit project, which in our opinion, is the best option for any child as it provides a way for a kid to learn everything about the responsibility of caring for rabbits and get to enjoy the companionship these animals provide without the downsides that come with the breeding or market project. The pet rabbit will have to be shown and the kid will have to keep a track record of everything they do for their bunny and all of the things they’ve learned in the process.


How to Choose a Rabbit for the 4-H Rabbit Project


Since the rabbit (or rabbits) that have been chosen for the 4-H rabbit project will have to be shown, the breed you pick has to be officially recognized by the ARBA – or, in other words, a purebred rabbit. There are 50 breeds that ARBA recognizes as such, so there’s plenty to choose from, regardless of which of the three projects is picked. As the rabbit has to be purebred, you will have to obtain one from a breeder to ensure they can be shown in a competition.


If you’re choosing a rabbit for the market rabbit project, you need to pick a breed that has been raised for meat production, such as New Zealand rabbit, Champagne D’Argent, Silver Fox, etc. The goal of the project is to learn the specifics of caring for such types of rabbits and keep a track record of the activities, with the final assignment being showing one (or more) of your rabbits at a show.


The pet rabbit project only requires the rabbit to be recognized by ARBA, but it can be any of the 50 breeds you like. Whether you prefer large breed rabbits that love spending time outdoors or dwarf bunnies that can adapt well to living in an apartment – it’s all the same. The requirements are to care for the rabbit’s health and wellbeing and raise a healthy, happy bunny that will be shown when the project is finished. 


For those that opt for the breeding project, the choice of breed is not the only consideration – their rabbit(s) has to adhere to the Standard of Perfection as well. They will be raising a show rabbit that has to have meticulous looks, to be posed and shown in certain ways, and know how to select kits that will display those desired qualities, too. In some ways, this type of rabbit project is the most demanding of all. 


It is important to note that, while the basics of the 4-H rabbit project are the same in any state, there are certain variations from state to state. Before you decide on doing a rabbit project, it’s best to thoroughly inform yourself on the specifics and commit to it only if you are fully prepared to provide the best possible care for the rabbit. Even though projects such as this are fun and educational, the final goal should be to ensure the wellbeing of the animal you care for, so don’t take this lightly. You should only do this project if you are ready to commit to owning a rabbit and providing them the best possible care – for the next couple of years of their life.

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?

There has been a recent surge in dog lovers and prospective dog parents interested in hypoallergenic pups. The allure of a hypoallergenic dog is undeniable for those who may feel limited due to allergies. But does the perfect allergy-free pet truly exist?While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, certain breeds are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This could open the door for pet allergy sufferers to add a furry companion to the family. This guide will explore the reality of hypoallergenic dogs and help you choose the dog that best suits the needs and sensitivities of your family.What is a “Hypoallergenic Dog?”Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog? Contrary to popular belief, the term hypoallergenic, when applied to a product or item, does not mean that it absolutely cannot cause an allergic reaction. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “hypoallergenic” is defined as “having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.”These are dog breeds that are less likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers due to various physical characteristics. For example, the breed may be low shedding, have shorter coats (or be considered hairless), or the coat type naturally catches and traps allergens like loose hair and dander, controlling its spread around your home.While these qualities make it more likely that these dogs could co-exist peacefully with an allergic family member, it is important to note that they are not 100% free from allergens.Which Dogs are Considered to be HypoallergenicDeciding which dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic is a bit of a grey area. Some breeds will make the list when speaking with one expert, and not the list shared by the next. This can make it difficult to determine if a dog you are considering will be a good fit for your home.Even if the dog breed you are considering is well-known for their hypoallergenic coats, I recommend having a conversation with the breeder, the shelter/rescue you are adopting from, and your doctor (or allergist) to prepare yourself to take precautions and minimize any risk. Individual dogs may have unique grooming needs or considerations even within a breed.Here is a list of breeds commonly referred to as hypoallergenic: Affenpinscher Afghan Hound American Hairless TerrierBarbado da Terceira Barbet Bedlington Terrier Bichon Frise Bolognese Chinese Crested Coton de Tulear Irish Water Spaniel Kerry Blue Terrier Lagotto Romagnolo Lowchen Maltese Peruvian Inca Orchid Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard) Portuguese Water DogRussian Tsvetnaya BolonkaSchnauzer ( Miniature, Standard, Giant) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Xoloitzcuintli Yorkshire TerrierWhat about mixed-breed dogs? With the current buzz surrounding poodle mixes like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and more, many interested in finding a hypoallergenic companion have been told they are the perfect option. The truth is that no one can give you an honest and definite answer that can be applied to all dogs of a specific mix.While “doodle” dogs do have poodles in their genes, it can’t be guaranteed that the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle coat will be present in every puppy. For example, a Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) could be born with a hypoallergenic poodle-like coat or a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever more. If you live with allergies, you know that Golden Retrievers are definitely not a hypoallergenic option.This isn’t to say that mixed breeds won’t be hypoallergenic. However, you need to consider each dog's physical attributes individually instead of making an assumption based on their breed makeup. Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. For example, a dog could have a very short coat but produce larger amounts of dander, a common dog-related allergen.Purebreds that are often mistaken or mislabeled as hypoallergenic include: Basset Hound Boxer Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever Pug Shih TzuIf in doubt, speak with the breeder or rescue worker about your needs. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed they produce and committed to only placing their dogs in homes that are an ideal fit. Shelter and rescue workers are dedicated to finding the best home for the dogs in their care. Even if the dog you’re considering adopting isn’t a good fit, they will likely have recommendations for others you should consider.

