Rabbit are small mamals closely related to hares and picas. This group of animals as the Lagomorphs. There are many species in the rabbit family but all domesticated rabbits are believed to have descended from a single species known as the European Rabbit. Breeding of rabbits in captivity first began in the middle ages, when they were first considered farm animals. By the 1500's selective breeding resulted in several distinct breeds. The exhibition of rabbits and the keeping of rabbits as pets was popularized in the 1800's. People worldwide raise rabbits for a variety of purposes including food, woll, fur, and pet stock. In North America there are