Jersey Wooly Rabbit

by Diana Faria

Published: June 7th, 2016

About Jersey Wooly Rabbit

Weight

1-3 lb

Lifespan

7-10 years

Body Shape

Compact

Best Suited For

Rabbits for Singles, Rabbit for Seniors, Apartment or House Rabbits, Families with children, first-time owners, Indoor rabbits

Temperament

Gentle, sweet, playful, docile

Comparable Breeds

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, French Angora Rabbit

Size

Dwarf

Top Breed

Jersey Wooly Rabbit Breed History/Origin

The Jersey Wooly rabbit was first introduced to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1984 by rabbit breeder Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, New Jersey. This breed was developed by crossing the French Angora rabbit with a Netherland Dwarf rabbit and the result was a small bunny with a wooly coat. This breed was recognized by the ARBA four years later in 1988 as the Jersey Wooly rabbit and is now one of the most widely-exhibited rabbits at shows in the United States, as well as a favorite pet.

Jersey Woolys are also known as the “No-Kick Bunny” because they are gentle, docile, and even-tempered.

Overall Description

The Jersey Wooly rabbit has a compact body size and weighs between 1-3 lbs, making it a dwarf breed. They have small, erect ears that stand about 2-3 inches long. They have a square, bold head, which is why this breed is affectionately known as the “Mug Head.”

Coat

In order to keep the Jersey Wooly’s coat clean and tangle-free, owners need to brush their rabbit’s coat at least once a week during non-shedding seasons. Adult rabbits will need to be brushed a little more often once spring hits, as this time of year is commonly known as “shedding season.” Unlike other breeds of rabbits (like Angoras, for instance), the Jersey Wooly rabbit does not require any trimming or clipping to maintain their wool. Should your rabbit’s coat get dirty, simply spot clean it with a damp cloth, as rabbits should never be given a full ear-to-tail bath (this causes them great stress and can cause cardiac problems).

Colors

This rabbit breed is recognized by the ARBA in six different color groups. The Agouti group features chestnut, chinchilla, opal and squirrel colors; the Broken group features any recognized variety in conjunction with white; and the Self group consist of black, blue, chocolate, lilac, BEW (blue-eyed-white), and REW (red-eyed-white). The Shaded group features tortoise shell, blue tortoise shell, sable point, seal, Siamese sable and smoke pearl; the Tan Pattern group consists of black otter, blue otter, smoke pearl marten, sable marten, black silver marten, blue silver marten, chocolate silver marten, and lilac silver marten; and finally, the AOV (any other variety) group features pointed white black and pointed white blue variety.

Because of their sweet nature, the Jersey Wooly makes a wonderful pet for most lifestyles.

Care Requirements

Due to its small size, this should be an indoor rabbit. The enclosure should be large enough to allow the Jersey Wooly rabbit to comfortably stretch it its cage (which shouldn’t be very difficult since it’s so small). The enclosure should be made of wire and have a plastic bottom which should be covered with bedding. The bedding should be spot-cleaned every day to clear it of debris and should be completely replaced every week.

A Jersey Wool’s diet is like any other rabbit’s diet and should be made up of 70 percent good-quality hay (such as timothy hay). The rest of its diet should be a healthy balance of pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and fruits. Be sure to do your research and find out which foods are safe and which ones aren’t for your rabbit, as particular fruits and vegetables or parts of some fruits and vegetables (such as apple and pear seeds) are poisonous to bunnies.

In order for a rabbit’s personality to flourish, they need plenty of outdoor enclosure time to interact with their human handlers. This means letting your rabbit have plenty of time to hop about in a bunny-safe room (make sure there are no exposed electrical wires that can harm them) or setting them out in your fenced yard. Always be vigilant for predators (such as racoons) when your rabbit is outdoors, as they can cause serious harm to a rabbit this small.

Health

A Jersey Wooly rabbit is not as susceptible to wool block as other rabbits (English Angoras, for instance), but because of their long wool, they are still at-risk. Like cats, rabbits are clean creatures and regularly groom themselves by licking their fur. However, cats can regurgitate the wool they invest while rabbits do not have that ability. Consequently, the wool they invest builds up inside their stomachs and makes them feel full and as a result, they starve to death. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, decreased amount of droppings and less mobility in general. If you suspect your Jersey Wooly rabbit has wool block, contact your local vet immediately.

