English Angora Rabbit | Overview and Care Guide
The English Angora Rabbit stands out with its ultra-soft luxurious wool and endearing personality. The rabbit comes with a fluffy appearance and an affectionate demeanor making it charming. This breed has captured the hearts of fiber enthusiasts, show breeders, and pet owners. This Rabbit was originally bred to produce wool, but over time it has become a companion animal because of its gentle nature and unique look. Although, caring for them can be a challenge because of their matting dense coat. In this article, we will cover the history, classification, characteristics, care requirements, and fun facts about the English Angora Rabbit.
English Angora Breeds History
Turkish wool has always been coveted and, subsequently, this rabbit’s history originates from Ankara, Turkey, where it was first bred as a source of prized wool. Not until the 18th century did Europe get to know Angora rabbits, but soon aristocrats accepted the soft fiber, which was Angora, as a gift, with open arms. It is now known that America also got access to it, but freshly in the early 20th century. Show and fiber production were considered in American breeding.
The American rabbit breeders association acknowledged (ARBA) this rabbit breed to be the smallest of the Angora breeds. The distinguishing feature of English Angora is its full facial furnishings. Differently from Giant angora or French Angora, English variety is distinct in that it’s face and ears are wool covered, providing a teddy bear appearance. The breed is still relevant today, as it maintains practical uses for the fiber and Newport show ring during competitions.
Classification of English Angora Breeds
By Purpose
English Angora rabbits have masticated to their primary purpose to exploit wool. The plucking or shearing of Angora rabbit’s hair gives a fine silky fiber which is spun into yarn and is very desired in textiles. These Rabbits are not often raised for meat and serve well as show rabbits and pets who are friendly. As with most things in life these days, they are best kept as companions because of their calm nature. Their functional nature is dual purpose. The care needs are similar whether for exhibition or wool and regular grooming is a must with these pets.
By Size
As indicated in the wording, the medium sized rabbit “English Angora” is 5 to 7.5 pounds in weight. Their compact body and long dense coat make them appear significantly larger than their body. It has a rounded frame, short erect tufted ears, and wool covering even its face that sets it aside from other breeds. Angora breed is further divided into the giant Angora which is larger in size. Their size and character make the English Angora more appealing to fiber artists and pet enthusiasts making them easier to manage and handle without the bulk of larger Angora breeds. For caretakers of wool producing pets, their ideal size and calm demeanor is a huge plus.
Most Popular English Angora Characteristics
Its rich, thick fur that can grow for many inches is what English Angora rabbits are noted for. Their fur ranges in color from white and black to chocolate, blue, lilac, and fawn. English Angora rabbits are renowned in rabbit shows as the breed with stuffed animal looks due to their wooly face and ears. Docile, affectionate, sociable, and gentle are some terms used to describe the nature of English Angoras. They love to be with people and tend to bond very closely with their owners. English Angoras are intelligent, easily learning how to use a litter box, and adjust well to being kept indoors. While they make excellent companions, these rabbits require constant attention.
Considerations for an English Angora before Purchasing
English Angora rabbits offer remarkable beauty but require extensive care in grooming and maintenance. Ideal prospects should be ready to commit to regular grooming sessions, at least 2 to 3 times weekly brushing to avert matting. To promote rabbit wellness and cooling every 90 days, their wool should be harvested. There is wool self-groomed by processed blocked, therefore a rabbit’s diet should include good quantities of fiber, hay, amongst others.
For cleanliness maintenance and hygiene in wool, their environment should ideally be clean, dry, and quite large. These curious and playful rabbits also require space alongside toys for exercise. Before making an adoption of an English Angora, ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge, resources, and time to cater for the unique needs of the English Angora.
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Responsible Tips for Ownership of English Angora Rabbits
Just as with all other English Angora breeds, an English Angora requires consistent and accurate care. Prevent tangles by removing loose wool with a fine-toothed comb or blower, and regularly groom the rabbit by shearing every 90 days to improve comfort while simultaneously preventing overheating. Their housing should consist of a solid-floored enclosure big enough for movement, lined with soft bedding to protect their sensitive feet.
Prevention of wool block and proper digestion can be ensured with a balanced diet of unlimited hay, fresh pellets, and branched greens. Pay attention to their appetite, fecal size, and other hints of reduced appetite as these may be signs of underlying digestive problems. Like all rabbits, these need socialization, so bonding should also be done on a daily basis. Regular health vet checkups also assist in monitoring their health, promoting overall wellness. With care, English Angoras provide ample amounts of quality fiber and serve as an affectionate pet.
English Angora Bunnies Fun Facts
Natural Fiber Producers: Their wool is softer and warmer than sheep’s wool and as such is utilized in the making of luxury garments.
Hypoallergenic Qualities: The Angora breed is known as the only Angora breed with its whole face covered in wool thus can be classed as hypoallergenic which makes it safe for people who have sensitive skin.
Royal Favorite: Angoras have coats of wool so fine that they were favored by European royalty and nobles.
Affectionate Nature: This breed is famous for being extremely gentle; most of them love to be cuddled with and played with gently.
FAQs on English Angora Breeds
Conclusion
The English Angora rabbit is unique in its own way because of its dense fleece and its affectionate persona. If you are a fiber artist looking for quality angora or a pet enthusiast looking for a friendly and soft pet rabbit, this rabbit fulfills your needs. Despite the intensive grooming, this breed provides loyal companionship and luxurious wool to attentive owners. Nurtured with the proper grooming, care and love, the English Angora can flourish and be treasured in any family. The breed provides functionality, beauty, and immense joy to those who are willing to invest their time and effort.