Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland Dwarf (or any rabbit with a dwarf gene) are known as dwarf breeds. Most smaller breeds, like the Mini Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland Lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland Dwarf, not growing larger than 4 to 5 lb (1.8 to 2.3 kg). Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded head, large eyes or small ears of the Netherland Dwarf. These features make them look little. Specifically, the Netherland Dwarf body should be round, compact and equally broad from front to back. Dwarf rabbits also have short legs and a large head in relation to the body.
Netherland Dwarf bunnies behavioral present similar attributes to canines and also pet cats and also as such can be educated to execute easy activities such as making use of a litter tray. The success of any type of training however depends completely on the dedication of the trainer! They can still sometimes show an anxious, slightly wild and in some cases disagreeable side to their characters and also this is often credited to the wild blood that was should develop the breed back in the early 20th Century; and also although discerning reproduction programs have actually created an animal that is typically accommodating, any type of owner must be aware that sometimes these attributes might rise to the surface area.
The size of a dwarf rabbit (mini rabbit) makes them cute and adorable pets. A dwarf rabbit’s small size also means that it’s easier to handle compared to larger lagomorph breeds. A further advantage is that these small breeds live longer than larger breeds of rabbits. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds. Most mini rabbits fall within the 2 to the 2.5-pound range, and some can even be as big as 5 pounds, such as the dwarf lop rabbit.
What Are Dwarf Bunnies?
People have selectively bred rabbits, like many companion animals, with traits that suit them. The reality is that they didn’t start as pets for children. Instead, rabbits served as clothing and food, which is still the case today. However, this species has also made its way to the show circuit. That explains the range of characteristics, including the small size of dwarf rabbits.
The term doesn’t just apply to their bodies. Dwarf rabbits are typically smaller in their overall form, including their shape, heads, ears, and tails. These features enhance their cute appearance and are fitting when you consider them. Dwarfism also has biological and environmental causes as mutations or the result of poor nutrition during growth and development.
Dwarf Rabbits Size Chart
| Breed | Weight |
| Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit | Max 1 pound |
| Jersey Wooly Rabbit | 1–3 pounds |
| Britannia Petite Rabbit | 1½–2½ pounds |
| Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit | Max 2.5 pounds |
| Dwarf Hotot Rabbit | Max 3 pounds |
| Mini English Angora Rabbit | Max 3.5 pounds |
| Miniature Cashmere Lop Rabbit | Max 3.5 pounds |
| Dwarf Lionhead Rabbit | Max 3.75 pounds |
| Dwarf Lop Rabbit | 4.5–5 pounds |
Possible Health Problems Of Dwarf Bunnies:
All rabbits are at risk of developing painful dental disease if they are not fed on the correct diet. A rabbits’ daily diet should consist of:
- At least their own body size in hay
- A handful of suitable fresh greens twice a day
- One tablespoon of commercial rabbit nuggets (twice daily if your rabbit weighs over 3.5kg)
Other Conditions That Can Affect Dwarf Bunnies Include:
- Rabbit haemorrhagic disease – a viral disease, causing anorexia, fever, exhaustion and quite often fatal, this disease can be prevented through regular vaccination.
- Myxomatosis – a viral disease, causing puffy eyelids, pus-producing conjunctivitis, swelling over the body and usually fatal, this disease can be prevented through regular vaccination.
- Flystrike – caused by flies laying their eggs on dirty fur, the eggs hatch into maggots which eat into the flesh and can kill a rabbit in a few hours. Make sure your rabbit stays clean; if your rabbit can’t groom properly, they’re more likely to get dirty around the back end and become susceptible to flystrike. Check under the tail every day in the summer, when they’re more prone to maggot infestations.
- Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (E. cuniculi) – a parasite which can infect rabbits and cause significant disease. Symptoms can include a head tilt, unsteadiness and weakness of the hindlegs, neck spasm and urinary incontinence.
How Big Does A Dwarf Rabbit Grow?
On average, dwarf rabbits weigh between 2 to 2.5 pounds. However, a dwarf rabbit can be as small as 1 pound and as large as 5-5.5 pounds. The smallest dwarf rabbit breed is the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit which weighs no more than just 1 lb when fully grown. The average length of a Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is 9 to 11 inches.
However, this Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is a rare breed. The smallest domestic dwarf rabbit is the Netherland Dwarf. According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, it weighs no more than 2.5 lbs when fully grown. While many small rabbit breeds possess the dwarfing genes, rabbits such as the Britannia Petite Rabbit, do not. Such rabbits have a small and compact stature due to selective breeding of successively smaller generations. This process is called dwarfing in rabbits.
How Much Should Dwarf Rabbits Weigh?
On average, dwarf rabbits weigh between 2 to 2.5 pounds. However, a dwarf rabbit can be as small as 1 pound and as large as 5-5.5 pounds. The smallest dwarf rabbit breed is the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit which weighs no more than just 1 lb when fully grown.
How Much Should Netherland Dwarf Bunnies Weigh?
Their ears are erect and close together, reaching between one and three inches in length. They have to be shorter than 2 inches and a half (ARBA), if not, this is a disqualification from competition in the Netherland Dwarf breed. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh 2 to 2.5 pounds according to ARBA.
How Long Do Netherland Dwarf Bunnies Live?
Between 10 to 12 years Dwarf Rabbit Lifespan The Netherland dwarf is an example of one of the smallest dwarf breeds. By contrast, the giant breeds weigh between 13 to 16 pounds. In general, the dwarf breeds live to between 10 to 12 years.
How Many Babies Can A Dwarf Rabbit Have?
I would say 6-7 at the most, and that would be pushing it. Try flipping the doe over to get them to nurse, or put her in your lap and bring a baby up from underneath.
How Do You Know How Old A Baby Bunny Is?
Check if its eyes are open. Baby rabbits open their eyes at approximately 10 days; this is also the age where they become more adventurous. If your baby rabbit’s eyes are open, and it is moving in small, tentative walk-like hops, it most likely is between 10 and 14 days old.