A Little History
Angora rabbits were believed to have been discovered in Turkey several hundred years ago. They were domesticated for their wool and a favorite among French royalty, often being kept as pets. They first appeared in the United States in the early 1900's. Up until the mid 1900's, all Angoras were known as 1 breed, simply called "Angora Rabbits." In 1939 the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized the "English" and "French" types. In 1944, English and French were officially recognized as separate breeds. In more recent years, the Satin and Giant breeds have also been recognized by the ARBA.
The English Angora is the only one with bangs. English Angoras (EAs) only weigh from 5 to 7.5 lbs when full grown. They are the smallest angora breed, but they have the highest (best) wool to feed ratio. English Angoras also have the softest wool, making them ideal for spinners. However, angora wool is up to seven times warmer than sheep’s wool, making it quite hot to wear, so the fibers are often blended with other natural or synthetic fibers before being spun into yarn. Their coat is ever-growing, so they are useful for their entire lives. Because they have been raised for wool for centuries, they were also bred for temperament. Nobody wants to harvest wool off of a mean animal, so only the calm, sweet rabbits were typically bred. That has made their sweet, out-going, puppy-like personalities a breed trait. Most EAs have no problem greeting a stranger at the front door. They love to be held and pet and will happily sit in your lap and watch TV with you.
Angora rabbits were believed to have been discovered in Turkey several hundred years ago. They were domesticated for their wool and a favorite among French royalty, often being kept as pets. They first appeared in the United States in the early 1900's. Up until the mid 1900's, all Angoras were known as 1 breed, simply called "Angora Rabbits." In 1939 the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized the "English" and "French" types. In 1944, English and French were officially recognized as separate breeds. In more recent years, the Satin and Giant breeds have also been recognized by the ARBA.
The English Angora is the only one with bangs. English Angoras (EAs) only weigh from 5 to 7.5 lbs when full grown. They are the smallest angora breed, but they have the highest (best) wool to feed ratio. English Angoras also have the softest wool, making them ideal for spinners. However, angora wool is up to seven times warmer than sheep’s wool, making it quite hot to wear, so the fibers are often blended with other natural or synthetic fibers before being spun into yarn. Their coat is ever-growing, so they are useful for their entire lives. Because they have been raised for wool for centuries, they were also bred for temperament. Nobody wants to harvest wool off of a mean animal, so only the calm, sweet rabbits were typically bred. That has made their sweet, out-going, puppy-like personalities a breed trait. Most EAs have no problem greeting a stranger at the front door. They love to be held and pet and will happily sit in your lap and watch TV with you.