French Lop or Flemish?

[piperknitsRN]

I’ve asked this on another forum, but I’m just curious.  I’ve always had Holland Lops and love their quirky little personalities (a whole lot of personality in a little package).  But I’m thinking next time I own a rabbit, I might want to go with a big breed, like a Flemish or a French Lop, based on what I’ve heard about their personalities (laid back, puppy-like).  Any one want to chime in on which breed is their favorite and why?

[AbbyGirl]

Well, I LOVE my Flemish Giant but I don’t think that a rabbit can be judged by it’s breed. For example, the rabbit rescue I work with had 7 Flemish Giants surrendered to them all at once. One was very shy and antisocial, another was spunky/hyper and always on the go, yet another was a snuggle bun, there was also one we called the princess (she would bite, chase you and do anything to get her way), one could actually climb a 6′ chain link fence! Each rabbit is different and has it’s own personality, just like people.

[Sarita]

I totally agree with AbbyGirl – you really cannot judge a rabbit personality by the breed. I will have to say though that all of my New Zealand whites have had very nice dispositions, but I think I was just lucky. They were large and loveable but I wouldn’t want one charging at me :~)

[Lis]

Link (our flemmie who just passed) was NOT laid back at all. I have had a whooping one laid back bun in my life – and he was a dwarf, which are supposed to be high strung. I don’t listen to personality traits for that reason.
I’m one of those people who tends to tell the shelter to give them their most unwanted rabbit. My fiance currently wants another flemmie (and we alternate who picks the next pet and it’s his turn) because he likes them for the fact that he can honestly say to most people “my rabbit is bigger than your dog”. He’s a little silly, but he loves me and the buns.

[piperknitsRN]

Lis:  I am sorry to hear about your Link; it is so sad when a family member (and I do think of my pets as family) dies.  I guess with these things it is kinda luck of the draw.  Another option for me would be to go to a shelter or rescue and explain the personality type I am looking for…  That said, so far I’ve been lucky; my Hollands, while not particularly stoked on being picked up or handled, have also been pretty sweet, good natured pets. 

[Lis]

From my experiences, rescues know their buns better – simply because most are fostered instead of living in the shelter. Their personalities get a chance to shine that way.
And thank you – I view Link as a son, so losing him has been very difficult and I’m still struggling. I currently have Bunspace’s Pacer and can’t even attempt to look at the pics I took when Pacer arrived, because the very last pictures I ever took of Link are on there.

[piperknitsRN]

Lis:  I know how you feel because I lost my heart dog Piper two years ago.  I miss him to this very day and probably always will.  Hugs to you!

 

Best,

 

Jamie in the PacNW

[NaturalRabbit]

Breed doesn’t matter as much as the individual rabbit does. I’ve seen vicious French Lops, sweet Tans, puppy dog Belgian Hares, and neurotic Flemish Giants. It all depends on early socialization and specific temperaments.

I love big breeds, but the downside is that they tend to live a much shorter life span than an average or small sized rabbit. They can also be difficult to maintain a good weight (they tend to become overweight without lots of exercise and a good diet). In my own personal experience, the larger rabbit breeds I have owned in the past have been more prone to illness and surgery complications as well (but again, individual rabbits have individual immune systems).

I’d just go with a rescue bunny who picks you! Regardless of breed or size!

[Lis]

Posted By EarthBunny on 08/09/2011 05:27 PM
Breed doesn’t matter as much as the individual rabbit does. I’ve seen vicious French Lops, sweet Tans, puppy dog Belgian Hares, and neurotic Flemish Giants. It all depends on early socialization and specific temperaments.

I love big breeds, but the downside is that they tend to live a much shorter life span than an average or small sized rabbit. They can also be difficult to maintain a good weight (they tend to become overweight without lots of exercise and a good diet). In my own personal experience, the larger rabbit breeds I have owned in the past have been more prone to illness and surgery complications as well (but again, individual rabbits have individual immune systems).

I’d just go with a rescue bunny who picks you! Regardless of breed or size!

Actually, according to the vet we used to see (we moved away), who specialized in large breeds, large breeds have an UNDERWEIGHT problem, not an overweight. Link was underweight.

[NaturalRabbit]

Lis,

 

How interesting! Thanks for the input, always learning!

I have always seen it the other way around.

 

 

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