French Angora Rabbits are a domesticated breed of rabbits; that are known for their wool fur-like coat. They are from the regions of France and became widely popular in the early 1800s. They were made popular by an infamous rabbit breeder in France named Monsieur Lard. He was well known for breeding angora herds with his wife in France, and was known to give away and sell a lot of rabbits to other farmers.

In these early times of breeding in France these rabbits were raised for their wool coats; used for garment making. Garment making from this rabbit breed became so popular that the French became well known for their Angora fur clothing over two hundred years ago, as well as in today’s time.

Appearance of the French Angora Rabbit

• they can have varieties of color in fur ranging from white, chocolate, or lilac-blue
• blue or red eyes
• their chins can be black, chocolate, lilac-blue, or sometimes grey
• they weigh between 7lbs-10lbs
• high-density coat of wool-like fur
• over 65 varieties of color are available in this rabbit breed
• no wool on their ears, face, or feet

Coat Care

• require sheering due to the vast amounts of wool type fur
• should shear them up to twice a year, use a blow dryer to blow out fur
• regular daily brushing is a good idea
• regular bathing at least once a month to maintain a great coat of fur

Care Requirements

• can be kept indoors or outdoors
• should have sturdy enclosures
• they need plenty of daily exercises
• should keep their cages clean on a weekly bases due to their wool-like fur
• avoid wire cages due to feet sensitivity
• make sure there is adequate hay bedding in their cages

Diet

• fruits
• vegetables
• pellet food
• leafy green veggies
• hay

Health concerns

The French Angora has large amounts of wool-like fur which makes them suitable to a condition known as wool block. They will groom themselves often and are usually very clean animals. When they groom they tend to swallow small amounts of fur; because they have a wool coat they can not regurgitate the fur leaving large amounts of fur in their stomachs, this is a medical condition known as wool block.

Angora rabbits suffering from this condition will have a noticeable loss of appetite, and be less energetic. They will not defecate regularly, and this can lead to pain in your rabbit’s tummy. It’s important to keep them well-groomed so they do not suffer this particular health concern. If you notice these symptoms you should visit your regular vet immediately.

These rabbits also have a dental risk of overgrown teeth which can grow over their jaw causing extreme pain or discomfort. A weel maintained diet of the above-listed foods will help to properly avoid the overgrowing of the rabbit’s teeth.

Make sure that there are no poisonous plants in your garden where your rabbit an get to them.  Examples of common poisonous garden plants include buttercups, foxgloves, iris, primrose, delphiniums, columbine (aquilegia) hellebore, poppy, periwinkle, Rhododendron, nightshade, ivy, and holly.

Facts about the wool of the Angora

• very full and luxurious
• considered to be a natural animal fiber and is great for garment making
• non-allergenic so the wool does not irritate one’s skin
• easy to color dye
• blends well with other garment fibers when spun
• highly durable
• hand washable