Do Rabbits Grow beards?

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Do Rabbits Grow beards?

To answer the question “Do Rabbits Grow beards?”, we must first determine if a rabbit can grow hair.

Yes, rabbits grow hair. This is specifically true of the Angora and Belgian hare breeds. Other breeds such as Rex and Dutch don’t seem to have fur on their face, but it could be because they don’t need it to protect them from predators like larger animals like wolves or coyotes.

So if a rabbit can grow hair, does that mean it could grow a beard? Well, let’s find out.

No, it doesn’t. The difference between hair and fur is that hair is a single strand of a protein called keratin. The fur on the other hand comes from follicles in your skin called fur glands. If a rabbit has fur, he/she should also have these glands themselves.

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In a rabbit’s skin, the follicle that produces the fur is directly indented into your skin. There’s also a small gland at the base of each follicle called an arrector pili muscle. These muscles contract to produce ‘goosebumps’. Usually, these are found in your arms or back and are responsible for giving you goosebumps when you’re cold or frightened.

In a rabbit, this muscle is what causes their fur to stand up to warn predators that they’re not only large but dangerous as well.

As for the face, this is covered with a layer of soft skin that’s not hair. If a rabbit were to grow a beard, the soft skin would wear thin from rubbing against itself and could cause it to tear. That being said, a rabbit keeping itself clean might keep its face hairless.

In conclusion, No, rabbits do not grow beards. But they can grow hair on other parts of their body if they need it to protect themselves from the elements or predators.


Is Dewlap the same as Beards in rabbits?

Before we dive into this, we need to understand what a Dewlap is in rabbits.

What is a dewlap?

A dewlap is an area of loose skin below the neck on certain breeds of rabbits. A rabbit’s throat, chest, or abdomen can also have a dewlap. The word “dewlap” comes from the Old English word, “delf,” meaning “drop.” Laps are thought to get their name from an Old Norse word that means “to take by mouth.”

Now, as said earlier on, Rabbits do not grow beards, and they are sometimes mistaken for beards. Rabbits do not grow beards; however, they are (Dewlaps) sometimes called beards.

Where does a dewlap come from?

Dewlaps are most commonly caused by one of two things: either by genetics or by hormones. Dewlaps can develop in all breeds of rabbits. They do not affect the health, or the appearance of the rabbit, and can be removed surgically if necessary. However, in many cases, good management and diet control will eliminate a dewlap’s likelihood to appear in rabbits. The size and nature of a dewlap can vary between breeds.

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Is Dewlap good for rabbits?

A dewlap is basically the area of soft, round tissue that is found around the neck and under the chin of rabbits. This area provides rabbits with a number of vital functions, including keeping their ears clean and protecting their airway. A healthy dewlap will also give a rabbit’s face its characteristic soft appearance and glowing eyes.

Dewlaps are also an important source of heat during cold weather, providing a warm spot for rabbits to snuggle against.

Dewlaps will not develop in all rabbits. In fact, many rabbits have no dewlap at all, and those that do will be the same size on all sides (see image below).

Dewlaps are very important to wool-related breeders: they are what give clocked ears their characteristic shape, as well as make them easy to trim. Dewlaps are also important in visual appeal, helping to create that soft, round appearance that is so characteristic of wool rabbits.

Unfortunately, many pet owners forget to trim their rabbits’ dewlap when they are young. The result is a dewlap that has grown into a bushy, unattractive shape. While there isn’t much you can do if your rabbit already has an overgrown dewlap, you can take steps to prevent this from happening in the future. By trimming your rabbit’s dewlap regularly, you can help ensure that it doesn’t take on any unwanted, bushy growth later on.

A healthy dewlap is very important to rabbits.

Can I trim my rabbit’s Dewlap myself?

No, you cannot trim your rabbit’s dewlap yourself. The dewlap is an area of skin on the hindquarters where fur and skin butt up against each other. This is a delicate area and it’s difficult for this type of self-grooming to be done properly.

So, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional groomer or your veterinarian so they can trim the dewlap along with other areas. Rabbits with dewlaps are considered “puffy” and many people want to cut away the extra skin in hopes of making the rabbit easier to handle. However, this is entirely unnecessary.


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