English Angora

Senior Weight: 5-7lbs
Lifespan: 7-12 years
Body Type: Compact
Temperament: Docile, curious, social, calm
Bred for: Wool production
Maintenance: Moderate to high
Experience Level: Intermediate
National Club: NARBC

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About English Angoras

History

One of the oldest types of domesticated rabbits in the world, the angora rabbit is believed to have originated in the Ankara region of Turkey, previously known as Angora. Angoras were bred for their ability to produce wool which could be used to make fine clothing and other textiles. Later, they were bred for companionship, and became the preferred pet of French royalty in the mid-eighteenth century. The English Angora was bred from the French Angora specifically for show purposes. While we do not know exactly when this breed came to be, we do know that it was officially recognized as a breed of its own by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1944. Prior to 1939, the ARBA classified both French and English Angoras as "Angora Woolers". In 1939, they began separating the two with the classifications of "English Type" and "French Type". However, in 1944, the breeds were officially separated into their own recognized breeds.

Appearance

The English Angora is a smaller rabbit with a compact body type. In fact, the English Angora is the smallest of all ARBA recognized angora breeds. Due to their small stature, they are not well suited for meat rabbits, but are great wool producers. These rabbits have long dense wool that covers their entire body. One of the unique features of the English Angora are the ear tassels and face furnishings. Unlike other Angora breeds, the English Angora has wool that grows long at the ends of the ears as well as their cheeks and top of the head giving them their adorable appearance.

The English Angora comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but only specific colors are recognized by the ARBA. This does not make them any less desirable, it just means they are non-showable. However, these unique colors can make gorgeous wool for spinning and carding, or simply be a strikingly beautiful addition to your farm. Because their wool covers every inch of their body, they require consistent grooming and a higher protein diet which is why we do not recommend them as a beginner breed.