Rabbits should also be de-wormed twice a year. This can be done by squeezing a pea-sized amount of de-worming paste and allowing your rabbit to eat it – this should protect them for six months. Also be sure to routinely check a rabbit’s mouth for ingrown teeth which can grow into their jaws and faces and be very painful, and check they ears for signs and symptoms of ear mites.

Some rabbit breeders believe that spaying/neutering your rabbit increases their life span by a few years. Does can be spayed as young as four months old while bucks can be spayed when they are as young as three and a half months of age.

The Jersey Wooly’s square, bold head has earned it the nickname “Mug Head.”

Temperament/Behavior

Jersey Woolys are also known as the “No-Kick Bunny,” which means exactly what it sounds like: they are gentle, docile and not known to bite or kick their handlers due to their even tempers. Because of this, they make wonderful family pets for pet parents who have children of any age. Of course, young children should always be supervised when handling a rabbit, especially one of such a small size, but overall, they should be quiet and affectionate towards their handlers. Because of their sweet nature, they also make wonderful rabbits for first-time pet parents, seniors/retirees, couples and even singles who would like a cuddly companion to pass the time.

Rabbits are harder to potty train than other animals such as dogs, birds and cats. Rabbits usually have a “potty corner” in their enclosure where they usually like to do the deed. If you place a litter box in that particular corner, they will generally make the connection and slowly but surely understand that is where they are supposed to do their business. Some rabbit parents have found success by placing many litter boxes around their homes so their rabbits don’t have to go to the other side of their house in order to find the right place to do the deed.

These little bunnies would benefit from having a few rabbit-safe toys at their disposal. This can be as simple as an empty roll of toilet paper or a rabbit-safe wood block to as elaborate as mentally stimulating toys purchased at your local pet store. They love lots of time with their human handlers and enjoy being picked up and petted as often as you’d like.

Photo credit: feathersgalore/backyard chickens; Diane Hamilton/Flickr

Diana Faria

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With the current buzz surrounding poodle mixes like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and more, many interested in finding a hypoallergenic companion have been told they are the perfect option. The truth is that no one can give you an honest and definite answer that can be applied to all dogs of a specific mix.While “doodle” dogs do have poodles in their genes, it can’t be guaranteed that the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle coat will be present in every puppy. For example, a Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) could be born with a hypoallergenic poodle-like coat or a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever more. If you live with allergies, you know that Golden Retrievers are definitely not a hypoallergenic option.This isn’t to say that mixed breeds won’t be hypoallergenic. However, you need to consider each dog's physical attributes individually instead of making an assumption based on their breed makeup. Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. For example, a dog could have a very short coat but produce larger amounts of dander, a common dog-related allergen.Purebreds that are often mistaken or mislabeled as hypoallergenic include: Basset Hound Boxer Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever Pug Shih TzuIf in doubt, speak with the breeder or rescue worker about your needs. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed they produce and committed to only placing their dogs in homes that are an ideal fit. Shelter and rescue workers are dedicated to finding the best home for the dogs in their care. Even if the dog you’re considering adopting isn’t a good fit, they will likely have recommendations for others you should consider.

