Why Buy from a Breeder?

There are so many places to find pet rabbits for sale. Pet stores, shelters, breeders. How can you know the best place to buy, the place that won't leave you regretting something or trying to turn back?

1. Breeders are often experienced. They have studied their breed, rabbits in general, and know how to properly sex a baby bunny - something most pet stores are known for not knowing how to do.
2. Breeders love their bunnies. They don't breed to sell rabbits; they breed because they love what they do and as their own personal hobby. 
3. Breeders usually handle their babies from DAY ONE. Their babies are sociable, playful, and sweet. Depending on the breed and the rabbit's personality, some may be more shy and nasty, but generally a mean, nippy rabbit is a sign of poor husbandry and the breeder or rabbit's caregiver not providing enough attention to the rabbit.
4. You will get a purebred rabbit. There is definitely nothing wrong with having a mixed breed pet, but if having something like a Holland Lop is your dream, don't settle for a Lop mix. You'll know that any Holland Lops from a good, reputable show breeder will be absolutely purebred. And if you ask, most breeders will let you see the pedigree. Most pets are not sold with a pedigree, however. 
5. You will know where your rabbit is coming from. A pet store or breeder will give you no background knowledge on the rabbit. They don't know the parent's traits, temperaments, weights, or if the line has any health issues they are prone to. Many breeders will encourage you to see the parents and even siblings of the rabbit you are considering to purchase, so you know what your rabbit will look like or how it will behave in adulthood. 
6. A good breeder will support you and your rabbit even years after the rabbit has left his or her rabbitry. They will answer any questions you may have in the future, always be there if at any time you cannot take care of your rabbit anymore, and most of the time provide care sheets on the pickup of your rabbit. Breeders only care about the welfare of their bunnies, and want you to have the best rabbit experience a new owner could possibly have.

Now buying from a breeder will be more expensive than any other alternative. But when you think about how much love, money, stress and care they put into all of their rabbits, it is all worth it. Wouldn't you rather have a docile, purebred, good-natured expensive rabbit rather then a mean, mixed breed, biting cheap rabbit? Me too!