About Dwarf Bunnies

Dwarf bunnies are rabbits that have inherited a dwarf gene and are more compact than other rabbit breeds, retaining a juvenile look throughout their adult lives. Dwarf rabbits have become popular, both with casual pet owners and with individuals who breed rabbits for shows, and varieties such as the Netherlands dwarf have become well-known. Dwarf rabbits are available either from pet stores or from specialist breeders.

  1. Typical Characteristics

    • In addition to their compact size, dwarf rabbits are also recognizable by their characteristically short ears, with some also having relatively big heads when compared to their general body size. Some breeds of dwarf rabbits possess round heads, in contrast to other varieties of rabbit that have more wedge-like heads.

    Breeding

    • Dwarf rabbits are genetically made up of a single dwarf gene, alongside a normal gene as seen in other varieties of rabbit. When breeding two dwarf rabbits together, there's a risk that the offspring could inherit two dwarf genes; the result is a deformed rabbit known in breeding circles as a "peanut." Peanuts are sickly, very small and rarely survive more than a few days. To avoid this, breeders of dwarf rabbits often pair a dwarf buck with a doe of a non-dwarf variety to ensure that no peanuts are produced.

    Feeding

    • Dwarf rabbits don't have any particular dietary requirements when compared to other breeds of rabbit, but owners need to consider how much they're feeding their dwarf rabbits. Since dwarf rabbits are smaller than average, their digestive systems tend to be more sensitive and feeding them large quantities of food should be avoided. In particular, owners shouldn't allow their dwarf rabbits to feed all day long, since this can lead to weight problems and sickness. Typically, a dwarf rabbit should be given 1/4 cup of pellets each day.

    Housing

    • A common misconception about dwarf rabbits is that since their small size requires less in the way of floor space than larger breeds, other matters relating to accommodation should be reduced, too. A dwarf rabbit still requires items such as toys and a litter box, as well as a reasonable amount of space in which to stand up or stretch.

    Suitability as Pets

    • Small rabbits aren't necessarily easier to look after than bigger breeds, nor are they typically more suitable for children. Generally, smaller breeds of rabbit have more energy, while larger varieties tend toward being docile, but this isn't always the case. Families considering a dwarf rabbit should note that these breeds aren't guaranteed to be friendly.

    Common Types

    • A range of dwarf rabbit breeds exist. Among the most noted are the Netherland dwarf variety, a very short-eared breed with huge eyes and a generally moody disposition; as a result of this characteristic, Netherland dwarfs aren't recommended as a pet for kids. The delicate dwarf lop is another variety. Dwarf lops tend to weigh less than 5 lbs. and live for an average of five years or more.