Latest update November 11th, 2026 10:25 AM
Sep 10, 2023 Features / Columnists, Interesting Creatures:, News, Waterfalls Magazine
Waterfalls Magazine – The Angora rabbit (Turkish: Ankara Tavşanı) is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, bred for the long fibers of its coat, which is known as Angora wool. The Angora wool is gathered by shearing, combing or plucking the rabbit.
Because rabbits do not possess the same allergy-causing qualities as many other animals, their wool is an important alternative.
There are at least 11 distinct breeds of Angora rabbit, four of which are currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA): English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora and Satin Angora. Others include German Angora, Chinese Angora, Finnish Angora, Japanese Angora, Korean Angora, Russian Angora, St Lucian Angora and Swiss Angora.
The Angora is said to have originated in Ankara (historically known as Angora), in present-day Turkey, and is known to have been brought to France in 1723. The Angora rabbit became a popular pet of the French royalty in the mid-18th century, and Angoras had spread to other parts of Europe by the end of that century. In the United States, garments made of Angora-rabbit wool have been popular ever since they first arrived in the early 20th century.
However, only during World War II did domestic production expand to meet the demand for more than 120,000 pounds a year. This valuable, soft, silky, fiber aroused much interest, and quickly people became enamored with the production process.
Angoras are bred mainly for their wool, which is silky and soft. At only 14–16 micrometres in diameter, it is similar to cashmere in fineness and softness to the touch. A healthy adult Angora’s wool will grow approximately 3 centimetres (1 in) per month. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent the fibre from matting and felting on the rabbit, which causes discomfort and can lead to pain and even infection. Angora wool is harvested (plucked or shorn) every three to four months throughout the year. The coat needs to be monitored after 6 months of regrowth since it may tend to “die” and easily mat.
Angora wool may be gathered periodically by hand-plucking the hairs within the coat that are being naturally shed. Full harvesting is done by shearing the coat with clippers or small scissors, often while the rabbit sits atop a groomer’s turntable. Shearing typically starts at the head, moving across the shoulders to the tail. The rabbit is then flipped and the underside is shorn from tail to chin. Between 12 and 18 oz. of wool may be harvested from a Giant Angora. (Source: Wikipedia)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Nov 11, 2026
…Golden Jaguars target Gold Cup qualification By Rawle Toney (Kaieteur News) – Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio and captain Elliot Bonds have made their intentions abundantly clear...Nov 11, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – Recently, a group of young entrepreneurs decided to pool their resources and embark on a business venture. They were determined to take a chance, invest their savings and build something for themselves. Rather than wait for somebody to offer them employment, they wanted to...Nov 01, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – When Commonwealth leaders gather in Antigua and Barbuda from 1st to 4th November, they should address a question that reaches beyond their association: how can countries of different size, wealth and outlook sustain cooperation in a world increasingly...Nov 11, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – Once what is termed the “new video” is confirmed as authentic, a new story emerges. In this, the age of AI, one must be cautious. Until confirmation, it’s just a new video, no more. If confirmed, the saga of the 12th October nighttime gunfight between Senior Supt...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com