What kind of rabbits stay small

There are several terms used for small rabbits including "dwarf" and "mini" but these don't all mean the same thing:. In short, all dwarfs and minis are small rabbits , but not all small rabbits are dwarves or minis. The American Fuzzy Lop weighs no more than 3 to 4 pounds as an adult. If you're looking for a small rabbit because you don't have a lot of space, make sure you read up on each of the smaller breeds and their care requirements.

Some small rabbits need a lot of room for exercise despite their tiny size. Others may seem like a good choice for small children because they are petite but their temperaments can be skittish and they can bite if handled too much. Make sure if you're looking for a family pet to choose one of the excellent small rabbit choices known for loving attention from both children and adults.

What's a Small Rabbit? There are several terms used for small rabbits including "dwarf" and "mini" but these don't all mean the same thing: A dwarf rabbit is one that has a dwarf gene which produces specific physical attributes including big eyes, short ears, a big round-shaped head and a small body. Dwarf rabbits carry the dwarf gene from one parent. A dwarf bunny that gets the gene from both parents will either be born stillborn or die shortly after birth.

These unfortunate rabbits are called "peanuts. These rabbits will look physically a bit like a cross between a dwarf and a "regular" small rabbit. A "Mini" refers to a few different breeds of rabbits, some of which are dwarves and some not. The non-dwarf minis are smaller versions of existing breeds that do not have the physical characteristics of dwarfism. They are sometimes referred to as "bulldogs" because they have a flat face. They require a lot of grooming because of their wool fur and have special dietary needs.

The breed is known for having a pleasant personality and are very social with people. American Fuzzy Lops are also very playful and are a good choice if you want a rabbit that likes toys.

They are more susceptible to wool block due to their wooly fur and also to getting matted fur if not properly groomed. Dwarf Hotot The Dwarf Hotot will weigh about 2 to 3 pounds when fully grown. They come in white with a black ring around their eyes which makes them look like little goth rabbits. Dwarf Hotots are a great choice for a pet as they enjoy being with people and have a reputation for bonding strongly with their humans. They also tend to enjoy handling more than many other breeds.

They're also very active so they're a good choice for a family looking for a bunny that might enjoy activities like rabbit agility or clicker training. Despite their activity level, they don't need a big cage so they're a good choice for smaller living spaces.

Compared to other breeds they have a higher risk of developing malocclusion. The Holland Lop is the smallest rabbit breed with lop ears. Holland Lops come in most colors and patterns. They are known for having terrific personalities and are a very popular choice for a pet. The eyes are rounded and well separated from each other. They have a rounded head and a somewhat elongated snout.

This breed can be seen to have shared origin as it was first developed in Belgium, but was finished to the standard we see now in England. Little precise information is known about their ancestry, but it is believed to be derived from the rare Swiss Fox and the Belgian Dwarf breeds. The Cashmere Lop is one of the most popular rabbit breeds , but there is also a mini version which is gaining in popularity. These small lagomorphs of English origin have a broad, compact and muscular body with an equally wide and slightly curved head when in profile.

They have large bright eyes which give them such a mesmerizing look. Their most striking feature is their long, dense and abundant fur. This can have various solid and differentiating color patterns. Its long drooping ears give the Mini Cashmere Lop its tender appearance. Their delicate coat is very soft to the touch, but they require careful maintenance to avoid knots, the accumulation of dirt and digestive problems associated with hairballs in the gastrointestinal tract.

We finish our top 10 dwarf rabbit breeds with the Dwarf Hotot rabbit, a breed attributed to Mme Eugenie Bernhard. She bred this particular rabbit in France, specifically Hotot-en-Auge where they derive their name. Since their origin in , these dwarf rabbits have gained enormous popularity around the world for their beautiful appearance and gentle affectionate temperament.

The most characteristic feature of this dwarf rabbit is the juxtaposition of completely white fur and their brown eyes enshrined in a stark black ring. This contrast in color highlights the beautiful eyes of the Dwarf Hotot, giving the impression they are even bigger than they already are. We should, however, not forget their cute little ears which rest atop their head which are relatively uncommon in rabbit breeds.

