The Ultimate Guide to Dwarf Rabbit Care
Learn everything you need to know about keeping dwarf rabbits!
In this article, I use my own experience with my pet rabbit Ronja to discuss dwarf rabbit care. I'll cover rabbit toys, rabbit diseases, what to do about sudden wetness of fur in rabbits, rabbit diet, and more. I will also take a critical look at bunny trancing, something that is quite controversial at the moment.
There are a lot of things to learn when you get a house rabbit:
- which rabbit hutch or cage to pick for your bunny;
- what diet you should arrange for your rabbit;
- what diseases bunnies might get;
- how to groom your rabbit, and how to pick the right brush and nail clippers.
The information here is based on my own experience and many, many hours of research. I hope it will bring you some "Aaaaaaawwww, cute!" moments and a couple of laughs, as well as teach you something valuable about dwarf rabbit care. Hopefully, you will enjoy the read, and maybe you will even want to get your own rabbit or bunny.
Dwarf rabbits are tiny, with comparatively big heads. And they're adorable!
What Is a Dwarf Rabbit?
Dwarf rabbits are small rabbits with eyes and heads that are big compared to the rest of their body. This makes them look like baby rabbits when they grow up as well as well as when they are young, something most people find very cute. Standard dwarf rabbits weigh up to 1.4 kilograms (approximately 3 pounds).
Determining Gender
The first lesson on dwarf rabbits: It is really hard to tell the gender of your bunny when it is young. This is valuable information to consider if you were thinking of getting two rabbits. Unless you are careful, the two rabbits you thought were females will start breeding, and out of nowhere you will have baby rabbits all over the place.
My Experience With Ronja
I got my baby dwarf rabbit Ronja in the summer of 2010, when he was only eight weeks old. I picked him out myself from a litter in a pet shop. It was so hard to choose; I really just wanted to take all eight or ten tiny rabbits home with me.
The pet shop owner and the vet that did his first Myxomatosis vaccination both told me Ronja was a female (hence the name, if any Astrid Lindgren fans are feeling slightly confused). It was only when he was approximately five months old that I suddenly realized that he was male. I noticed he had something stuck in his fur on his belly and I gently turned him over to sort it out.
That is when I noticed that people had guessed wrong about the gender of my rabbit; it was only at the age of five months that he was developed enough that you could tell his gender with certainty. I asked the vet when I was there the next time and he confirmed that Ronja was indeed a male rabbit.
Common Dwarf Rabbit Breeds
There are quite a few dwarf rabbit breeds out there by now. This a list of the most popular ones, but might not be comprehensive. If something is missing, feel free to add a comment!
- Polish Rabbit
- Dwarf Hotot
- Holland Lop
- Jersey Wooly
- Lionhead Bunny
- Netherland Dwarf
Polish Rabbit
Polish Rabbit
These rabbits have short heads with full cheeks, almost square. Their ears are very short and set close together so they touch all the way to the top. Their fur is short and fine.
Dwarf Hotot (Courtesy of Benny Mazour)
Dwarf Hotot
This breed is small, compact, and very docile. Their fur should be soft and dense and it should be a uniform white colour all over. One thing that sets Dwarf Hotots apart is the black ring of fur around their eyes, giving them a very distinctive look.
Holland Lop (Courtesy of Orlandkurtenbach)
Holland Lop
This is the only dwarf version of the very popular type of rabbit that goes under the common name of "lop." The Holland Lop is playful and active but can be a bit skittish. It has a round head, short fur, and floppy ears like other lops.
Jersey Wooly
Jersey Wooly
This breed is a cross between the Netherland Dwarf and the French Angora. The combination has resulted in a small rabbit with long, soft fur. The Jersey Wooly is very playful, and can be a loyal affectionate companion if cared for properly. Furthermore, this bunny is one of the more intelligent rabbit breeds.
Lionhead Bunny (Courtesy of Caffeinegeek)
Lionhead Bunny
Lionhead Bunny
The Lionhead Rabbit gets its name from its signature mane, which looks like that of a male lion. Note that not all lionhead offspring have the double mane gene that gives them the extra fur, so be aware of this if you are purchasing a lionhead. These rabbits make very good pets if accustomed to human company from the time they are small. They are friendly and easy to handle.
Netherland Dwarf (Courtesy of shogun1192)
Netherland Dwarf
This breed is very small, with a rounded full head. Their ears are short and close together. Netherland Dwarfs used to have a bad reputation for being aggressive; however with good breeding practices they have become more docile and with proper care from their owners they make amazing companions.
Are Dwarf Rabbits Good Pets?
The short answer is yes! I love my little bunny. In my opinion dwarf rabbits are one of the best caged pets you can get. They are small and low-maintenance, and they can become very loving and loyal. If you are looking for a small house pet I definitely recommend getting a dwarf bunny! However, there are some things you should be aware of, especially when it comes to dwarf rabbit care.
Can I Pet My Tame Rabbit?
Keep in mind that a bunny is not a relaxed animal. It is almost always active, and the slightest sound or movement will make it jump. They are also not naturally cuddly, although if you gain the trust of your rabbit then it can be very rewarding to have a tiny warm ball of fur on your lap.
Can I Cuddle My Bunny?
Then again, rabbits like being petted (if they trust you), they are pack animals, and they are used to grooming each other. If you win the trust of your bunny and you are accepted into its pack you can even expect it to counter-groom your hands. (I am trying to get a video of this as it is super-cute.)