Angora rabbit

Angora rabbit

Black and white Angora rabbit in cage
Country of origin	Turkey
Type	English, French, Giant, Satin, German, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, Korean, St. Lucian
Traits
Weight	Male: English: 2.0–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lb) French: 3.5–4.5 kg (7.7–9.9 lb) Satin: 3.0–4.5 kg (6.6–9.9 lb) Giant: 12 lb – 5.5kg or larger Female: English: 2.0–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lb) French: 3.5–4.5 kg (7.7–9.9 lb) Satin: 3.0–4.5 kg (6.6–9.9 lb) Giant: 12 lb – 5.5kg or larger
Coat	Long
Wool color	(See 'Color' section)
Color	Chestnut black, white, light brown
Lifespan	7–12 years
Fur type	Fine
Distinguishing features	Angora rabbits' fur is combed when it gets thick. The Angora rabbits' fur is used in Angora Wool. They go through a heavy shed every couple months.

The Angora rabbit (Turkish: Ankara tavşanı) is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft wool. The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara (historically known as Angora), present day Turkey, along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid-18th century, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. They are bred largely for their long Angora wool, which may be removed by shearing, combing, or plucking. There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are recognized by American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA); they are English, French, Giant, and Satin. Other breeds include German, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, Korean, and St. Lucian.

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. Most Angora rabbits are calm and docile, but should be handled carefully. Grooming is necessary to prevent the fiber from matting and felting on the rabbit. A condition, wool block, is common in Angora rabbits, and should be treated quickly. These rabbits are shorn every three to four months throughout the year.

As with all rabbits, abundant and unlimited hay should be provided. The fiber the rabbit gains from the hay helps prevent wool block (also referred to as intestinal impaction). It is also recommended particularly for Angora and other long-haired rabbit species that any pellet diets have at least 13% fiber. Fiber content can be found in the nutritional analysis on the food bag. Additionally fecal impaction can be caused by dehydration, which can be prevented by providing unlimited water as well as a salt lick to encourage drinking water.