Despite their small size, the Dwarf Hotot has a large appetite , so their guardians need to be especially vigilant in case they develop obesity. Although we have brought you the top 10 dwarf rabbits in our humble opinion , we have not yet exhausted the list. So, for a little extra dwarf rabbit action , here are some more of these adorably diminutive breeds for you to explore:.

Share on:. By Eduarda Piamore , Expert in canine and feline psychology, education and training.. Updated: March 6, So, for a little extra dwarf rabbit action , here are some more of these adorably diminutive breeds for you to explore: Mini Satin rabbit : a dwarf rabbit breed originally from the United States in the midth century, it likely originates with the Havana rabbit.

They have gained popularity due to their distinctive fur which shows an attractive satiny appearance. It is estimated that this textural characteristic first appeared as a spontaneous genetic mutation. American Fuzzy Lop rabbit : the story of this dwarf rabbit breed is intertwined with that of the Holland Lop.

Its first specimens emerged thanks to the attempt to incorporate new patterns and color combinations of the Holland Lop. The American Fuzzy Lop has a compact and well-proportioned body with a rounded head and flat face. You can barely see their neck through the fuzz and their ears hang straight.

Despite their abundant fur, they do not resemble the Angora rabbit. When the breed first appeared, all specimens were tan colored.

Subsequently, several selective breedings were made to obtain a variety of solid colors and patterns which can now be seen in this dwarf breed. Despite their small size, they are robust and muscular with large erect ears and a velvety texture to their fur. Polish Dwarf rabbit : little is known about the exact origins of this dwarf rabbit breed.

Although the name implies they are from Poland, this is probably a reference to the breed's ancestors. There are many theories about the origins of this breed, some claiming it was developed in England, others pointing to possible German or Belgian roots.

Its most outstanding features are its elongated and arched body around 20 to 25 cm in length. Before becoming popular as a pet, the Polish Dwarf was created for its meat which had a very high market value in Europe. Dwarf Lop rabbit : this breed of dwarf rabbit has a maximum weight of about 2. The Dwarf Lop has a short and compact body with a rounded back, broad shoulders and a deep chest. Just like humans, rabbits grow at their own pace. Some rabbits shoot up in size early, which others are late bloomers.

Their breed will also play a part in this. Most small breeds of rabbit will be fully grown by the age of six months. If you adopt a large or giant breed, it could take a year. This is unlikely in the event of small breeds. It can happen though, so be prepared. A dominant gene causes dwarfism in rabbits. There are two types of dwarf rabbit:. Be careful if you decide to get a dwarf breed. Do your homework, and ensure that the breeder is reputable. Some dwarf breeds carry illnesses, which an unscrupulous breeder will not disclose.

Not all breeds of bunny are capable of producing dwarf rabbits. Only eight breeds are confirmed as containing the dwarf gene:. A rabbit carrying the dwarf gene will often live a healthy, happy life. Some dwarf bunnies need extra care, though. It is critical that two dwarf rabbits do not breed.

As the dwarf gene is dominant, it will manifest twice in the young rabbit. This is lethal. Sadly, they do not get the opportunity to get any bigger. If the rabbit survives the birth, they typically live two weeks at most. In extremely rare cases, they make survive up to four weeks.

Nobody can say for sure why the dwarf gene is fatal. Some experts theorize that peanuts have a brain large enough to sustain life. Others think that it has to do with digestive issues. You should investigate the particular needs of any rabbit breed before bringing them home. This is especially important with small bunnies, though. If you keep a small rabbit, you may feel that a hutch is an unnecessary extravagance. After all, a small bunny will fit into a dog or cat carrier.

This is an inappropriate home for a rabbit, for several reasons:. Even if your rabbit is small, pick up the largest hutch that you can accommodate. Small rabbits will eat less than their larger counterparts. A small rabbit will have a smaller stomach, and thus need to eat less.