i want a rabbit but have questions

Question
i REALLY want a rabbit(neitherland dwarf) but my mom wont let me. she says their too smelly, we have too much cold winter( conneticut)and too many fox's becuase she wants to keep it out side. ohh and do they bite, reply to any of these if wanted and please (not needed) can you tell if its easy to have a rabbit not like a dog? thank you

Answer
Hi Marshall. First I want you to know that I don't want you to argue with your mother and her word is final. Rabbits can be smelly and some do bite. It would not be easy for a dwarf bunny to stay out in your winter weather. Now, there is a way that you can keep a bunny in the house and it not smell. If you get one of the cages that has a pan under the wire bottom, you can put clumping cat litter in the pan and scoop it out every day and you will not have a smelly bunny. You do have to make sure that the bunny can not get into the litter as it will make a rabbit sick. Also this would have to be your responsibility. I don't know how old you are or how responsible. This is not something your mother will want to have to do. Now, as to biting. Male rabbits are less likely to bite than female rabbits, however male rabbits will spray urine if they are not neutered, so you would want to have that done. Netherland dwarfs can be nippy as can many of the dwarf breeds. It would be good for you to study the different breeds and learn their personalities. Going to a couple of rabbit shows and talking to the young folks that are showing is a wonderful way to learn about the different breeds and what you can expect from them. Rabbits can be wonderful pets. They are being taught to compete in all sorts of things just like dogs. I am amazed at what a bunny can do. They are showing that they have a good deal of intelligence. Like a dog they need care, good food, attention, excercise, and sometimes  medical care. Vet care for a bunny can be just as expensive as it is for a dog or cat. Finding a good vet for a bunny is not always easy. Not all vets know enough about rabbits and if you are going to get a bunny I suggest that you find a vet first. One who is well schooled on rabbit health. Now, if you still want a bunny, talk to your mother again. If she has questions, I can try to answer them. However, again, if she says no, please listen to her and do not give her a hard time. Her word is final. Let me know what the two of you decide and if there is any thing I can help with.  Pat