Although rabbits are already adorable, when they’re small enough for you to hold, it adds an extra layer of charm. Their round, furry bodies and big eyes are hard to resist.
Here are the 10 smallest breeds of rabbits. All of them weigh less than 6 pounds. These adorable little bunnies look very similar. However, they can come in many different colors, coat types, temperaments, and sizes. The majority of our rabbits make great pets and are recognized by ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association).
1. Columbia Basin Pygmy
Columbia Basin Pygmy is the world’s smallest rabbit breed, weighing less than one pound. It is a rare rabbit breed that can only be found in Washington State. Biologists were able to capture 16 of the few remaining wild rabbits after they were declared extinct in 1990. The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit breed numbers in the hundreds today. This rabbit breed is not suitable for pet owners. However, they can be kept in captivity at Oregon Zoo.
2. English Angora
The English Angora rabbit breed is between 5 and 6 pounds in weight. It looks like a small, round ball of fur. The English Angora rabbit breed is known for its silky, wooly coat that covers their entire bodies, from their ears to the tips of their feet. It is also available in many different colors and is highly sought-after for spinning. The English Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breeds. It was born in Turkey. The English Angora rabbit breed has a life expectancy of 7-12 years, and a docile, sociable temperament. It is great for pet owners or as a show rabbit. The ARBA recognizes it as one of the four Angora breeds.
3. Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf is one of the most compact rabbit breeds. It matures at a weight between 1 and 2 1/2 pounds. The tiny, compact rabbits are small and have long necks. Their heads are as large as their bodies. They also have big ears and eyes. Their thick, shiny, short coat comes in many colors. The Netherland dwarf is a popular breed of rabbit and ARBA recognizes it as a show rabbit. The Netherland dwarf is not suitable for children under five years of age, despite being sweet-natured. They are shy and skittish and can nip.
4. Polish
The Polish rabbit breed is not Polish, but it does have a British origin. The small breed of rabbit weighs between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. It has a small body with short, soft, flyback hair, large eyes, and small ears. The Polish rabbit breed is popular as a show rabbit and ARBA recognizes it in six colors. Polish rabbits are great pets. They love being picked up and stay affectionate for their entire five- to six-year life span. If spayed or neutered, this calm, friendly breed of rabbit can live up to eight to ten years.
5. Dwarf Hotot
Dwarf Hotot rabbits are easily identified by their pure white coat, which contrasts with their black eye markings that look like eyeliner. Dwarf Hotots are small and weigh between 2.5-3 pounds. They have dense, shiny, rollback coats. Dwarf Hotots are a combination of the Blanc de Hotot and a dwarfed breed. This breed is a popular show rabbit and has been recognized by ARBA since 1983. Dwarf Hotots are playful, energetic, and sweet. Once they are used to being handled, they will be affectionate and friendly as pets.
6. Lionhead
The Lionhead rabbit breed originated in Belgium. Its lion-like mane is made of wool fur and encircles the high-mounted head and neck. This small rabbit breed is just under 4 pounds and has short furry ears. It also has compact, upright bodies. The Lionhead is a thick-furred breed that can be dyed a variety of different colors. The Lionhead is one of the most beloved pet rabbit breeds. It has an outgoing personality and an energetic disposition. It is also friendly to children. A Lionhead was the ARBA Convention’s Best in Show show rabbit in 2018.
7. American Fuzzy Lop
The American Fuzzy Lop, a small rabbit weighing in at 3-4 pounds has a flat face and ears. They can lop to one side. Their large, muscular bodies are complemented by wide chests. The American Fuzzy Lop is also known as “The Head of Fancy”. It has a woolen coat and can be collected to make yarn. If taken care of properly, this sweet, playful, and active rabbit can be a great pet. This breed is a popular show rabbit and is recognized by ARBA.
8. Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly, which weighs between 1 and 3 pounds, is one of the most diminutive rabbits on the planet. Bonnie Seeley created this rabbit breed. She crossed the two to create a small, wooly rabbit. The Jersey Wooly is a small, compact breed with upright ears and square heads. They also have short, curly hair that comes in many colors. This rabbit breed has been recognized by ARBA and is very popular as a show or pet rabbit. Jersey Wooly rabbits are gentle and don’t bite or kick their handlers.
