What Is The Difference Between A Bunny And A Rabbit? Let’s Find Out!

Bunny and rabbit, they’re often used interchangeably to describe these cute, fluffy, hopping animals with long ears. But there’s actually a difference between these two names. Learn to recognize the differences between them. 

In this little rundown, we’re gonna explore the differences between bunnies and rabbits and give you some examples of each. Sound good? Alright, lets begin!

What is a Bunny?

You see, a bunny is a term that we often use to refer to a baby rabbit. Just like a baby human is called a “baby” or an “infant,” a baby rabbit is called a “bunny.” 

And the term “bunny” is often used in a cute or affectionate way to refer to a rabbit, especially when it’s young. So next time you see a fluffy little bunny rabbit, you’ll know exactly what it is!

What is a Rabbit?

A rabbit is a small, fluffy, hoofed mammal that belongs to the Leporidae family, which also includes hares. And let me tell you, there are over 50 different species of rabbits out there. They are not found on Antarctica but can be found on other continents.

Now, these rabbits, they’re known for their long ears, which can be up to 10 inches long. Can you believe that? And their hind legs, man, they’re powerful. They use them for hopping and jumping all over the place.

Differences Between Bunnies And Rabbits:

While both bunnies and rabbits are small, fluffy, hopping animals with long ears, there are some key differences between the two.

Age

As mentioned earlier, the main difference between bunnies and rabbits is their age. A bunny is a baby rabbit, while a rabbit is an adult.

Size

And then there’s the size difference. In general, adult rabbits are larger than bunnies. 

The size of a rabbit can vary depending on the species, but they can range from small (less than 2 pounds) to large (over 10 pounds). Bunnies, on the other hand, are usually smaller and more compact.

Appearance

The appearance of bunnies and rabbits can vary too, depending on the species. For example, some rabbits have short, round ears while others have long, pointed ears. And bunnies may have softer, fluffier fur compared to adult rabbits.

Characteristic	Bunnies	Rabbits
Size	Smaller	Larger
Ears	Long, floppy ears	Short, upright ears
Fur	Soft, fluffy fur	Coarser fur
Diet	May require a more specialized diet	Can thrive on a wider variety of foods

Read: What Are Baby Rabbits Called?

Examples of Bunnies and Rabbits

Some common examples of bunnies include:

Domestic Rabbit

Domestic rabbits are domesticated versions of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). They are popular pets and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Pygmy Rabbit

The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is the smallest rabbit species in North America, weighing only about a pound.

Jackrabbit

The jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) is a species of hare found in the western United States. Baby jackrabbits are often called “bunnies.”

Some Common Examples Of Rabbits Include

European Rabbit

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the most common rabbit species and is found throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Cottontail Rabbit

Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) are found throughout much of the United States and Canada. They were given this name because of the white fur that is found on their tails.

Flemish Giant Rabbit

The Flemish giant rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a large rabbit breed that can weigh up to 20 pounds.

Concluding…

Hope now you have a basic understanding of bunnies vs rabbits.

So, just remember: bunnies are baby rabbits, and rabbits are adults. Got it? Great! Now go out there and show some love to those fluffy little bunnies and rabbits because that’s exactly what they need!

Read: What Is A Group Of Rabbits Called?