Pet rabbits typically live 8–12 years indoors (rabbit.org, RSPCA), outdoor rabbits about 3–5 years and wild rabbits often just 1–2. Small and medium breeds such as Holland Lops (7–10) and Mini Lops (8–10) usually outlive giant breeds such as Flemish Giants (5–10) and Continental Giants (about 4–7).
How long do rabbits live?
How long do bunnies live as pets? The short answer: most pet rabbits live 8–12 years. That is the range rabbit.org (the House Rabbit Society's site) gives for indoor house rabbits, and the RSPCA says the same, adding that some live longer. PetMD puts the average across more than 60 breeds at 7–10 years and says spayed or neutered rabbits generally live 8–12. Oxbow's figure is 8–10 years, with many now reaching 11, 12 or older. So the average life of a rabbit kept well as a pet is about a decade — a much longer commitment than many new owners expect. (Among small pets only chinchillas typically live longer, often 10–20 years — see our chinchilla lifespan guide.)
How many years can a rabbit live at most? rabbit.org says many pet rabbits have lived to 14 or even 16, and the oldest on record, Flopsy, a wild rabbit raised as a pet in Australia, lived 18 years 10 months — about 127 in human years. That is several times longer than smaller pet rodents: pet rats usually live 2–3 years (see the pet rat lifespan calculator) and pet mice 1.5–2.5 (mouse lifespan guide).
The life expectancy of a pet rabbit depends mainly on four things the sources agree on: breed size, where it lives (indoors or outdoors), whether it is spayed or neutered, and its diet and veterinary care. Use the calculator above to see where your bunny is in its expected rabbit age span.
Rabbit lifespan by breed
Breed lifespans below come from PetMD's vet-reviewed breed profiles where they exist. Where we found no breed-specific figure from a vet-reviewed source (marked *), we show the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) range for that size group. The "human age" column uses our rabbit years to human years chart.
| Breed | Size | Adult weight | Typical lifespan | Human age at max lifespan | Senior from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angora | Medium (varies by type) | 4–12 lb | 5–12 yrs | 86 | 6 yrs |
| Flemish Giant | Giant | 15–20 lb | 5–10 yrs | 74 | 4 yrs |
| Holland Lop | Dwarf lop | up to 4 lb | 7–10 yrs | 74 | 6 yrs |
| Mini Lop | Small lop | up to 6.5 lb | 8–10 yrs | 74 | 6 yrs |
| American Fuzzy Lop * | Dwarf lop | up to 4 lb | 9–10 yrs | 74 | 6 yrs |
| Mini Rex * | Small | up to 4.5 lb | 9–10 yrs | 74 | 6 yrs |
| Dutch | Small | 3.5–5.5 lb | 5–10 yrs | 74 | 6 yrs |
| Lionhead | Dwarf | 2.5–3.75 lb | 7–9 yrs | 68 | 6 yrs |
| Rex | Medium–large | 7.5–10.5 lb | 6–8 yrs | 62 | 4 yrs |
| Continental Giant * | Giant | often 11–22+ lb (5–10+ kg) | 4–7 yrs | 56 | 4 yrs |
| French Lop * | Giant lop | giant (no ARBA maximum) | 4–7 yrs | 56 | 4 yrs |
| Californian * | Large | up to 10.5 lb | 4–7 yrs | 56 | 4 yrs |
* RWAF size-group estimate. Flemish Giant combines PetMD's two figures (8–10 in its breed profile, 5–8 in its lifespan guide).
Angora rabbit lifespan
PetMD gives Angoras a wide range of 5–12 years, noting that larger Angora types typically live longer than the smaller ones — unusual among rabbits. Adults weigh 4–12 pounds depending on the type. Their long wool needs frequent grooming, because PetMD lists wool block (swallowed hair blocking the gut), GI stasis and flystrike as key risks.
Californian rabbit lifespan
The Californian, developed in Southern California in the 1920s, weighs up to 10.5 lb (ARBA). We found no vet-reviewed figure for its lifespan; by weight it falls in the RWAF's large-breed group, with an approximate lifespan of 4–7 years. Treat that as an estimate.
Why size matters
As with dogs, bigger rabbits tend to live shorter lives. Oxbow notes that larger breeds like the Flemish Giant may have shorter lifespans than tiny breeds like the Netherland Dwarf, and PetMD contrasts Lionheads (7–9 years) with Flemish Giants (5–8 years in its lifespan guide). The RWAF's approximate size guide makes the pattern clear:
| Size group | Approx. lifespan | Considered senior | Lifespan in human years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g. Netherland Dwarf, Polish) | 12–13 yrs | 8+ yrs | 86–92 |
| Medium (dwarf lops up to ~3.5–4 kg) | 9–10 yrs | 6+ yrs | 68–74 |
| Large & giant (e.g. Continental Giant, French Lop) | 4–7 yrs | 4+ yrs | 38–56 |
Giant rabbits also face size-related problems — the RWAF lists sore hocks, arthritis and spinal spondylosis, and a higher rate of cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) — and says to expect a giant rabbit to live 4–6 years on average.
Indoor vs outdoor: how long do house rabbits live?
This is where the sources show the biggest gap. rabbit.org says indoor house rabbits typically live 8–12 years, while outdoor domestic rabbits live only about 3–5 years. PetMD explains why indoor living helps: it keeps rabbits safe from predators, extreme weather and contagious diseases. In other words, on these figures the house rabbit lifespan is more than twice that of a rabbit kept in a hutch outside.
