Jersey Wooly Rabbit – information and facts about the Jersey Wooly Rabbit Breed. Learn more about Jersey Wooly Rabbits in this article. Breed photos are included.
Known for being highly docile and gentle, the Jersey Wooly is a domestic rabbit breed that weighs about 3 pounds. It has a bold head and a body wool fur that is easy to groom and care.
Interestingly, the Jersey Wooly is one of the very few breeds that were developed mainly for trading pets. In the course of its development, the Jersey Wooly is now more known as a show animal, rather than a pet.
Jersey Wooly Rabbit Facts
1. History
Around 1970s and 1980s, there were many small rabbit breeds seeking to be accepted in the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) membership.
During the 1984 ARBA Convention held in Orlando, Florida, a rabbit breeder named Boonie Seeley, a resident of High Bridge, New Jersey, introduced the Jersey Wooly. But it was only after 4 years, in the year 1988, when the breed was finally accepted and officially recognized.
The Jersey Wooly was the product of a crossbreeding between the Netherland Dwarf and the French Angora. The resulting offspring from this cross was a petite rabbit with a wool coat. The Early Jersey Woolies still showed the oblong body shape of the French Angora, which was made smaller with the use of the dwarfing gene.
Fast forward today, the breed is one of the most widely exhibited rabbits for both local and national shows across United States. Indeed, the breed has risen to the list of the top ten most popular rabbit breeds.
2. Characteristics and Appearance
When a Jersey Wooly reaches its age of seniority, it will weigh around 1-1.5 kg (2.5 to 3.5 pounds). The ideal weight for both bucks and does is 3 pounds.
These well-loved rabbits have a compact body type. Their ears are small and upright, which runs at about 2 ½ inches long. Sometimes, its length can reach up to 3 inches, the maximum length allowed for exhibition stock based on the ARBA’s Standard of Perfection.
Interestingly, the Jersey Wooly is also called “Mug Head”. And the reason behind this is that its head is bold and chunky and is shaped like a square.
This cute rabbit is shown in five groups: Agouti, AOV, Self, Shaded, and Tan Pattern. The length of its coat should be at least 1 and ½ inches. However, a 2-3 inch length of the coat is much preferred. The coarse texture of the coat is brought about by the high ration of guard hairs to underwool.
This wool is usually restricted to the rabbit’s body. This means that an apparence of wool in the ears and feet area can be used as a basis for disqualification.
3. Personality and Traits
Jersey Woolies are widely raised as pets, precisely because of their highly docile personality and a very gentle disposition. They are also very affectionate and playful. These characteristics are very ideal for pet owners.
More than that, they have a wide-range of personalities. On one end, they can be laid-back lap bunnies and spend an entire morning just sitting in the lap of their owners. And in another end, they can be very active and outgoing.
Jersey Woolies love their owner’s attention. They loved being cuddled and played with. But of course, this is only when they are properly held, so much so that they will feel unthreatened and in a safe habitat. And just like the other rabbits, they also love to play toys that are safe for rabbits.
4. Lifespan and Care
While a rabbit’s lifespan depends on many factors, genetics and care are two of the most important factors in the determination of the lifespan of a Jersey Wooly. Indeed, when a Jersey Wooly is properly taken cared of by a responsible owner, it can last up to 7-10 years. According to some beliefs, those rabbits who have had litters die sooner than the other rabbits. But in a comparative study with Jersey Woolies, there is no statistical data that supports this claim. Indeed, those Jersey Woolies who never had litters lived just as long as those who have bunnies.
It is also believed by many rabbit enthusiasts that neutering and spaying Jersey Woolies will make their lifespan longer. They argue that, in the absence of which, rabbits can develop cancer and tumors. While there is a lack of substantial study on this matter, it is still best to consult experienced exotics veterinarian in order to reduce the risk of surgical complications.
One of the best features of a Jersey Wooly is its coat, similar tom the American Fuzzy Lop. Indeed, you can develop a first impression of this rabbit based on its coat alone. But what comes with this amazing coating is a greater responsibly to pay more attention to it, compared to the other rabbits. But while many rabbit breeders prefer the coats of the lops, Jersey Wooly does not fall last in the line. Indeed, if the pet owner can ensure that the coat is clean and free of debris, grooming won’t be necessary.
In such instance, regular brushing won’t be a necessity, but is only an advice. Shearing should be avoided since long guard hairs are also components of the coat. Before the shows, the breeder should groom the rabbit well to remove dead hairs. Watching out for the signs of wool block during molting is also a must.
If only takes some patience and time to train these Jersey Woolies in the litter box. They can live both indoors and outdoors, with much preference to a spacious sturdy hutch or cage. Since the head of the Jersey Wooly is small, it is advised that the spaces between the cage wires are also small to make sure that the head will not get stuck into it.
To make the cleaning of the cage easier, a removable bottom pan is advised. This pan should be cleaned at least once a week for outdoor rabbits. Cleaning is done as much as needed when the rabbit’s cage is installed inside.
In order to best unlock the potentials of your rabbit, handling and petting must be done each and every while. This is one way to get to know their bodies closely. Any uncommon nodes or masses in the rabbit’s body should be examined right away for immediate treatment. A great way to combat these kinds of infections is the Albon. It’s important to note that Amoxicilin is fatal to rabbits, so it should never be used in any case. In any case, it’s still best to seek the advice of the veterinarian.
Jersey Woolies are found only in places where ARBA Standards are being employed. While some countries have Dwarf Angora, which closely resembles the Jersey Wooly, there still are distinct characteristics that are unique to each breeds.