How to Introduce Your Cat to Your Baby

Are you preparing to welcome a new baby, and you want to be sure that your fur baby will be ready for such a big change? Cats are creatures of habit, so major shifts in their daily life, which happens when a child is born, can cause them to feel stressed. But if you take the right steps in advance and after you bring your baby home, you can ensure everyone in your family will adjust to the changes without anxiety.Check out the tips below on how to introduce your cat to your newborn.

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

When a cat is exposed to extremely cold conditions, they are at risk of frostbite, which may require professional veterinary care. But what is frostbite, what puts a cat at risk of frostbite, and what can be done to treat it? Here’s a short guide to help you better understand this condition and keep your cat safe.

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

Does My Cat Have a Urinary Tract Infection?

Is your cat using the litterbox more frequently? Have you seen them straining or struggling to do their business? These are common signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a struggle faced by many aging cats.While a UTI is not life-threatening if caught early, it can be incredibly uncomfortable for your feline friend.This post will help you learn the signs and symptoms of a UTI in cats, understand the causes of an infection, and equip you with the information needed to decide if a trip to the vet is necessary. Most importantly, it will help you take steps to keep your cat feeling happy and healthy as quickly as possible.What Is A Urinary Tract Infection in Cats?Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that occur in a cat’s bladder or urethra. UTIs are common in dogs but much less regularly seen in cats. However, senior cats and those with endocrine diseases, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, are at a much higher risk. Luckily, these infections areas easily treated in most cases if caught and addressed early. This is why it’s so crucial for cat parents to be familiar with the warning signs.Common Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in CatsWhen a cat begins to experience an infection, the warning signs are subtle and may be hard to spot. This is further complicated by the fact that symptoms can mimic many other conditions that affect the urinary tract or bladder.The most common signs to watch out for include:Straining or struggling to urinateOnly passing small amounts of urine or failing to urinate completelyBlood in the urineCrying or vocalizing while urinatingIncreased frequency of urination Accidents outside the litterboxFrequent licking of the genitalsAs some of the conditions associated with these warning signs can be severe or life-threatening, and a UTI left unaddressed can quickly become more serious, you shouldn’t ignore any of the red flags. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.Can Urinary Tract Infections in Cats Go Away on Their Own?If the infection is mild and your cat has a strong immune system, there is a chance that their body can fight off the infection effectively. However, this only occurs in the early stages, before any noticeable symptoms. If you have noticed any of the signs I listed above, the infection has likely progressed to the point that it requires treatment and veterinary care.Are Urinary Tract Infections Contagious?If you have multiple cats in your home, you will be relieved to hear that UTIs are not contagious from cat to cat. However, the development of a UTI in one cat could indicate that lifestyle or nutritional choices are being made that could increase the risk of other cats suffering from a similar struggle.This is a good sign to take a step back and reevaluate the decisions that have been made, including what you feed your cats, accessibility to fresh water (or encouragement to drink more water), and potential stress triggers. For more about this, keep reading to see tips to prevent a UTI in cats.How Does a Veterinarian Diagnose a UTI?When you first visit your vet’s office, they will conduct a physical exam and likely perform a urinalysis. This will help them better understand your cat’s physical condition and will help rule out many of the conditions associated with the warning signs. They will likely ask you several questions related to your cat’s lifestyle, water consumption, how often and how much they are urinating, and whether there have been any noticeable behavioral changes.The urinalysis checks your cat’s urine for the presence of substances like blood, proteins, sugar, and ketones. This provides unique insight into your cat’s overall health and well-being, helping your vet better understand what is happening.Your vet may also send a urine sample for a urine culture. This will confirm if there is a bacterial infection and the type of bacteria present. Unfortunately, a urine culture will often take several days before the results are available.Additional testing may be needed in rare cases, depending on the results of the initial exam. This could include x-rays, blood pressure, ultrasounds, or biopsies. Your veterinarian will provide you with more detailed information about what tests are needed and why they are necessary.

