Dwarf Rabbits

Dwarf rabbits with their affectionate, playful temperament and big
personalities make for wonderful pets. In fact, the Netherland Dwarf
rabbit breed is the second most popular breed among the forty five
purebred rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders
Association, Inc. With a weight of just around 2 - 2/12 pounds, these
little delights are probably the cutest pets that one could have. The
most common domestic European pet rabbit breeds to have inherited the
dwarf gene are the Netherland Dwarf and the Dwarf Hotot rabbits. Here
is more information about the dwarf rabbit life span, their physical
characteristics and the ways to take care of them. Read more on pet
rabbit breeds.

Dwarf Rabbits as Pets

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits: Often touted as the gems of the rabbit
world, the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of all domestic rabbit
breeds. What it lacks in size, it makes up in popularity and let's
just say a big (bad tempered) personality. With a short neck, short
erect ears, round bold eyes and a small round body, this is a breed
which carries the dwarf gene. They are available in a wide range of
colors including fawn, himalayan, chinchilla, seal point, steel,
orange and tortoiseshell. Since the Netherland Dwarf rabbits are noted
for their bad temper and a high strung nature, especially among the
bucks, they are not suitable pets for young children. Instead they are
suited more in an adult, mature home. Read more on rabbits as pets for
kids.

Dwarf Hotot: The Dwarf Hotot is small and compact breed weighing as
little as 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. The physical appearance of this stocky,
docile little rabbit is similar to the Netherland Dwarf. The head
itself is round, with a broad skull and a very short neck. There
should be no visible neck. The eyes are round, bold and bright with
those characteristic eye bands. Ears which are short, well furred, and
usually of good substance, balance with the head and body. While most
of these breeds are white in color with black around the eyes, black
and chocolate varieties are recognized as well. This friendly rabbit
makes an ideal pet as it is affectionate and loves spending time with
people. They are also easy to train and love being carried around.

Dwarf Rabbits Life Span

The average dwarf rabbit life expectancy ranges from 7 to 10 years,
but some have lived as long as 13 years. While the Netherland Dwarf
rabbit's life span is around 7 to 8 years, the average life expectancy
of the Dwarf Hotot is around 5 to 10 years. By spaying early in life,
you can increase the life expectancy to around 10 years. Most of the
dwarf rabbits are affected by the common health problems in rabbits
such as overgrown teeth, mites, lice, fleas, diarrhea and infections.
Read more on life span of a rabbit.

Dwarf Rabbits Care

Despite their small size, dwarf rabbits are quite active and need to
have plenty of exercise. You should either provide it space in their
house or a have separate run just for it. Items like boxes and tubes
will keep your little rabbit busy by allowing them to burrow and
climb. This keeps them amused and exercised. A large exercise pen or a
cage should work just fine. Make sure that you provide a litter box if
the rabbits have been litter trained.

For feeding dwarf rabbits you will need dry rabbit mix and lots of
fresh hay to feed on. This should be supplemented by fresh fruit and
dark leafy green vegetables along with a regular supply of freshwater
in a bottle feeder. Commercial rabbit pellets (1/4 cup of pellets per
5 pounds of body weight every day) are also recommended. Read more on
taking care of rabbits.