"What are the smallest rabbits?" - This question is asked by everyone who is interested in these cute and interesting animals from the hare family. Not everyone can imagine that the smallest representative of one decorative breed can be less than 30 cm in length. The species of dwarf species of these animals are numerous and diverse. And you can get acquainted with the smallest rabbits, photos and their descriptions later in this article.
General information
Decorative, or small rabbits appeared in the UK in 1870 when crossing representatives of down and silver breeds. Almost immediately, these animals were enveloped in popularity and attention from connoisseurs of diverse decorative living creatures. The reason for this is not only the unusual appearance, but also the ease of care and the general positive impression of contact with this cute animal.
Standards and dimensions
The smallest dwarf rabbits have a trunk measuring no more than 40 centimeters and weighing no more than 1.5 kilograms, however, depending on food and places of residence, the parameters can be increased. The maximum weight of a dwarf rodent, according to the Association of Rabbit Breeders, cannot exceed 3 kilograms.
Dwarf Hotot
Dwarf hotot is one of the smallest rabbits. The rarity of this breed of decorative animal makes it the most valuable and expensive. But he gained worldwide popularity around the world due to the white color and black eyeliner around the eyes.
The weight of an adult healthy hotot reaches an average weight of 1.1 kilograms. The body is round and compact, with short strong legs, the muzzle is full, the ears are erect, the length of which can reach 7 centimeters. The dense fur coat of the animal is gentle and pleasant to the touch.
Dwarf hotot is by nature very playful, sociable and obedient. Being in constant contact with a person, it becomes completely manual, waiting for an attentive attitude from the owner.
Hermeline
This representative of the smallest rabbit breeds is called not only hermelin, but also the Polish crawl or ermine. The rodent has a difficult fate, because initially the cultivation of such an animal was carried out in order to obtain furs and skins that are similar to ermine. This later similar-looking rabbit became exemplary for home keeping.
The color of the two-centimeter hairline, skin and claws of hermeline is exceptionally bright white. The eyes of a Polish rabbit may be blue or red. The length of the body can reach 34 centimeters. The average healthy weight of an adult Germelin may vary between 800-1600 grams.
The thick coat of the Polish rabbit makes its owner uncomfortable and even intolerant in hot climates. The nature of the hermeline is not pleasant. Males are lazy and do not like to be touched until they themselves want it. Females are not averse to having fun and running, but sometimes they outplay them aggressively. Therefore, it is recommended that trained rabbit breeders contain such pets.
Minilop
The minilop has a compact stocky physique and is recognized as one of the smallest breeds of decorative rabbits. The weight of an adult is usually from 1000 to 1600 grams. The main distinguishing feature of this dwarf animal is the ears hanging down.
The lop-eared minilope's coat is long and velvety to the touch. The color palette of the "coat" of the rodent is diverse and can contain up to three shades at once.
The breed of decorative rabbit is very popular, albeit extremely difficult to breed. The character of the minilop is friendly and gentle.
Color dwarf
One of the smallest decorative rabbits is also known as a short-haired dwarf. The weight of a healthy representative of this species can be from 800 to 1500 grams. The length of the standing ears in an adult is approximately 5 centimeters.
The initial color of the fur coat of the bred rabbit was light gray. Today, in the market of decorative rodents, you can find more than 60 colors: from all shades of gray to bright yellow and orange. A big plus of this dwarf representative is its neat hair, which does not require special care.
In a year and a half, this type of rabbit begins the stage of puberty, during which the pet can be overly aggressive, so experts advise not to save the animal from sterilization or castration. Then this cute animal will constantly delight its owners with affection and tenderness.
Angora rabbit
This representative of dwarf animals is not only one of the smallest rabbits, but also the most unusual. At first glance it is difficult to distinguish a decorative mammal from a fluffy “lump” of wool. The length of the Angora fur reaches 20 centimeters, under which lies a miniature body, the weight of which can vary from 1 to 1.5 kilograms.
When deciding to have such a pet, it should be borne in mind that in addition to it, you need to get an extra comb, because the charming animal fur requires daily care.
Angora fur is usually white, but experiments are being conducted to breed representatives of other colors.
Lion head
The name of this breed of decorative rodent proves the statement that the representative of this species is definitely one of the smallest rabbits in the world. An adult can reach a weight of 1600 grams.
The uniqueness of the appearance of this rodent lies in the structure of the ears and muzzle, and the head hairline looks like it is the mane of the king of animals. This effect complements the short length of the hair on the body.
Despite the “royal hairstyle”, the rabbit does not require constant combing and special care for its fur.
The strong body of an adult "lion cub" does not exceed 35 centimeters. Standing ears on a large head complement the beast's loveliness with even greater charm.
A special positive quality of this breed of rabbits is a soft and friendly character. The rabbit is very smart, loves to play. For a family, he can become not just a pet, but a real miniature friend.
Ram
In the list of the smallest rabbits in the world, this breed is one of the largest. An adult rabbit of this kind, by standard, should weigh from 1.6 to 2 kilograms. A distinctive feature of this decorative rodent is hanging ears, hence the name of the breed. The lop-eared "lamb" is currently the most popular and affordable type of dwarf rabbit. He is not just a cute and funny animal, but also a kind, calm and loving creature.
The funny fact is that the “lamb” is born with the ears that are habitual for rabbits, but after a month they begin to gradually fall down. The length of the ears of a healthy rabbit can reach 30 centimeters.
Sheep rabbits have many subspecies, which include long-haired or short-haired representatives with a variety of color.
Netherlands dwarf
This dwarf breed of decorative rodents was bred in Holland in the mid-twentieth century. Since 2014, rabbit breeders from Russia have been engaged in breeding of this type. This is truly the smallest rabbit in the world. Its standard weight, according to the specialized British Council, should not exceed 1100 grams. The length of the standing ears is 5-7 centimeters. Eye color varies from brown to blue.
According to many lovers of the dwarf Dutchman, his color resembles a tuxedo - just as stylish and elegant. The color range of decorative breed wool is extremely diverse. Dutch dwarfs can be blue, chocolate, chestnut, pearl, orange and others.
The character of the rodent is flexible and friendly. He gets along well with children and adults.
Dwarf fox
The breed of ornamental rabbits, the dwarf fox, appeared in Austria in the late 20th century. A miniature rodent can reach a maximum weight of 1.5 kilograms. The ears of a fox rabbit are erect and slightly rounded. The hairline is a kind of fur "cloak". The length of the coat is usually a maximum of 7 centimeters.
Gentle to the touch wool requires some care and combing to keep the rabbit coat in good condition. This process is not difficult, because the hairs of the animal are strong and thick.
The standard color of the dwarf fox is usually black, blue or white. The eyes of a representative of this breed are usually red or blue.
Rex
These representatives of decorative rodents are also known as royal rabbits. The short fur of the animals has a brilliant color that looks like velvet, because of this it seems as if they have a kind of palace cloak on them. Today, Rex rabbits have the largest selection of colors.
Miniature animals are not the smallest breed of rabbit. The weight of a healthy individual reaches a standard mass of 1500 grams. The pointed shape of the head, exquisite antennae and ears directed upward at an angle of 45 degrees are the hallmarks of this decorative animal.
Rex rabbits of any age are affectionate and kind. But a cute rodent is not able to respond to a nickname and cannot possess great affection for the owner.