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Enjoying a leisurely walk or adventurous hike with your dog is an incredible way to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond. However, a dog that pulls and lacks leash manners can quickly turn this fun experience upside down.While collars have long been the standard for walking, many veterinarians and trainers are now sharing the benefits of using a harness. They are generally safer and more comfortable for dogs of all ages.However, not every dog will instantly take to wearing a harness the first time they are introduced.In this guide, I will walk you through the steps of introducing a harness to your dog, building positive associations, and setting both you and your dog up for long-term success. From choosing the right harness to mastering the process of putting it on, you’ll be prepared to hit the pavement with your canine companion in style and comfort.What Are the Benefits of Using a Harness?Let's take a step back before I walk you through training your dog to wear a harness. Why should you consider using a harness for your dog? What benefits does it offer over a typical collar?The most significant difference between a collar and a harness, and the reason why most veterinarians and dog trainers recommend harnesses, is the risk of injury. When your dog wears a collar, all pressure is put directly on their throat. If your dog pulls or tries to take off after a temptation (like a squirrel or to play with another dog), the pressure on their throat can cause significant damage. In the most severe cases, the impact of the collar on your dog’s throat can cause a life-threatening injury.Harnesses, on the other hand (or the other paw), disperse the pressure across your dog’s chest. Not only is this a more extensive area, but it’s better suited for handling this pressure without injuries (assuming the harness is properly fit to your dog).Depending on the activities you plan to enjoy with your dog, a harness could introduce additional features. This could include harnesses and support to assist a senior dog with mobility, a cooling harness for hot summer days, a harness with built-in backpacks to carry their gear while hiking, seatbelt attachments for safe car travel, and more. What Age Should Your Dog Start Wearing a Harness?Eight weeks old is the earliest age you should put a harness onto a young puppy. At this age, puppies are generally very open to new skills and experiences, making it the perfect time to introduce something new. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t train your dog to wear a harness if you are considering making this change later in life. Many adults and even senior dogs learn to wear and love their harnesses with a bit of time and a little patience.How Long Does It Take a Dog to Get Used to a Harness? The time it will take for your dog to get used to a harness will vary from dog to dog. Some pups will accept the harness quickly, comfortably wearing it and running around confidently right away. However, this isn’t true for every dog.If your dog is older and set in their ways or nervous when faced with new experiences, working through these steps may take a lot longer. Be patient and focus on creating a positive association with the harness by introducing praise and rewards. Allow your dog to set the pace, moving from one step to the next only when they are ready. This is the best way to set them up for long-term success (the ultimate goal).How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Harness: Step-By-StepBefore you start training, take a moment to consider what motivates your dog. While most dogs can be motivated with high-value treats, you may find your dog is better inspired to try something new with the offer of playtime with a favorite toy or even with simple praise and attention from you, their person. Knowing this is the secret to training success!Step One – Choosing a HarnessThe first thing to consider is the style of harness best suited for your dog. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the right harness. This includes your dog’s size, the weight of the harness, the adjustability, the material, how easy it is to clean, and any special features the harness may offer.You may even need to consider different harnesses for different situations. For example, you may prefer a classic nylon harness for walks around the block with your pup. However, if you are planning a challenging hike, your dog may be better served by a stronger and more supportive adventure harness with a handle to assist with any obstacles along the way.Finding the correct harness is essential, as your training will focus on making that specific harness a positive trigger for your dog. For the training process to be effective, this harness should be used.Step Two – Introduce the HarnessIn the early stages of training, you’re not going to put the harness on your dog. Instead, you want to give them a chance to check it out and realize it’s not something to be afraid of.To begin, place the harness on the ground in the comfort of your own home. Allow your dog to sniff at it and look it over. As they interact with the harness, occasionally offer praise or a treat. This will start to introduce the idea that the harness brings good things.When you see that they give the harness no more interest than a rug or your shoes (assuming they don’t chew your shoes), you can move on to the next step.

Is a Ferret the Right Pet For Me?

