Rabbits
Rabbit Breeds That Will Always Stay Small
Apr
I remember a friend of mine who visited me one day at home with his kid. He was asking for an advice on which rabbit hutch to get. Since his family was adopting a few bunnies, he wants to find a bigger hutch. I showed him several products we have on our website, but he pointed out to something small.
So I told him, “Rabbits need enough space to run around, so that cage might be small enough for them.” Out of nowhere, his inquisitive child who was playing with my chocolate Lab, interrupted our conversation and said, “Daddy, aren’t rabbits small? Why do they need to be placed in a big hutch?”
The child’s questions somehow struck me. And so, I came up with this article. Below is a list of the smallest rabbit breeds we can see today.
Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf is also one of the most adorable small rabbit breeds in the world. It can be easily distinguished because of its large head, short neck, and small upright ears.
Like the English Angora, the Netherland Dwarf also requires special care. And if you decide to raise it as a pet, be aware of its tendency to nip.
English Angora
This fascinating creature is simply adorable with thick fur covering its head to toe. By its looks, the English Angora can be compared to a tiny ball of fur.
Even if this rabbit breed comes in varying colours, it does require special care, such as grooming and a certain type of diet intended to keep it fit and healthy.
Columbia Basin Pygmy
The Columbia Basin Pygmy is not just the smallest rabbit breed on Earth; it is also one of the rarest. Once it matures, its weight only reaches up to a pound. Decades ago, it was thought that this breed has become extinct. Fortunately, 14 of them were found and given a forever home.
Unlike any other rabbit breeds, breeding the Columbia Basin Pygmy was unsuccessful. Because of that, a breeding programme was started in which Idaho Pygmy rabbits were crossed with pure breeds of Columbia Basin bunnies.
Lionhead
Originating in Belgium, the Lionhead is known to weigh around 3 to 3-3/4 lbs. only. Nevertheless, it is listed among the cutest. As the name suggests, it appears like a small lion because of the thick fur around its neck.
Over time, the Lionhead has been very popular among breeders because of their affectionate personality.
Mini Plush Lop
The Mini Plush Lop is another rabbit breed that is preferred by many families. It weighs only between 2-1/2 to 3-3/4 lbs.
Also noted for its incredibly affectionate personality, the Mini Plush Lop was first introduced in the late nineties after Devie D’Anniballe crossed a Mini Rex and a Holland Lop.
American Fuzzy Lop
Popular for its flat “bulldog-like” face, the American Fuzzy Lop is bred in varying colours. It is loved because of its long fur and lightweight.
Due to its thick fur, it needs special grooming to remain healthy. Also, it needs a special diet.
Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly is popular for its compact physique that gives it a really cute appeal. It only weighs around 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 lbs.
This rabbit breed comes in a variety of colours and has short hair on its face. When it comes to caring, it does not need a special diet or extra grooming for it to remain healthy. Hence, it does make a great pet.
Britannia Petite
The Britannia Petite is known for its narrow head and arched body, which resembles that of a tiny hare. It comes in different colors, such as black, agouti, chestnut, sable marten, otter, and white. This little breed only weighs around 2 to 2-1/2 lbs.
If you are a new rabbit owner, this might not be the best breed for you. This is because it has a tendency to nip and is a bit whimsical.
Miniature Cashmere Lop
Since the discovery of the large Cashmere lop in the eighties, the miniature Cashmere Lop has also gained a large following. Though this small bunny makes a great family pet, it requires a lot of grooming and a special diet.
Regardless of their size, I say that rabbits are among the cutest creatures on this planet. And because of the charm they possess, they have been opted by many families as pets. But then again, they come in varying breeds.
While some are quite common, others are extremely rare and unique-looking. Even so, all of them are indeed little bundles of enjoyment and fun.
If you are wondering what happened to my friend and to his son after that question, well, they went home with lots of new learning. I ended up sharing with them everything I know about rabbits. If you wish to learn some of them, just give me your name and email address and I will send you an eBook via email.
Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Ummm English angora species can grow HUGE! I had one named sora and at about 3 months old he was bigger than my cousins 2 year old black rabbit. Not a species that should be on here really. Mine hopped over my 2 foot tall fence and they need a lot of space and cleaning them is a blimmin difficult task.
thank you for telling me i was going to get one
.I agree 100%!!! I found one that had been “dropped off” in my front yard and I named her Phred. She was bigger than my 2 small dogs and when she stretched out beside my shepard/husky mix dog she was almost as long as he was. Grooming is the worst too. If they were not groomed from day one you may as well be prepared for lots of vet visits and bills.. Phred would have to be put under just to groom her she hated it so much.
Yes so true! I was literally thinking the same!
We have a mini satin and she weighs a whopping 2 lbs 8 oz! You pick her up and she’s just fur, ears, and a fuzzy tail.
We have a mini satin and she weighs a whopping 2 lbs 8 oz! You pick her up and she’s just fur, ears, and a fuzzy tail.
where is polish Rabbit Breed
they are just a little bit bigger than Netherland Dwarfs
Is it possible to buy Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbits?
Sorry, they are very fragile wild rabbits on our endangered list. They are native to the Columbia Basin only. They wouldn’t make good pets, they have no ability or history of domestication.
We have a lion head dwarf … he has such a unique personality, is very lovable , was easy to train .. even though he was a rescue 4 months ago . He has proven to be a positive emotional support to our son … wish we would of thought of getting a rabbit years ago ! What a wonderful pet this little guy has turned out to be .
Amazing that these rabbits exist as I’ve never seen them in pet stores or in animal shows on television. My wife happened on a picture of one, I think it was an English Angora, and it was one of the most fascinating and adorable rabbits I’ve ever seen. Years ago, I had a typical size black and white rabbit and it was more intelligent and possessive creatures we’ve ever had. Even brighter than our dogs which were terrified of him. He dominated our entire back yard and an amazing architect (digging dirt from a tunnel and then moving all of it into his domed dog house).
Anyway I’d like to know more about these tiny rabbits. How long do they live, temperatures for each species and if you have any videos and photos, that would be terrific.
Thank you for the information and a spark that has us interested in these adorable little animals.
Respectfully
the bunny are so cute
God stuff. Loce you lots and thank you for the wonderful article. Huge lover of God’s rabbits!!!!! God bless. What a heavenly rabbitry God has in heaven.
Angora rabbits can grow very big, they aren’t small rabbits, the picture you showed of the angora rabbit is a bunny.
My family n I are interested in adopting a Mini Lop or Mini Cashmere Lop. We don’t know much but that they irresistibly adorable.
What are the rabbits called at the very top? The three tan bunnies together in the first picture? I found an abandoned bunny and I’ve been caring for her and loving her so much. I’m curious what kind she is. She looks similar in color and size to those three at the top.
I was looking for a bun that would be smaller than the one I have. But reading I have found that maybe my bun is on the small size. She’s 4 lbs. Interesting that some small buns are 4 lbs. max! I believe my bun is a mix and was a rescue. Would love to have one that is 2 lbs max. but will need to be a rescue. I will not pay for a bunny from a breeder.