Do rabbits with varied personalities have different sexes? What distinguishes them most from one another? And which one is preferable to possess?

Since each rabbit has a distinct personality, it isn’t fair to argue that one gender is superior to the other in reality. However, there are distinctions between men and women that make owning each a slightly different experience. We’ll examine those differences today—not to determine which is superior per se, but rather to assist you comprehend bunny behavior and build a strong relationship with your female or male rabbit.

I want to make it clear that this is a generalization before we get started. Once more, I don’t believe it’s appropriate to declare one is superior than the other. I should also mention that it’s not unusual to come across a rabbit who completely defies gender norms.

So, while using this as a guide, keep in mind to consider each rabbit’s personality individually. Let’s move on to the distinctions between male and female rabbits now that that has been said.

Male vs Female Rabbits: Physical Differences

Breed-specific size differences exist between male and female rabbits, but aside from genitalia, there are often few to no morphological distinctions. Males are significantly stockier in wild rabbits and some domestic breeds, but this difference is small.

Do Male and Female Rabbits Both Have Dewlaps?

Under a rabbit’s chin, there are balls of skin and fat called dewlaps. Dewlaps are present on both male and female rabbits, albeit female dewlaps are often larger than male dewlaps. It has been alleged—though not confirmed—that this is done to facilitate easier access to fur for nesting reasons.

Male vs Female Rabbits: Personality

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that every rabbit, male or female, has a unique personality. Certain personality traits are unavoidably inherited. But a lot of the time, how your rabbit behaves depends on how effectively you care for them or whether they are dealing with current problems like disease or past trauma. This is merely a broad overview of each gender and how they differ, as I’ve already stated.

In general, male rabbits are friendlier than females. They are normally amiable and less aggressive toward people (unless provoked). They’ll be more eager to emerge and investigate their environment. They have a reputation for being territorial, though, and are prone to engage in combat if paired up with a man they aren’t attached to or feel threatened by.

Female rabbits are more cautious and protective, therefore it may take longer to build a bond with them. However, once they establish a link, they become incredibly caring and affectionate. Once they feel at ease, they will take on the role of domestic queens. They will be courageous, but only when they feel like it. They can be slightly more aggressive than men due to their defensive tendency.

Are Male or Female Rabbits Friendlier?

In general, male rabbits are more outgoing than female ones, and they frequently prefer to be interested and interact with people and other animals (if it’s safe to do so). They may establish ties with every member of the household and are often easier and quicker to get to know.

BUT

When females bond, they are incredibly affectionate. They are bold and devoted to the person they have chosen. I once had a close relationship with a female rabbit by the name of Butterscotch. For me, it was like love at first sight, and despite our conventional defensiveness, we bonded very quickly.

Are Male or Female Rabbits More Aggressive?

Sadly, there is a perception that women are more violent or quick to lash out. But if you look closer, you’ll see that it’s actually not aggressive at all. The instinct to defend oneself, the nest, and one’s young is hardwired in females.

As a result, they are less tolerant of dangers and are more inclined to stay and fight rather than flee due to their protective instinct. Although it is less often, this behavior can also be seen in spayed female rabbits, albeit it is more noticeable in pregnant and nursing rabbits.

Males, on the other hand, lean slightly more toward self-preservation. They lack a female’s protective instincts, thus they are more inclined to flee from danger than to confront it. However, male rabbits are more violent when they do exhibit antagonism. Also, keep in mind that neutered males tend to be less aggressive than unfixed males.

Are Male or Female Rabbits Cleaner?

If they are not neutered, male rabbits spray to mark their territory and release a musky odor when they are ready to mate. Although females tend to be cleaner in general, their propensity for digging up bedding or hay can make a big mess. Males who have been neutered, in my opinion, tend to be the cleanest.

Are Male or Female Rabbits Easier to Litter Train?

Females are allegedly easier to litter train than males due to their cleaner instincts, though I personally have never observed a difference. That is not to argue that males, especially those who have been fixed, are in any way difficult to litter train. However, because of their tendency to be territorial, females prefer to stay put, whilst males require a bit more persuasion.

Pros and Cons of Owning Female and Male Rabbits

Although it’s often believed that male rabbits make better first pets, my first bunny was a female, and she continues to be my favorite to this day. However, not even our adorable little buns are perfect in this life. The benefits and drawbacks of keeping male and female rabbits are listed below.

Pros & Cons of Having a Male Rabbit

Pros:

• Outgoing and comfortable around people
• More relaxed around people
• Quicker to form bonds 
• Less aggressive

Cons:

• A bit more rambunctious 
• Will spray, if not neutered
• Can do a lot of damage when aggressive
• Tendency to chew 

Pros & Cons of Having a Female Rabbit

Pros:

• Forms strong bonds
• Very affectionate when bonded
• Slightly cleaner
• Adventurous and entertaining

Cons:

• Take longer to bond 
• Less tolerant, quicker to aggression when threatened 
• Territorial over small areas, like the cage, litter box
• Tendency to dig

How to Identify Male and Female Rabbits

At 12 weeks old, a rabbit’s gender is discernible. Before that, it’s really difficult to distinguish between the two. When the time comes, all you have to do to recognize them is look at their “private parts.”

If your rabbit permits it, hold them firmly with their belly up, separate the hair around their genitalia, and gently press. It’s a female if you see a V-shaped mound with a slit.

Males are easier to distinguish since you might be able to immediately see the testicles. If the rabbits are younger and have not yet reached sexual maturity (i.e., the testes have not descended), you can still tell a male by the existence of the penis, which will pop out when you gently press on him.

Conclusion: Is It Better to Get Female or Male Bunnies?

In actuality, it is impossible to declare with certainty whether men are superior than women or vice versa. They are all lovable, sociable, and capable of showing affection. I am aware that male rabbits are recommended for novice rabbit keepers. However, I can’t really say that I concur with that assertion. What I CAN say is that both male and female rabbits have the potential to make wonderful pets if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort necessary for bonding, get them neutered, and take good care of them.