Ferrets are well-known for their playful personalities and mischievous antics – and who can resist their adorable faces? As a result, they have become an increasingly popular choice for pets. However, before you invite one of these energetic critters into your home, it’s essential to understand their unique needs! In this guide, I’ll explore the pros and cons of ferret ownership, including questions to ask yourself to determine if a ferret is the right pet for you. Plus, if you’re ready to move forward with your new pet, we’ll help you identify what to look for in a healthy ferret and the steps to take to prepare your home for your new furry friend’s arrival. Ferret Basics: Things You Should Know Before Getting a Ferret Before researching where to find your new friend, let’s step back and start with the basics. What will your new ferret require for a happy, healthy life? Are you prepared to meet those needs? Determining this should be the first step when considering any new pet, regardless of the pet you plan to adopt. Yes, even dogs and cats! Temperament Ferrets are social animals and require regular interaction with others. They are happiest when living in pairs or small groups for constant companionship. This also means they aren’t the type of pet that can be left to fend for themselves without regular quality time with their person or people. They can be startled easily and have sharp teeth that hurt considerably if they bite. This most commonly happens if they are surprised, startled, or handled incorrectly. For this reason, they may not be the best fit for homes with young children unless careful boundaries are established. Daily RoutineExperts recommend that ferrets be given at least 4 hours of active time outside their cage or habitat daily, six to eight hours when they are young. Failing to meet those needs can lead to boredom and a wide range of behavioral problems. When you start handling and playing with your ferret, you may notice they are naturally mouthy. To train your new ferret to play safely with people, avoid using your hands as a “toy.” Instead, use fun and ferret-safe toys like rubber balls, ropes, chew toys, or interactive cat toys. Avoid anything too small that they could swallow, as it could cause a life-threatening obstruction. Grooming While these adorable creatures are naturally clean, they have a distinct odor often described as musky. This scent is even stronger in unneutered ferrets. You can bathe your ferret regularly, but the smell will never disappear entirely. That being said, avoid the temptation to over-bathe your ferret. They should be bathed at most once or twice a month. Bathing them too often will strip their skin and coat of the protective natural oils, causing skin irritation or even making the smell worse! Diet Ferrets are carnivores requiring a high-protein, low-fiber, meat-based diet. This can be accomplished by feeding a commercially prepared ferret food or preparing a homemade diet. The amount they need to eat and the nutrients required to ensure their diet is balanced correctly will depend on their age, weight, lifestyle, and any underlying health concerns. Some foods that can be included in their meals include eggs, high-protein baby foods, kitten foods, turkey necks, game birds, or minced meat. Health and Veterinary CareLike other traditional companion animals, ferrets require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure no cause for concern. Finding a vet may be a little more challenging as there are fewer vets experienced with ferret care. These little critters are prone to several health problems like lymphoma, adrenal gland disease, respiratory problems, ear mites, and intestinal parasites. Staying on top of their vet care will help prevent issues and identify problems early when they are easier to address.Ideal Environment When creating the ideal habitat for your ferret, one of the biggest things to consider is the available space in your home. A ferret’s cage should be at least 18 inches by 18 inches by 30 inches, with a minimum of two levels and stairs or ramps to move between them. This means you must find space in your home for a cage of this size. This cage should include many enrichment opportunities, like toys, tubes, hammocks, and hiding spaces. In addition to setting up a cage with all the necessities, they will also need time to play and explore outside their cage. This means you will need to have a ferret-proofed area of the home where they can move about safely. They are masters of climbing and slipping through small spaces, which can make the process of ferret-proofing or keeping them contained in one area of the home challenging. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Ferret Do you have enough space to accommodate your ferret’s habitat and the ability to ferret-proof an area of your home (they are escape artists)? Are you prepared for the high cost of veterinary care if your ferret encounters a medical emergency or any of the common health conditions listed above?Can you dedicate at least 4 hours per day to playtime and social interaction? Are ferrets legal to keep as pets in my area? Have you found a vet near you with experience in ferret care?Will you be comfortable with the strong, musky ferret odor (Yes, it will be in your home)?Do you have a young child in the home? If so, you may be better served by adopting a pet your child can handle and interact with safely.

Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

Audio, a 4-Eared Kitten, Is Turning Heads in Tennessee

Tales of rescue cats often capture our hearts online, overcoming rough beginnings and finding loving forever homes. However, a recent story out of Tennessee has captured the attention of people around the world online. Earlier this summer, True Rescue, an animal rescue based out of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, shared the newest kitties to come into their care. Among them was an 8–9-week-old kitten with a surprising genetic defect – he has 4 ears. Named Audio due to his ability to hear the world in surround sound (100% an intentional pun), this sweet boy weighed just over 2 pounds, but don’t let his small size surprise you. This little guy is full of personality, and he’s showing the world that, in some situations, more really is more!Four kittens came into the care of True Rescue after being dumped in a mechanic’s shop in a duct-taped box with no air holes. The kittens all required antibiotics and veterinary care for their condition due to an upper respiratory infection. They continue to take antibiotics as of the last update that the rescue provided to their followers but were doing well. After sharing the story of Audio on their Facebook, it was clear the people wanted to know more. The rescue shared this viral video, introducing the sweet young boy:

Is an Off-Leash Park Right for My Dog?

