Brazilian Rabbit

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: March 7th, 2017

About Brazilian Rabbit

Size

Medium

Weight

7-11 lb

Lifespan

5-10 years

Body Shape

Males are commercial, while females are semi-arch/mandolin

Best Suited For

Rabbit owners of all experience levels, including families with other pets

Temperament

Gentle, friendly, social, and calm

Comparable Breeds

European Rabbit

Brazilian Rabbit Breed History/Origin

The Brazilian Rabbit is a popular pet rabbit breed that is native to South America, and it is common in the countryside, as well as suburban districts and market areas, in Brazil. These are considered European domestic rabbits, and it is thought that they were introduced to Brazil by Portuguese sailors.

Although there are some breeders in the United Kingdom and in the United States, particularly in Arizona, where a small population of these rabbits has grown since they were introduced in the 1980s by a Peace Corp volunteer who was returning home, this breed is not recognized by the British Rabbit Council (BRC) or the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). As a result, this breed is common in Brazil, but rare in other parts of the world.

You’ll need to brush your Brazilian Rabbit at least once a week.

Overall Description

The shape of Brazilian Rabbit males is the commercial shape, making them stocky and round. Females, on the other hand, feature a mandolin shape, giving them a semi-arch profile.

The ears should be large, well furred, and thick, and they are carried upright, open, and forward.

Coat

A Brazilian Rabbit’s coat will be thick and dense. It will also feature long, coarse guard hairs and fluffy, thick underfur that either stays erect or rolls back slowly when ruffled.

You will need to brush your Brazilian Rabbit at least once a week in order to remove loose fur and excess fur. Doing so will prevent matting and keep the coat clean and healthy.

Colors

Even though the Brazilian Rabbit can feature a variety of colors, the main varieties include self, broken, and Californian. Their coats can be patterned or solid, and colors can include a variety of blue or dilute black shades, such as blue, blue chin, opal, blue frosted white, smoked blue pearl, blue steel, blue fawn, and tortoiseshell. This is because the Brazilian people prefer pastel, bright colors, and this rabbit breed has been fixed for dilution and black pigment. Aside from the Californian pattern, all of these rabbits will have eyes that are hazel to blue-grey in color.

The Brazilian Rabbit isn’t recognized by the BRC or the ARBA.

Care Requirements

Because Brazilian Rabbits, like other rabbit breeds, are herbivorous, you need to provide your pet with a varied diet that consists of hays, such as Timothy hay, and commercial rabbit pellets. Fresh foods, such as leafy greens and other vegetables, as well as some fruits, can also be included in your pet’s diet. This will ensure that your rabbit gets plenty of fiber and nutrients every day. Also provide your pet with fresh, clean water at all times.

You can choose to house your Brazilian Rabbit indoors or outside. Housing these rabbits inside your home will protect them from predators, extreme temperatures, and other dangers, but be sure to rabbit-proof your house for your pet’s safety and to keep your belongings from being chewed on.

When housing a rabbit indoors, you do need to let him out to exercise and roam, as well as get access to fresh air and sunshine. You can even provide your indoor rabbit with some safe access to the great outdoors with the help of an exercise pen, lawn enclosure, or extension hutch.

Health

It is important to know that Brazilian Rabbits could be susceptible to viral infections and colds, so keep your pet away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. You should also do your best to keep your pet’s stress level as low as possible to prevent him from becoming more susceptible to illness.

Like other rabbits, Brazilian Rabbits can also become infected with ear mites or develop conjunctivitis, hairball obstructions, bloat, and intestinal problems like coccidiosis.

Brazilian Rabbits do best when they are kept in pairs or trios.

Temperament/Behavior

The Brazilian Rabbit is a popular pet breed because these animals are gentle, friendly, social, and calm. They will get along well with other pets, such as guinea pigs, dogs, and cats, but they do best when they are kept in pairs or trios. Even as adults, they will rarely fight with one another, as they instead prefer snuggling with each other, with other pets, and with their human family.

As is the case with other rabbit breeds, you should expect that your Brazilian Rabbit will be most active at sunrise and sunset. These animals can also be stressed easily, and they can be timid and fragile, so they should not be handled by small children.

