Angora Rabbit

Monday, 13 August 2007

Angora Rabbit Family   Angora rabbit The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara, Turkey. They are bred largely for their long wool, which may be removed by shearing or plucking (gently pulling loose wool). There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, four of which are ARBA recognized. Such breeds include, French, German, Giant, English, Satin, Chinese, Swiss, Finnish, to name a few.  English Angora  Weight: 5-7 1/2 lb. ARBA-accepted varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band English Angoras were derived from commercially-used French Angoras as a show breed. Rabbits of this breed are adorned with "furnishings," growths of wool on the tips of the ears and front feet, along with their thick body wool. They are gentle in nature but not recommended for those who don't enjoy grooming their animals. A French Angora rabbit This breed has guard hairs on the surface, with wool as an undercoat. Ear tufts are allowed but not preferred by breeders.  Giant      Weight: 9 1/2 lb. or larger      ARBA-accepted varieties: Ruby-Eyed White The Giant Angora is larger than other varieties of Angora, having been created to be an efficient wool rabbit on economical feed and housing. It has three hair types in its wool: underwool, awn fluff, and awn hair.  Satin Angora Weight: 6 1/2 to 9 1/2 lb. ARBA-accepted varieties: Agouti, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Ticked, Wide Band Derived from a cross between a Satin and a French Angora, this breed is named for the extremely soft texture of its wool. It has no furnishings on face, ears, or feet, and it is also easy to groom compared to the English variety. Satin Angora's wool is said to be stronger for spinning than other varieties of Angora.

 

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