One of the most frequently asked questions by beginners getting their first rabbit is whether a buck or a doe makes a better pet. Everybody has a different opinion on the subject, so I thought I'd add in my two cents.
First of all, every rabbit is different. There are always bucks or does who break the stereotypical norms for temperament etc.. Also, a HUGE element of the rabbit's personality is how well and frequently they are handled. The sweetest possible rabbit can be ruined by improper handling. Another element is genetics. Some lines tend to pass on good or bad or in-betweeny temperaments. But for the most part, how the rabbit was raised is the deciding factor in temperament.
In my herd, I have not noticed an extreme difference in temperament either way. This is largely due to genetics, and the fact I will not use animals with poor temperaments in my program. A lot of bucks tend to be slightly goofier and does are slightly more laidback, but this varies greatly from one rabbit to the next, so I would definitely suggest picking a rabbit on its individual temperament, not gender. The main thing to keep in mind is that some bucks do spray urine, whereas almost no does perform this behavior. However, spraying is largely genetic, and so not all bucks will spray. At the time of this article, I only have one buck who sprays at all. Of the bucks who do spray, many only do it if housed near does. As such, most pet bucks will not spray frequently. Neutering does not change this behavior, as it is genetic. If the risk of potential spraying is a deal-breaker for you, then a doe would probably be a better option.
First of all, every rabbit is different. There are always bucks or does who break the stereotypical norms for temperament etc.. Also, a HUGE element of the rabbit's personality is how well and frequently they are handled. The sweetest possible rabbit can be ruined by improper handling. Another element is genetics. Some lines tend to pass on good or bad or in-betweeny temperaments. But for the most part, how the rabbit was raised is the deciding factor in temperament.
In my herd, I have not noticed an extreme difference in temperament either way. This is largely due to genetics, and the fact I will not use animals with poor temperaments in my program. A lot of bucks tend to be slightly goofier and does are slightly more laidback, but this varies greatly from one rabbit to the next, so I would definitely suggest picking a rabbit on its individual temperament, not gender. The main thing to keep in mind is that some bucks do spray urine, whereas almost no does perform this behavior. However, spraying is largely genetic, and so not all bucks will spray. At the time of this article, I only have one buck who sprays at all. Of the bucks who do spray, many only do it if housed near does. As such, most pet bucks will not spray frequently. Neutering does not change this behavior, as it is genetic. If the risk of potential spraying is a deal-breaker for you, then a doe would probably be a better option.