9. Holland Lop
The Holland Lop, which is the smallest of all lop-eared breeds and weighs in at 2 to 4 pounds, was developed in the Netherlands. Their body is large and they have long, furry, lopped ears. The fluffy, rollback coat is dense, medium-length, and soft and comes in a range of colors. Their unique characteristic is the “crown”, which is the fur that runs along their back. The Holland Lop is a lively, curious, and sweet pet. They love to interact with other pets. They are a top-five most loved show rabbit in the ARBA.
10. Britannia Petite
Britannia Petite rabbits have a full arch body and weigh just a little more than 2 pounds. Their head is narrow with large eyes and upright ears. They come in many colors and have a short, soft coat. The Britannia Petite, an ARBA-recognized show rabbit, is one of the smallest. This breed is highly suited for competitions that involve jumping obstacles because of its energetic and active temperaments. Britannia Petites can be a nuisance as a pet and maybe high-strung. These rabbits are not for the faint-hearted. They need lots of outside time.
11. Cashmere Lop
Since the smaller breed of Cashmere Lop, which was discovered by Miss Turner in the eighties, this beautiful small breed of rabbit has enjoyed a huge following. The miniature Cashmere Lop was introduced ten years later.
These adorable bunnies are great family pets, but they need to be well-groomed and fed special food to stay healthy.
What is the tiniest rabbit breed?
Pygmy Rabbits of the Columbia Basin The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is the world’s smallest and one of the most endangered species.
Teacup bunnies grow to be how big?
Dwarf rabbits weigh between 2 and 2.5 pounds on average. A dwarf rabbit, on the other hand, can weigh as little as 1 pound and as much as 5-5.5 pounds. The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is the smallest dwarf rabbit breed, weighing barely more than 1 pound when fully grown.
Do dwarf rabbits enjoy cuddling?
It may take a little more time and effort, but showing your new Netherland Dwarf rabbit that they are a member of your family will make them affectionate. These rabbits desire to be loved, yet they are also easily scared.
Do dwarf rabbits have odors?
They do not! Rabbits are extremely clean creatures with odorless hair, and they meticulously groom themselves throughout the day. Only their pee stinks, so as long as you maintain their dwelling place clean (spot cleaning every few days and a thorough cleaning once a week), you should be OK.
Do dwarf rabbits bite?
Spayed and neutered rabbits are less likely to be hostile. Some rabbit breeds are also more aggressive. When scared, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit, for example, bites and scratches faster than other varieties.
What is the finest dwarf rabbit for children?
A Dutch rabbit can handle even the most rambunctious youngster. Mini Lop rabbits are ideal pets for older kids. They’re active, inquisitive, and so adorable that it aches to look at them. Once they are used to being touched, they actively seek affection.
What is the most sluggish rabbit?
English Lops are well-known for their laid-back and amiable demeanor being one of the earliest domesticated rabbit breeds. In fact, some rabbits are so laid-back that seasoned bunny keepers consider them lazy.
Which rabbit is the simplest to train?
Mini Lops, possibly the most popular breed in the world, are widely sold or produced as pets and show rabbits. They are little with floppy ears, similar to Holland Lops. They are highly joyful and lively, and they are quite easy to teach. Mini Lops are ideal for anybody seeking a litter-trained rabbit.
Are Mini Lop rabbits aggressive?
Mini lops have a strong bite. If you do not pick up or hold your mini lop properly, he may bite you. If your mini-lop dislikes being held, lifting him up repeatedly will not make him enjoy it anymore. In fact, he may become more fearful of being imprisoned.
Is there such a thing as a little bunny?
Mini Lop Plush, Netherland Dwarf, Columbia Basin Pygmy, Lionhead, and Jersey Wooly are a few examples. Any dwarf rabbit breed is guaranteed to stay small for the rest of its life. A little rabbit is the same as a larger one, however, some small and dwarf breeds require specific care.