Common Garden Plants That Can Send Your Dog into Cardiac Arrest

Spring is finally upon us! For dog owners, spring is always a welcoming sight as it signals the start of longer walks in the park and more time in the garden. The backyard is usually a fun place for you and your pooch to play and run around. However, certain types of plants are dangerous to dogs and can make your backyard a safety hazard. Experts advise that some spring plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can be harmful to your pooch and should be avoided at all costs. Some of these plants are known to cause upset stomachs, itching, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest in dogs. Craig Wilson, co-founder, director, and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has listed the toxic flowers and plants you should keep from the home and garden if you have a dog. DaffodilsDid you know that daffodils, one of the most popular heralds of spring, are poisonous to both cats and dogs? These trumpet-shaped flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine which causes stomach pain and diarrhea when ingested. Bulbs are the most toxic part of the daffodil plant, but dogs can also get sick after consuming the flowers. Even drinking the water from a vase that contains daffodils can cause toxicity in dogs.Tulips All parts of the tulip plant - bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers - are toxic to both cats and dogs. The bulb stores the highest concentration of toxins, making it the most toxic part of the plant. Most dogs will experience drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming tulips. In severe cases, dogs can experience heart problems and difficulty breathing.IrisesColorful and hardy irises are a popular flower in many household gardens. Unfortunately, irises are toxic to dogs and can make your pooch sick if ingested or touched. Irises contain irisin, a toxic compound that triggers tissue irritation when swallowed or touched. The bulbs and rhizomes hold the highest concentration of irisin, making this plant particularly hazardous to dogs who like to dig.Hyacinths Many people like planting hyacinths in their gardens, but these tall and vibrant plants are harmful to dogs. Hyacinths belong to the same family as tulips and contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in all areas of the plant and are shaped like needles. When ingested, these crystals can pierce a dog’s soft tissues, causing severe pain.Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning also include diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. If you suspect your pooch has ingested any part of the hyacinth plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible. BluebellsAll parts of the bluebell plant contain a toxic compound called glycosides. Not only are bluebells harmful to cats and dogs, but this plant is also toxic to horses and cattle. If any part of the bluebell plant is consumed, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When eaten in large quantities, bluebells can be fatal.Hydrangeas Many gardeners love the look of hydrangeas in the spring and fall, but dog owners beware - hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. Dogs can become poisoned from eating any part of the hydrangea plant, as they all contain cyanogenic glycoside.Chewing plants with this toxic compound releases cyanide and can result in loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and increased heart rate. Munching on the flowers, buds, leaves, or bark of the hydrangea plant can make dogs sick, so keep a close eye on your pooch whenever they are sniffing around a hydrangea plant.These are just some of the most common plants that can make your dog sick, but there are more! If your pooch likes to munch on plants, it’s best not to leave them unsupervised in the garden.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Strict Rules for Bringing Your Dog Across the US Border Start Aug 1st

All the Canadians who were considering bringing their pooches across the U.S. border are now facing new and very strict rules. Coming into effect August 1st, this new rule will require all owners to own vet-approved documentation that would prove that the dog was vaccinated against rabies. All those who were used to journeying to the USA will have to navigate these strict new regulations. The new rules were introduced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and prevent casual crossing of the international border with a canine. Instead, owners are required to present papers to the CDC in advance of a planned trip, and thus prove that their pooch is healthy, vaccinated against rabies, and has a valid microchip. In simpler terms, spontaneous travel to the USA is no longer possible.So, beginning this August 1st, your dog will have to be at least six months old to travel to the U.S. and fulfill all the conditions above as well. Of course, owners have to be understanding too: these new measures are there to keep the U.S. free of rabies. One additional condition on the list is a requirement that “your dog hasn’t been in one of over 100 countries where rabies is not under control, in the previous six months.”To help owners fully understand all these - and other - regulations, the CDC launched its special DogBot application that makes everything easier to understand. Even so, many owners are finding these changes radical. For years, taking your dog across the U.S. border was simple, regulated by border officials, and required few if any documents. But that is all about to change coming this August. Owners will have to complete a string of tasks before even considering travel. Vaccinations, vet visits, microchips – the list is hefty and mandatory. Many owners concluded that this new rule implies treating a dog as “chattel”, a thing you own, and not a friend and family member. But it’s not just the perception, but rather the unnecessary complications that come with it – you have to have a form filled out by a vet, to ensure that the microchip your pet has is compatible with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This brings up the question of whether the chips issued by vets are compatible with the ISO. So far, there is no explanation issued by the CDC to resolve this. The new rules also affect doggos that are younger than six months and thus cannot be vaccinated against rabies. Before, they could enter the U.S., but now this is no longer possible. Besides, the new rules and form requirements will be an additional expense for owners, who would already be burdened with the costs of travel.Needless to say, the regulations will also have major implications for breeders, show dog owners, rescue organizations, and others. “If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States,” warns the CDC. “If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated - not where the dog was born or where it lives.”

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