Off-leash dog parks offer a tempting playground for our furry friends to socialize and burn energy, especially if they live in a single dog home. However, not all dogs are suited for this environment.From reactive dogs triggered by the presence of dogs they’ve never met before to dogs that simply lack the etiquette to socialize with others respectfully, an off-leash dog park can quickly spiral into a dangerous and even life-threatening environment if you’re not fully prepared.In this article, we’ll outline the key factors to consider when deciding if an off-leash dog park is suitable for your dog, including their temperament, training, and your own comfort level. Let’s explore the pros and cons of off-leash parks to help you make an informed decision. What Types of Dog Parks Are Available? When people discuss dog parks, they often instantly picture a fenced open field. However, there are many different types of dog parks and exercise areas your pup may enjoy. A basic dog park is exactly as I just described. They are often found in urban areas where dogs may lack yards and other spaces to run around. Usually, these open spaces contain picnic tables for the dog parents who are also visiting to relax. Some dog parks, recognizing the added risks smaller dogs face when their larger counterparts run around the space, have created two separate penned spaces – one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Doggy playgrounds are dog parks that incorporate agility and other fun play elements for dogs to explore and experience. Some examples include teeter-totters, tunnels, playhouses, platforms, and more. These dog parks may also offer a selection of dog toys to enjoy during your visit. Finally, dog beaches perfectly combine an open dog park space and a beach/swimming spot. These are sometimes fenced off, but not always. Dog beaches may be off-leash, on-leash, or a combination of the two with designated sides depending on your dog’s (and your) comfort level. Most dog beaches aren’t fenced, but some will offer this added security feature, with fences leading up to and even extending slightly into the water. What are the Pros of Dog Parks? With so many dog parents getting excited each time a new dog park is announced, it’s safe to assume that these public pet-friendly spaces offer some benefits for us and our pups. Here are the pros you can look forward to when visiting your local off-leash dog park or exercise area: Socialization Opportunity One of the most popular reasons dog parents cite for using dog parks is the ability to socialize their dogs with other dogs and people. When walking our dogs down the street or through the local municipal park, we don’t often know which dogs or people are “dog-friendly,” leading most dog parents to steer clear of anyone else who may use the space. However, when you enter a dog park, the expectation is that everyone within that set boundary is open to interacting with one another. Chance to Meet New Dog ParentsOur dogs aren’t the only ones who struggle at times to meet dog-friendly friends. As dog parents, we all know the challenge of explaining to our non-dog-parent friends why we would prefer to include our dogs in everything we do. If you don’t share your heart and home with a dog, you don’t understand just how special that bond can be. When we walk into a dog park, we know that any people we interact with during our visit are there for the same purpose—to give their dogs the best possible experience. This allows us to meet and connect with other dog parents, which can lead to doggy play dates and other get-togethers. Enrichment and Exercise Our dogs need exercise and mental stimulation to lead happy, healthy lives. While this can be provided at home with the help of snuffle mats, interactive dog toys, puzzle feeders, and other activities, there is something to be said about the joy dogs feel when running with their canine friends. If you have a high-energy dog, this is a good opportunity to encourage them to run, play, and wear themselves out without requiring you to run alongside them. Training Opportunity Are you looking for opportunities to train your dog to interact safely and respectfully with other pups? This can be challenging if you have only one dog at home. However, when you walk into a dog park, your dog will only encounter other dog-friendly dogs (one assumes, more on that later). This is a great time to show them how to interact appropriately without fearing that coming on too strong could trigger a dog fight with a dog-selective or reactive pup. This is also an excellent opportunity to train your dog to interact with people appropriately. People who walk into a dog park are usually dog lovers, so you don’t have to worry about your dog walking up to someone who is afraid of dogs. While this doesn’t negate the need to keep your dog from jumping all over someone without permission, it is a good spot to address your concerns and train your dog on interacting respectfully. Introduction to New experiencesDog parks also offer a safe space for your dog to discover and interact with new experiences. Dog parents may arrive with items that may otherwise trigger your dog – like bicycles, wagons, strollers, children, or people of different ages and ethnicities. Allowing your dog to experience all these people and items in a safe space is a great way to set them up for success as you head out into other areas of the world. For example, if your dog learns that a stroller isn’t “scary” when seeing one regularly coming into their favorite dog park, they are less likely to react to one when walking down the street. Safe from Many Outside Risks We all want to keep our dogs safe when they are playing. Unfortunately, this can be challenging if we don’t have the benefit of a fenced yard for them to run and play. When your dog is playing in a fenced dog park, you can rest assured that you don’t have to worry about outside dangers like your dog being stuck by a car. This alone is reason enough for many dog owners to familiarize themselves with the dog parks at home and in the destinations they are traveling to.

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