Rabbits with dental issues.

Question
I lost my two rabbits 5 months apart and am looking into adopting a rabbit
from the local rabbit rescue.  I have years of rabbit experience with health
and feeding, training and spoiling ! I had a Netherland Dwarf and a Mini Rex.  
I loved them so much and really know I could help another rabbit or a pair
but the only issue I have is with the dental issues.  My dwarf was prone to it
and the money was a bit more then I could afford.  I know that Netherland
dwarfs and Lops are prone to it due to their flat faces, but are other rabbits
prone to it ? Are all dwarfs prone to it ? Do you know of any breed that would
(more than likely) not have this issue ? My dwarf lived to be nine and it broke
my heart that it was his teeth that ended it all.  My mini rex was perfectly
healthy the whole time.  Any tips you could give me would be great and I
thank you so much for your time and that you are helping other rabbit lovers
like me !!

Answer
Dear Samantha,

I'm sorry you had such tragedies linked to dental problems.  Most rabbits don't have severe dental problems, but as they age they do need regular checkups for molar spurs or other problems.

In my experience, a bunny who spends time outdoors eating fresh grass (no fertilizer or pesticide, of course!) and twigs, and is able to engage in "natural" bunny activities is far less prone to dental problems than one who is indoors all the time.  We've seen rabbits even with severe dental malocclusion never need a tooth trim if  they're given plenty of supervised outdoor time in the sun and doing natural bunny feeding behaviors.

If this isn't practical for you, then I would try to steer clear of a lop or dwarf or *especially* a Lionhead.  They are known for dental problems.  I can't think of a specific breed that is NOT prone to dental problems, but by getting a bunny who is a hybrid, and not a purebred, you can decrease the chances of problems caused by inbreeding (a common reason for dental malocclusion).

I can't guarantee that the bunnies you adopt will never have dental problems.  No one can predict that.  But by getting bunnies with a more "wild type" morphology, and providing a healthy diet with plenty of hay (fresh grass and outdoors if at all possible), you're lowing your chances of having dental problems.

Be sure to ask the rescuer from whom you adopt about the health and dental history of the bunnies you adopt.  This will be a bit more insurance.

I wish we could know the future, but since that's not possible, taking the best precautions is the next best thing.  Every companion animal may at some time have health problems that require veterinary assistance, and sometimes those problems can be severe and heartbreaking.  But even if you do lose a friend to a health problem (and I've lost many...), you can at least take comfort in knowing that you gave that little one the best life possible and all the love in the world.

I hope this helps.

Dana