Rabbits that are kept as pets tend to have a life expectancy of about 8 – 12 years if cared for properly, however, rabbits in the wild do not live as long.
Because of natural predators such as foxes, weasels and even crows, wild rabbits have a shorter life expectancy of about 2 – 4 years.
Do some rabbit breeds live longer than others?
There has not been much research carried out in this area but anecdotally it is believed that smaller rabbit breeds have a longer life expectancy than larger rabbit breeds.
Rabbit Lifespan by Breed
Below is a table highlighting the different life expectancies of popular rabbit breeds.
| Rabbit Breed | Average Lifespan | Max Lifespan (Approx.) |
| Lionhead | 7 – 9 years | 12 years |
| Mini Rex | 8 – 10 years | 15 years |
| French Lop | 6 – 8 years | 10 years |
| Holland Lop | 8 – 10 years | 14 years |
| Netherland Dwarf | 7 – 10 years | 14 years |
| Dutch | 5 – 8 years | 12 years |
| English Angora | 7 – 10 years | 12 years |
| Mini Lop | 6 – 9 years | 12 years |
| Flemish Giant | 5 – 8 years | 10 years |
| English Lop | 5 – 7 years | 10 years |
| Harlequin | 5 – 8 years | 12 years |
| New Zealand | 5 – 7 years | 10 years |
| American Fuzzy Lop | 5 – 8 years | 12 years |
| Chinchilla | 7 – 10 years | 12 years |
| American Sable | 5 – 8 years | 10 years |
| Himalayan | 7 – 9 years | 10 years |
| English Spot | 6 – 8 years | 10 years |
| Checkered Giant | 6 – 9 years | 10 years |
What can I do to make sure my rabbit has a long and happy life?
Rabbits are typically thought of as low-maintenance, but many bunnies suffer as a result of this.
Rabbits require an adequate diet as well as suitable housing and companionship.
To keep them happy and live a long life, they also need enrichment and mental stimulation. Furthermore, keeping your rabbit’s veterinarian visits up to date is crucial for their overall health.
A healthy diet for a rabbit includes hay, a small amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets.
Rabbits should have access to hay at all times. Hay is essential for their digestion and helps wear down their teeth.
A small amount of fresh vegetables can be given daily, and should include dark leafy greens and other vegetables high in fiber.
Pellets should make up a limited part of their diet, as they are high in calories and low in fiber.
Rabbits need a suitable place to live, which includes a spacious cage or hutch with plenty of room to move around.
The cage or hutch should also have a safe place for the rabbit to hide, as they are prey animals and feel vulnerable when exposed.
Rabbits are social animals and need companionship.
If you cannot provide a companion for your rabbit, make sure to give them plenty of human interaction.
Rabbits need enrichment and mental stimulation to be happy.
This can include toys, tunnels, and other objects to play with.
It is also important to allow your rabbit to exercise, which can be done by letting them run around in a safe area or by providing a treadmill made specifically for rabbits.
Keeping your rabbit’s veterinarian visits up to date is crucial for their overall health.
Vets can help diagnose and treat health problems, as well as provide advice on diet and care.