Before bringing a pet rabbit home, have you considered whether you want a male or a female? Surprisingly, male and female rabbits have very different habits and unique ways of bonding with their families. Male rabbits, known as bucks, are generally friendlier, while females, or does, are more independent. Because of the differences between male and female rabbits, we recommend learning about their habits and characteristics to pick the best possible pet.
Males Are Physically Distinct from Females
A buck and a doe may have different personalities, but there are many physical differences, too. For starters, female rabbits generally weigh more than males––although this isn’t the case for all bunny breeds. The Flemish giant rabbit is an example of a breed where the males are heavier than their female counterparts.
Another physical difference between bucks and does is that females generally have a dewlap. The dewlap is the fold of fur between the chin and chest, and it’s notably larger in unspayed female rabbits. The doe will pluck the fur on her dewlap to use for nesting. Male rabbits do not have a pronounced dewlap but slightly broader heads and a stocky body shape.
It isn’t easy to sex a doe or a buck, and this is usually left to a vet who knows what to look for. If you can’t distinguish between the sexes, ask a professional or consult with your trusted veterinarian for confirmation.
Male and Female Rabbits Have Distinct Personalities
Every animal has its own personality, but female rabbits have characteristics that separate them from males. Experienced rabbit owners would describe their lady bunnies as a little less trusting and more independent. This doesn’t mean that they won’t form a relationship with you. Female rabbits can develop incredible bonds with their human families, but it does take a little longer than males.
Bucks are considered relaxed and mild-natured, making it easier to create connections early on. An unneutered male rabbit will develop hormonal-related behaviors, increasing the possibility of aggression and making them difficult to handle. In addition to maintaining their loving personality, neutering will prevent pregnancies if you have other rabbits. Another important reason to sterilize bucks is to stop marking behaviors. Intact male rabbits will continuously spray around their environment, creating strong odors and stains.
Some rabbits carry a fungus called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) in their urine, which can threaten immunocompromised people. Neutering is generally recommended because it prevents these activities and encourages your rabbit to bond with you––and not constantly be on the hunt for a mate.
Female Rabbits Are More Defensive than Males
Rabbits are known to be docile animals, but believe it or not, they can become territorial when you least expect it. Of course, unsterilized animals are influenced by hormones, but female rabbits are more defensive than males. In most instances, territorial behavior will only rear its head when you house females together. It’s believed that their instincts stemming from protecting their nests in the wilderness are responsible for their territoriality. So, if you decide to get two or more female rabbits, it’s best to have them spayed to avoid biting, scratching, and bullying.
When it comes to male rabbits, they’re not as feisty as their female counterparts. When you house two or more male rabbits together, you may witness defensive behavior. Unlike females, who have nesting instincts, males show dominance. Dominant behaviors range from mounting, marking, and biting to chasing and ripping fur. If left to terrorize one another, bucks can inflict some serious injuries. Mixed-sex rabbit couples are best; just make sure they’re spayed or neutered to prevent dozens (and we mean dozens) of babies!
Controlling Unwanted Behaviors in Male and Female Rabbits
When you introduce a new puppy, you deal with endless chewing, while kittens tend to scratch up your furniture. Rabbits, on the other hand, will dig and nibble because that’s part of their nature. A doe will dig frequently as she would in the wild to create warrens to build her nest. To prevent constant digging and tunneling, introduce enrichment for your pet rabbit. Bunny-approved toys will keep them occupied with the added benefit of trimming their long teeth.
Litter training is much easier with females, as males will spray to mark their territory. But once bucks are neutered, you won’t have to deal with unwanted marking. The only way to stop dominant or unwanted behaviors is to have your male rabbit neutered. It is a fairly standard procedure and will prevent the release of hormones responsible for mounting, marking, and even nipping.
Choosing a Rabbit: What to Consider
If you’re the more independent type, a female rabbit may be the best choice of pet. But if you prefer developing strong bonds quickly, then a male rabbit with a gentle nature is probably a better option. Either way, rabbits make adorable pets, but if you are keeping more than one or you wish to prevent dominant behavior, it is better to have them spayed or neutered. It is a simple procedure, and your rabbit will be happy and healthy without being driven by hormones.
When you’re ready to choose a pet rabbit, look at the different breeds and consider their grooming requirements and energy levels. Apart from sex, consider rabbit breeds prone to diseases because of their genetic predisposition. For example, lop-eared rabbits often develop ear infections, whereas dwarf rabbits are at higher risk of respiratory infections. While males and females have different traits, always consider a rabbit’s care requirements before picking a pet. A doe will dig, and a buck may spray, but either way, girl and boy rabbits make the cutest and cuddliest pets!