If your rabbit lives outside, the same sources point to what matters: secure, predator-proof housing, shelter from heat and cold, space to exercise, company, and regular vet checks. The RSPCA notes that rabbits need far more space than most people think.
How long do rabbits live in the wild?
Wild rabbits live much shorter lives. rabbit.org says wild rabbits often live only 1–2 years, and PetMD says rabbits in the wild can live anywhere from 1 to 9 years because of predators, habitat loss and being hit by cars. Rabbit lifespan in captivity is therefore far longer — when a pet rabbit is well cared for. Wild hedgehogs show the same pattern even more sharply: about 2 years on average in the wild, while pet hedgehogs typically live 4–6 (see our hedgehog lifespan calculator).
| Wild rabbit | Outdoor pet rabbit | Indoor house rabbit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 1–2 years (rabbit.org); up to 9 (PetMD) | 3–5 years (rabbit.org) | 8–12 years (rabbit.org, RSPCA) |
| Main threats named by sources | Predators, habitat loss, cars | Predators, extreme weather, contagious disease | Fewer — protected from predators, weather and contagious disease (PetMD) |
| Lifespan in human years | about 20–26 | about 32–44 | about 62–86 |
The life cycle of rabbits
The life cycle of rabbits is fast at the start and slower later on. PetMD says pregnancy averages 30–33 days; kits are born blind, open their eyes at about 10 days and are fully weaned between 4 and 8 weeks (Oxbow says 3–6 weeks). After that, Oxbow describes these stages:
- Baby (infant): birth to about 3 months.
- Adolescent: 3–6 months — the time to talk to a vet about spaying or neutering.
- Teenager: 6–12 months (some large breeds are adults by 9 months).
- Adult: 12 months to about 5 years, depending on breed.
- Senior: from around 5 years (the RWAF says 4–8 depending on size).
How to help your rabbit live longer
- Spay or neuter: PetMD says spayed or neutered rabbits generally live 8–12 years, while unspayed females have a high risk of uterine cancer and often live shorter lives.
- Feed mostly hay: unlimited timothy or alfalfa hay (by age), fresh greens and a small amount of pellets (PetMD). Rabbit teeth grow about 3 mm a week, so chewing hay is essential (RSPCA).
- Keep them indoors or very well protected from predators, weather and disease.
- See a rabbit-savvy vet every 6–12 months for an exam and dental check (PetMD), and more often for seniors if your vet advises.
- Provide company and space: the RSPCA says rabbits are highly social and shouldn't live alone unless a vet advises it.
How the calculator works
Pick a breed — or "Mixed / unknown breed", which uses the 8–12 year pet rabbit range — and enter your rabbit's age. The calculator shows the typical lifespan, the human-year equivalent from The Bunny Lady's chart (20 at age 1, then about 6 per year), the life stage, and roughly how many years remain on average. Averages are only a guide: plenty of rabbits beat them.
Breed guides: Lionhead Rabbit Lifespan · Flemish Giant Rabbit Lifespan · Holland Lop Lifespan · Mini Lop Rabbit Lifespan · Lop-Eared Rabbit Lifespan · Rex Rabbit Lifespan · Dutch Rabbit Lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
How long do rabbits live as pets indoors?
Indoor house rabbits typically live 8–12 years according to rabbit.org, and many have lived to 14 or even 16.
How long do rabbits live as pets outside?
rabbit.org says outdoor domestic rabbits live only about 3–5 years, largely because of predators, extreme weather and disease.
How long do rabbits live in the wild?
Often only 1–2 years (rabbit.org). PetMD gives a range of 1–9 years, limited by predators, habitat loss and cars.
What is the average life of a rabbit?
For pet rabbits, about 8–12 years (rabbit.org, RSPCA). PetMD gives an average of 7–10 years across breeds, and Oxbow says 8–10.
How many years can a rabbit live?
Many pet rabbits reach 14 or even 16. The oldest on record, Flopsy, lived 18 years 10 months (rabbit.org, PetMD).
What is the Angora rabbit lifespan?
PetMD gives Angora rabbits 5–12 years, with larger Angora types typically living longer than smaller ones.
What is the Californian rabbit lifespan?
We found no vet-reviewed breed figure. By weight (up to 10.5 lb) it falls in the RWAF's large-breed group, which has an approximate lifespan of 4–7 years.
What is the life expectancy of domestic rabbits in captivity?
Well-cared-for domestic rabbits usually live 8–12 years, compared with 1–2 years for many wild rabbits. Size, housing, spay/neuter status, diet and vet care all affect the number.
How long can a rabbit live with E. cuniculi?
It varies a lot. PetMD says E. cuniculi is common and many rabbits carry it their whole lives without symptoms. When it does cause illness (for example head tilt, balance problems or kidney issues), rabbits can survive and live normal lives with veterinary treatment, though some keep a permanent head tilt, and the outlook is worse when signs are severe or a rabbit stops eating. There is no single life expectancy — if you suspect it, see a rabbit-savvy vet promptly.
Do small rabbits live longer than big rabbits?
Generally yes. The RWAF gives small breeds about 12–13 years, medium breeds 9–10 and large or giant breeds 4–7.
This calculator gives an estimate for education and fun. Every pet ages differently — for health decisions, talk to your veterinarian.