Bunny longevity

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve seen many different suggestions as to how many years a bunny usually lives (about 7-12 years).

I’m just wondering if bunnies are like horses and dogs wherein the smaller breeds tend to have a longer life span than the larger breeds. I’m hoping this is true cuz I have two wee buns.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’ve heard that smaller breeds live longer; I’ve read full size is up to ten years and dwarves are ten plus; I am sure it’s a huge variance because it really depends on quality of care, vet care etc. But I’ve defo heard that dwarves live longer!

[osprey]

It is my understanding that the smaller breeds live longer in captivity than the larger breeds.  I don’t know about the medium sized ones.  The large breeds have been selected for traits that make them good farm animals (large size, fast growth) and what I read somewhere was the extra size is harder on their hearts as they age.  It is also easier for a dwarf rabbit to get reasonable exercise in a small space.

[Beka27]

 

i did a search and this is something i came up with.  it’s only one source and i don’t know how correct it is… it looks like it’s just someone’s personal page.  i don’t know if anyone has any more concrete info.  i’m certain it will also vary depending on the quality of care and regular vet attention.

"Rabbits generally live 8 to 12 years (if they do not develop cancer or contract pasteurella). The oldest rabbit in the Guiness Book of World Records died at the age of 18. Teenage rabbits are common. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans than dwarf breeds. Purebred rabbits generally have shorter lifespans than mixed breeds. Lops (all kinds) and Netherland dwarfs are known for their longevity."

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/rabbits/rabintro.htm

[Sarita]

Well this is from House Rabbit Society:

http://www.rabbit.org/fun/life-span.html

[MooBunnay]

I have some bunnies that I think have such strong rabbitude that they will probably live forever just due to their extreme dissaproval of death Henri will probably look death right in the eye, give a loud **THUMP**, then settle into a nice loaf position and continue to live forever.

[babybunsmum]

lol moobunnay!  i agree   i think baby bun is on borrowed time because of extreme rabbitude.  i’ve said that for years now, but seeing how her life has changed since her mastectomy it seems like she’s saying ‘oh yeah?  well take THIS!’ more than ever.

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

Ah, Moobunnay, you always make me smile. You rock!

[wendyzski]

BunBun (who belonged to someone on one of my other bunny groups) lived to be 16!  If you google images of "bunny yawn" the Dutch in most of the first few pics is/was BunBun.

[Ash]

moobunnay- too funny!! LOL!!

[Author]

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