Discovering "Full Face" English Angoras
- Mora Angora
- Mar 13
- 7 min read
The Rare, Extra Fluffy!
Max "Full Face" English Angoras are hard to find in the United States. They grow long wool all the way down their nose - Are extremely cute (trimmed down, or fluffy). Proceed at your own risk. :-)
About two years ago, while browsing rabbit groups and Instagram feeds in search of some new genetics, I stumbled across the phrase "Full Face English Angora." However, the rabbits didn't look any different than our... or maybe they even had less wool than ours. I thought it was a way people were starting to distinguish English Angoras from French or Satin Angoras (neither have wool on their face).
It kept coming up though. In groups - others shared what I thought - it was a term pet breeders were using to describe classic English Angora features. (I try not to spend a lot of time on social media so my initial research was limited)
Then, our wonderful customers started sending photos! Things unfold in an interesting way most of the time. :-) These photos were very different the bunnies looked impossibly fluffy, with wool blanketing their faces so completely that their eyes couldn't be seen, and the fluff reached all the way to the nose without any clear patches.
It was mesmerizing, but still wondered: Is this just good grooming and lighting, or is there something genetic at play? (I love genetics!)
Then, the search was on in earnest!
I knew that while all English Angoras have facial furnishings the density and extent of that wool on the face isn't uniform across lines (not to mention body structure)... which is why working with them to improve the line is rewarding!
In the case of Max "Full Face" English Angoras though - Some US breeders had been quietly incorporating European (from what I can tell, particularly French-influenced) genetics over the years—to enhance wool density, texture, and those dramatic facial features. My mind was blown!
This research opened my eyes to how much variation exists within the breed. It also sparked a personal quest: Could I bring some of that exceptional fluff and heritage into my own program while keeping the sweet, social temperaments my rabbits are known for?!
Challenge Accepted! :-) It took over a year to find the specific ones I was looking for. Some breeders have ones that look just like american lines as well as full face English Angoras... and just because you say you want a full face... doesn't mean they will sell you that. It may have a full face parent, but not have a full face... it took a lot of careful research.
A lot of time went into making connections with European breeders (who are lovely people!), wait for babies, see how those babies grew to learn to recognize the difference.
Then, wait for more babies, choose the ones that displayed the genetics, plan their journey home... and wait... There were set backs and more random fees to pop up than one could imagine.... BUT THEY HAVE ARRIVED! They are beautiful but how, exactly are they different?! What is the same? Read on to find out! :-)
#5: Which One is Best for You?!
#1 Personality: Same! SO Much LOVE & DEVOTION
English Angoras are extremely people-oriented. Many are happiest near you, following you from room to room, gently (or not so gently) nudging you for attention. (This is a HUGE reason why - English Angoras are the BEST pet Bunny! :-)
Our imported French "Max Full Face" English angoras are no different. I am beyond happy to see that they are eager to give back, in full, any and all love they are given. "Just like a dog!" has been said many time already. :-) They follow us around, boop for pets/attention and are so happy to greet us.
I have no doubt their babies, after we pour a great deal of love into them, will grow into confident, relaxed rabbits who feel comfortable being themselves- devoted companions in the very best way.
#2 The Fluff: How is it different?!
All English Angoras have wool on their face and ears. The difference between Full face and American English Angoras is how far the wool comes down their forehead. I have learned that some use different names to describe how far down the wool come on the forehead.
These are some of our bunnies, look closely and notice how far down the wool comes on the middle of their face. Most American lines wouldn't have wool come down further than Nitro's. If they did, I would suspect they have European lines somewhere in their lineage.
Blossom: Her forehead wool stops above her eyes. This is called a "Mask"
Bella: Her forehead wool stops at her eyes (not the best example as its long and hangs down a bit. ) This would be considered "Classic"
Nitro: His forehead wool comes down and connects with his cheek wool after his eyes. Some American breeders would call him a Full Face... but its still a bit high in the middle of his nose.
Now, the European lines. Two different variations of Full Face have been mentioned: Full Face and Max Full Face. Just like for american lines, the different names apply to how far down the nose the wool grows. It is difficult to really tell in these photos as they are quite fluffy. (more photos to come!) However, their long wool either grows long until the top triangle of their nose, or all the way down. There is a difference in how the kits look too, the hair grows in differently. I don't have any good photos of those.. yet.
Their wool is also very dense on their face/ear but in a gloriously soft way. Their body wool is a little different among them. Some have silkier wool while others have cottony/fluffy woo - both are extremely soft. There is also a lot of crimp to some of them, more like a sheep. They were trimmed down before their long journey, so I am not sure about guard hairs yet but I can't wait to spin their wool!
#3 Size: It's a Range!
American English Angoras weigh 5–6½ lbs as adults—big enough to feel substantial but small enough to live happily indoors, free ranging when you are around and can have an adequate bunny space for when you are not around.
Our Max Full Face English Angoras appear to be the same, they haven't reached adult size yet, but project them to max out some where in the 6 lbs. range. I've seen one post of an imported English Angora that was huge... but I don't think our bunnies have the huge gene. :-)
All in all, they will be the same great size to live in the same space with cats and do. Just like our other bunnies, I imagine most of the bunnies will go to become Boss Bunny. :-)
#4 Lineage/Genetics: Where does the extra Fluff come from?!
From what I can tell, the Max Full Face English Angora originated from France. There are many breeders in Europe who have them, but most of their lines came from France. However, not every European English Angora is a Max Full Face or Full Face. (more of this distinction in #3). SO... How?! Where do Max Full Face English Angoras come from?
Where did this extra fluffy gene come from?! Most say by holding onto the fluffier ones and continuing to breed that trait.... Other... Why, others say it originated by crossing English Angora with another breed... teddywidders! I haven't had a breeder confirm that they have done this, so it is just a theory.
After looking at the way baby TW hair grows in, it does looks like that theory could be true. So maybe, Full Face English Angoras, are the absolute BEST of both worlds... teddywidder sweetness, devotion of English Angora AND no lopped ears to worry about.
That being said, Our Max Full Face English Angoras, are imported from France and are purely English Angora lines of exceptional lineage. This line will be maintained as the highest quality possible.
#5 Which One is Best for you?!
Both types share the same loving personality, beautiful wool and size - So the decision really comes down to how much grooming joy you're ready for and what your budget allows. Both have the lovely fluffy ears.
A classic English Angora (with traditional American/domestic lines) may be the better choice for beginners, first-time rabbit owners, busy households, or anyone seeking a sweet, lower-key pet companion with manageable grooming needs. Their facial furnishings will have a small clear area around the nose and mouth, making their care simpler. We plan to maintain these lines going forward as we are very attached to our bunnies. <3
A Max Full Face English Angora (Imported French lines) shines for dedicated enthusiasts, therapy animal handlers, or anyone captivated by the extreme "teddy bear" aesthetic with wool covering the entire face down to the nose. These rabbits deliver standout visual wow-factor, making them prized for premium fiber production, or Instagram-worthy photos—but they come with higher grooming demands.
The extra facial wool requires more frequent attention (often clipping around the eyes and nose). Around the mouth may mat faster if not maintained, so they're best suited to committed owners who already have grooming routines. (either yourself or with an experience bunny groomer.) Check out this post for our grooming tutorial.
Ultimately, choose based on your lifestyle: a classic line for approachable fluff and easier care, or a max full face for maximum drama and luxury appeal—if you're ready to invest the extra time in keeping that plush face pristine and healthy.
#6 Quick Comparison Sheet
This is coming soon as we gather more photos. :-)
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