The Angora [[Rabbits|rabbit]] is a fiber breed originating in Ankara (formerly Angora), Turkey, prized for its long, soft, and silky wool. Angoras are one of the oldest domesticated rabbit breeds and are the only rabbit breed kept primarily for fiber production. The wool is harvested by shearing, plucking, or combing and is valued in the hand-spinning and luxury yarn markets for its warmth, softness, and halo effect.
The Angora rabbit was first documented in Ankara, Turkey, where it was kept by Turkish nobility for its wool. The breed was introduced to France in the 1720s and quickly became a fashion sensation among the French aristocracy. Angora rabbits were brought to England in the late 18th century and to the United States by the 1840s. The breed was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1910.
The English Angora was the original type exported from Turkey. From this foundation, several distinct Angora varieties were developed: the French Angora (clean face and feet, easier to maintain), the Giant Angora (developed in the US from Flemish Giant crosses for higher wool yields), and the Satin Angora (developed from Satin crosses for luster). The German Angora, a high-wool-producing type, is also widely bred.
Angora rabbits are small to medium-sized depending on the variety, with a compact body and a full head of wool. The wool covers the entire body including the ears and face in some varieties. The eyes are visible only through the wool in English Angoras. The coat grows continuously and must be harvested every 3 to 4 months. Annual wool production ranges from 10 to 16 ounces (280 to 450 grams) for English Angoras to 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kilograms) for Giant Angoras.
Angora wool has a fiber diameter of 12 to 16 microns, finer than the finest Merino sheep wool. The hollow core of the fiber provides excellent insulation, and the surface scales create a natural halo effect that makes the wool appear fuzzy. The wool is 5 to 7 times warmer than sheep wool by weight. Most Angora wool is harvested from live animals, though the quality from healthy stock is superior to that from culled animals.
Angora rabbits are kept for wool production on homesteads. A small herd of 4 to 6 does can produce enough wool for a hand spinner or small-scale yarn business. Angora wool commands a premium price, typically 5 to 10 times the price of sheep wool per ounce.
The breed requires more intensive care than meat or fur breeds. The wool must be kept clean and free of matting, and the rabbits require protection from hot, humid conditions that can cause wool block (a fatal digestive blockage from ingested wool). The rabbits must be groomed regularly to prevent mats and wool from accumulating around the vent.