All About Our English Angora Rabbits
ORIGIN: English Angoras are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of rabbits. Though their origins are not known for sure, they are thought to have originated from Ankara, Turkey (Previously called Angora). I read many different versions of how they were moved around, one site said by sailors and another said pirates. We do know though that regardless how they got here, they were brought to America in the 20th Century.
BREED: The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) separated the American Wooler breed into two breeds the French Angora & the English Angora back in 1944. There are currently four breeds of rabbits that have angora wool in ARBA. The English Angora, French Angora, Satin Angora, and the Giant Angora. English Angora’s are the only compact breed of Angoras. An adult English Angora Rabbit weighs 5 to max 7.5 lbs. Their lifespan is 7 to 12 years.
TEMPERAMENT: Rabbits are extremely intelligent creatures. They are such sweet & docile rabbits and a wonderful breed for children and family pets. This is most likely because they have been groomed over the centuries for their lovely Angora Wool – Owners would have considered temperament when choosing to breed a rabbit that has to spend so much time in a lap being plucked!
WOOL: This is the reason we decided on Angora rabbits: their wool. In fact, the English Angora breed is the only Angora breed with facial furnishings, and we just love the look. Not being able to see their eyes because they are covered in fluff is one of the key identifiers of the English Angora, They also come in so many different colours…it’s really hard to not collect them all!
English Angoras have wool, not fur, and they do require regular grooming at least twice a week, but preferably daily! Their wool is soft and silky, but everything seems to stick to them: hay, leaves etc. When grooming the rabbit, the wool that is ready to be shed, can easily be brushed or “plucked” out. This fibre is a spinners dream (or so I’ve been told). English Angoras can grow up to an inch of wool a month, and that can add up to almost a pound of wool a year.
Stay tuned, and watch our marketplace for our knitted Angora products.
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