First time owner what type of bunny?

Question
I want a small bunny (under 4 pounds) due to limited space. And a low maintnce bunny due to I don't want to have to groom my bunny every day. I really like Holland Lops and Netherland Darf rabbits. But I don't know ifghey are good for first time owners.
Plus I have two cats that only go into my room to use the litter box or sleep so will they scare my bunny? Or shud I completely remove access to my room to my cats.
And my two dogs are loud barking but you can barley hear them from upstairs(where the bunny will live) so will my bunny get scared from muffled Barks?
Thankyou for taking the time to answer my question :)  

Answer
Dear Katy,

You're wise to do your homework before bringing a bunny into your home.  The first thing I must tell you is that rabbits are NOT low maintenance pets, even if you don't have to groom them every day.  They require very different care and maintenance than dogs or cats, and need a special veterinarian famliar with the special medical needs of rabbits.  You can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Next, it's important to remember that even a small rabbit needs a LOT of room to run and play.  They can't live in a cage constantly.  They must be let out, just as a dog or cat, to explore, exercise and enjoy life.  They are not a "pocket pet" as some pet stores will advertise (which drives me nuts).  They are intelligent, complex, active, interactive, and need as much free time and attention or a dog or cat.  Sometimes more!  If you're looking for a truly low maintenance pet, then don't consider a rabbit.  Seriously.  For more information on what you're getting into, please read:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

and get a copy of the House Rabbit Handbook for all the gritty details:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0940920123/houserabbitsocie

Rabbits, cats, and dogs can get along well together, but you must do the proper introductions and make sure no one is aggressive.  Cats, in particular, can be quite dangerous, even if they are only playful with a rabbit:  the bacteria (Pasteurella and Bartonella) they carry in their mouth and on their claws can be deadly to a rabbit from even a tiny puncture wound.  I know of too many "sudden, unexplained" deaths in pet rabbits that turned out to be due to an undetected cat scratch from the two animals playing together.  :(

For information on how to introduce and live with cats and rabbits, please see:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-11/cats-and-rabbits.html

and for dogs:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html

Finally, I would NOT recommend a small rabbit, especially if you have dogs and cats.  A small rabbit needs as much space as a big rabbit, but a big rabbit will be better able to defend herself from the attentions of a dog or cat, and isn't as likely to be viewed as prey by the dogs and cats.  You can find just the right bunny, if you're sure you're ready for the commitment, from your local rabbit rescuer, whom you can find here:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

The rescuer will be able to give you even more information, and be able to match you up with just the right bunny. Breed doesn't matter as much as temperament and overall health and personality.  A rescued bunny is already spayed/neutered (sparing you that worry and expense!), and has a known personality and health history.  That's something you don't get with a baby bunny from a pet store (who is often even too young to be weaned).

Hope this helps get you started!  Good luck!

Dana