There’s much more to these creatures than fluffy coats and floppy ears.

Rabbits are adorable, there’s no doubt about that. They can be kept outdoors in a hutch, or you can train your bunny to be a house rabbit and have a more hands-on relationship with it. But where does your bunny come from? The domestic rabbit is any type of bunny that is bred to be a pet. There are many breeds, but they’re all genetically similar to wild rabbits that roam the hedgerows – they just have a slightly cushier life!

The romans held rabbits in high regard, and French monks were the first to properly domesticate them in the 5th century. Rabbits came to the UK in the 12th century, but the practice of keeping them as pets really took off during the Victorian era. The middle and upper classes became very taken with breeding rabbits, and the practice of showing your prize bunnies at agricultural shows became a hit.

Pets are good for your health! Stroking a furry companion like a dog, cat or rabbit can lower blood pressure and boost the release of the happy hormone called serotonin.