When you’re trying to decide on what breed of rabbit to buy or adopt, there’s no doubt that color comes to mind as a factor. With rabbits available in solid colors of every imaginable hue, as well as combinations and unique, breed-specific coats, how should you choose which shade you’d like for your own?
In this article, we’ll be going over 12 popular rabbit breeds available in grey, including all sorts of shapes and sizes. You’ll also find a few on this list that don’t fit so neatly into any specific category, but have a predominantly grey coloration.
Ready to get started looking for your next grey rabbit? Then read on!
The 12 Grey Rabbit Breeds
1. Chinchilla
While it doesn’t receive the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s blessing as a “grey” rabbit, anyone looking at the Chinchilla might be likely to disagree. Named after the rodent that its coat so closely resembles, each of the three Chinchilla breeds boast remarkably plush fur and a modest demeanor.
In order from smallest to largest, you can find the Standard Chinchilla (5–7 pounds), American Chinchilla (10-12 pounds), and Giant Chinchilla (14–16 pounds). All share their characteristic earthen grey coats, and by many accounts make wonderful house pets.
2. Dutch
Easily recognized by their so-called “Dutch markings”, these spritely rabbits can be said to have the appearance of a little bandit’s mask and saddle. While they’ll never be fully grey, the ARBA recognized grey coat has a handsome contrast between the white saddle and grey mask. They have a reputation for being hardy and adaptable, and even making excellent foster mothers for newborn rabbits.
3. English Lop
With their impossible-to-miss oversized ears, the English Lop has passed its floppy-eared genes onto many other lop varieties. Grey English Lops are particularly handsome, with a fine gradation of color across their coats and into their massive ears. Easy-going and relaxed, they make excellent pets but must be looked after carefully to ensure they don’t injure their ponderous ears.
4. Flemish Giant
Often weighing between 15 and 20 pounds, these gentle giants were once fairly common in their homeland of Belgium. Now a more niche breed, they have an alert semi-arch posture and affable demeanors. Though less common in grey, they strike a handsome figure when found with that almost smoky color.
5. French Angora
Looking almost alarmingly like a cotton ball with a protruding face, the French Angora has the longest hair of any grey rabbit breed on our list. When found in grey, their faces will nearly always be black, making for an excellent color contrast with their exceptionally long hair. Expect frequent, intensive grooming sessions should you choose to welcome a French Angora into your family!
6. French Lop
Descended of the English Lop, the French Lop is optimized more for muscular size than comically large ears. Their plush, dense fur and generous top weights (nearly 15 pounds is not uncommon) have earned them a reputation as adorably squishy pets. Back that up with a docile demeanor, and you have all the makings of a wonderfully relaxed grey rabbit.
7. Holland Lop
The diminutive branch of the Lop family tree, Holland Lops are popular for their stubby, almost Bulldog-like posture and tiny size. Often weighing less than 4 pounds, they come in a painter’s palette of colors. Possessed of a mischievous temperament and generally high energy, they make perfect grey companions for smaller homes and apartments.
8.
First accepted by the ARBA in 1988, the Jersey Wooly was a passion project of one Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, New Jersey. The product of a cross-breeding of Netherland Dwarves, Chinchillas, Angoras, and an especially small Silver Marten, the Jersey Wooly is the fuzziest miniature rabbit around. Even with them weighing less than 4 pounds, you should be prepared for daily grooming to keep your new grey friend happy and healthy.
9. Lilac
Said to have a delicate pink tint on the surface of its fur (thus the name), the Lilac is always found with a decidedly light grey coat. Small (less than 8 pounds) and firmly fleshed, they are the product of interbreeding between Havanas and Blue Beverens. No other rabbit on this list has quite the same color of grey to its coat, making the Lilac truly one of a kind.
10. Rex
With all the squeezable plushness of a stuffed animal, Rexes of all colors are known for their incredibly soft and dense fur. Available in both Standard and Mini sizes, both breeds are regarded as being especially kind and affectionate. Their grey coats are as close as you’ll find to the delicate tint of the Lilac listed above.
11. Netherland Dwarf
Small and feisty, the Netherland Dwarf has lent its powerful genetics to many crosses with larger breeds aimed at producing miniaturized versions. Barely registering on the scale with a weight of just 2.5 pounds, these spunky rabbits are found in almost every color imaginable. Look especially for the Siamese sable and smoke point to see their most impressive grey colorations.
12. Silver
As one of the oldest and rarest rabbit breeds in North America, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a Silver outside of an ARBA sponsored show or selective breeder’s program. Their profusion of silver-white guard hairs is most obviously “grey” when seen over a black or brown base coat. Topping the scale at just over 7 pounds, they are seldom seen as house pets.
Conclusion
No matter your preference in coat color, there is likely a rabbit out there to fit your exact desires. If you were not particularly taken with the looks of these 12 popular breeds of grey rabbits, why not look at the 49 rabbit breeds recognized by the ARBA, or these 21 black rabbit breeds? Keep searching, and you’re certain to find the perfectly colored rabbit companion for you!
- Related read: Smoke Pearl Rabbit
Featured Image: Ludvicaam, Pixabay
