Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae. The European or Old World rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the only genus of domestic rabbits. Wild rabbits and hares include cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus) and the “true” hares or jackrabbits (Lepus). In Western nations, rabbits have been kept as pets since the 1800s. As pets, they need a considerable amount of care and attention. Many different breeds of rabbits are available; common differences between breeds include size, color, and length of fur.

There are many breeds of rabbits, including English Lop, English Angora, Netherland Dwarf, and Beveren.

A male rabbit is called a buck, a female is called a doe, and a baby is called a kit. Rabbits are born blind and hairless. In the wild, they are usually born and live in underground burrows.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Diane McClure, DVM, PhD, DACLAM