Photo credit: Mgoncalles/Flickr; Ilan Ejzykowicz; Eliana Lúcio/Flickr

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Some breeds are more active and playful, while others are calmer and docile. Some are significantly larger, while others are petite divas.As you gather information to make this big decision, you should consider your family’s lifestyle and preferences, the size of your home, and the amount of space you can dedicate to your rabbit’s living space.Remember, rabbits also require daily care and attention! They need a clean and safe environment, a nutritious diet, and plenty of opportunities for exercise and socialization.Here are a few critical factors you should consider when deciding if a rabbit is the right fit for your next pet and when selecting the ideal breed for your family and lifestyle. Take some time to carefully consider each question, and don’t forget to talk to the other family members who will be involved in your rabbit’s care and daily routine!Living SituationYour living situation is an essential factor in deciding which rabbit could or would fit into your home. If you live in a small apartment, you will be slightly limited on space to offer your new furry companion. A smaller breed of bunny may be a better choice as they require less space to roam.On the other hand, if you have a spacious backyard, you can extend their space for exercise by setting up an outdoor pen or regularly taking them outdoors on a leash and harness.In addition to the space your new rabbit will require, you should also consider the noise level. Some breeds are more vocal than others, which could prove problematic if you live in a quiet apartment complex or condo development.LifestyleYour lifestyle is another crucial factor when considering the various rabbit breeds. A rabbit might not be the ideal pet if you have a busy work schedule or travel frequently. They are social creatures that require attention and personal interaction. Your new furry family member will need daily attention, including feeding, cleaning, and playtime. If that is more than you are comfortable committing to, it may be best to reconsider or wait until your schedule slows down.Even if you’re at home most of the time, take a moment to consider your energy levels and interests. Some breeds are more active and playful than others. If you enjoy being outdoors and active, a more energetic breed might be a good fit. However, there are more docile breeds if you prefer a calmer lifestyle. Ideal PersonalityEach breed has its own distinct personality and temperament, which will play a significant part in deciding whether they are the right fit. Some breeds are quite social and enjoy being handled. They can be good companions for those who want a cuddly pet. On the other hand, more independent rabbit breeds may be a better choice if you are looking for a pet that is more aloof and less likely to seek constant attention.Personality traits associated with a breed don’t always guarantee that they will apply to every bunny. Like dog breeds, these traits are generally accurate, but there is always an exception out there.The best way to determine a rabbit’s personality and whether they will gel well with your own is to spend time with them in person, if possible. This will allow you to observe their behavior first-hand to see if it will align with your lifestyle and preferences.Children and Other PetsOf course, you can’t overlook your family dynamics. Even if you are planning to adopt a rabbit specifically to be your best friend, you need to take a moment to consider the other people and pets who share your home. A calmer, more easygoing breed will be a better fit in a house with the excitement of children. However, supervising all interactions between children and rabbits is essential to keep everyone involved safe.If you have other pets, you have a few things to consider. Not only should you factor your new bunny’s personality into your decision, but also the temperament of your existing pets. Some rabbit breeds are naturally more tolerant of other animals. But even if your rabbit is comfortable with every animal it meets, you must take your time introducing your new pet to the existing family members under careful supervision.

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Nobody likes hiccups, least of all dogs! That’s right – dogs can get hiccups just like humans. Those pesky little rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm can go on forever, producing that classic “hic” sound and annoying everyone, starting with the one who is hiccuping, even when it’s your pooch. If you are surprised to learn that dogs can get hiccups, read on to find out what causes it and how to stop it.Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups?Hiccups are not a serious issue and they occur in dogs for the same reasons they appear in humans. They are brought about by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle. This is immediately followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the classic hiccup sound. But still, there are several reasons why these spasms might occur. Here are just a few:Eating too quickly:If your pet consumes water or food very quickly, they might swallow air as well. The excess air can irritate the diaphragm and result in hiccups.Too much excitement or stress:When a dog is nervous, too excited, or in a stressful situation, they can also hiccup. This most often occurs in puppies, who are generally much more excitable than adult dogs. Digestive upset:Dogs are voracious eaters and won’t be picky about their food. Sometimes, however, they can have digestive issues such as indigestion and gas. This then irritates the diaphragm, leading to hiccups. This is the most common occurrence, and results from the dog eating something that doesn’t really agree with their stomach – if you have an indiscriminate eater in your household, it pays to have activated charcoal on hand to ease their tummy troubles.

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Puppy Blues is a Real Thing – Just Like Baby Blues, Study Shows

There is no doubt that puppies are super cute. When you first bring a tiny little bundle of fur into your home, it is a cause of great joy. But sometimes, life can change in many ways as you care for your new pet. A latest scientific study published in Mental Health Research reveals that almost half of all dog owners can experience something reminiscent of the famous “baby blues” – only related to puppies instead of babies.Many owners will experience anxiety, frustration, or weariness during those first steps of their pet’s puppyhood. The study that was conducted at the University of Helsinki confirmed that owners will experience a short-term drop in mood, and great melancholy, while their pet is a puppy - something that is akin to the famous postnatal “baby blues”. This is because caring for a puppy gives rise to a variety of worries and fears, anxiety and frustration, and difficulty bonding."The study found that these so-called 'puppy blues' manifest in three ways: anxiety, frustration, and weariness. These often occur concurrently, but in some cases, one or two of the three may be particularly prominent," said psychologist and doctoral researcher Aada Ståhl.When a puppy owner is anxious, their thoughts “are colored by concerns” about the wellbeing of their pet, and how they are developing. They can also be worried that they are not adequately looking after the fragile little being. If something doesn’t pan out, the owner would often blame themselves for it. What is more, as a result of the strain and the challenges of caring for a puppy, a puppy owner might become frustrated even further. In the initial stages, they might discover that it is difficult to build an emotional bond with the puppy, which would only make everything much more difficult.All of this makes puppyhood exhausting and very taxing mentally and physically. Owners could experience a lack of sleep and increased tiredness and anxiety."Just under half of owners report having had significant negative experiences during their dog's puppyhood phase, with only about a tenth reporting the most severe levels of strain. This is in line with the prevalence of postnatal depression. However, the negative feelings fade relatively quickly," says Professor Hannes Lohi.But the study now offers a key insight – the more time that passed since puppyhood, the more positively owners remembered it. This means that the negative emotional content of these memories “fades” as time passes. All these results were collected by examining the experiences of over 100 different dog owners, all of whom experienced emotional strain after bringing a puppy home. The survey was specifically developed to measure “puppy blues”. It collected specific responses from over 2,000 dog owners, ensuring the reliability of the survey."Capturing the phenomenon in a measurable form is important if we are to better understand its characteristics, prevalence, and duration. This will also allow us to improve understanding of the factors that may predispose owners to or protect them from the 'puppy blues,' which will help us to develop prevention and support measures," added Ståhl.The study offers a crucial new glimpse into the relationship between a pet and an owner. Exploring the puppy blues phenomenon will help raise awareness and prepare future owners for the challenges of puppyhood – as there are quite a few that come together with all that cuteness.

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