| Size: | Miniature |
| Weight: | 2-4 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7-12 years |
| Type of body: | Compact |
| Temperament: | Vigorous, curious, alert |
| The Best Suited for | Single pet owners, small homes, and families with older children |
| Similar Breeds | Britannia Petite, Polish, Netherland Dwarf |
The Dwarf Hotot is a truly rare breed among rabbit breeds. It has the only all-white body and black “eyeliner” that no other rabbit breed can match. These distinct rabbits are small and spunky and have survived the hard work of dedicated breeders.
The Dwarf Hotot came to America via France and Germany. It is the result of intricate interbreeding… and has a wartime past filled with intrigues and espionage. This is a rare breed of rabbit that can claim such an origin story.
This article will tell you about the fascinating history of this unique breed. Its origins are with the Blanc de Hotot, France. You’ll also find helpful tips and tricks for grooming and care. If you are considering keeping a Dwarf Hotot for a pet or simply want to know more, then read on!
The History and Origins of the Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Race
Before we can talk about the Dwarf Hotot, which is pronounced OHTOE, it’s important to first cover its ancestor, the Blanc de Hotot. The Blanc de Hotot, a larger rabbit that was developed in France for meat and fur, and to show off, set the standard for color in the Dwarf Hotot.
This French rabbit is the inspiration for the tale of the Dwarf Hotot.
In the 1970s, rabbit breeders from Germany tried to produce the same type of rabbit. Breeders in West Germany were busy trying to make a Netherland Dwarf that possessed the Hotot markings. They crossed a black and ruby-eyed White Netherland Dwarf. In East Germany, another breeder suggested that a Blanc de Hotot Buck might be bred with a Netherland Dwarf doe.
Both breeders were unsuccessful, but their final creations did not meet their expectations. Their West German breeding experiment resulted in their offspring being sickly and unable to reproduce. In East Germany, however, their crossbred rabbits had inconsistent markings.
These two breeders were able to not only communicate their findings across Berlin Wall but also trade rabbits from their litters, which was unnoticed by German police. The breed we know today was created by combining the best of East and West German Dwarf Hotots. No other breed can claim to be the result of countercultural spying!
General Description
It is rare to see Dwarf Hotots, much like the Blanc de Hotot. Although dedicated breeders have done their best to preserve the breed, it has not been as popular as other similar breeds.
Dwarf Hotots can be distinguished from other small rabbit breeds by their compact, all-white bodies, and prominent black eyes-bands. They have small, round heads that look like the Netherland Dwarf. However, their faces are flattened and easy to distinguish.
Nutrition and Health
Dwarf Hotots are healthy for miniature rabbits thanks to the hard work of breeders who crossed their individual stock. They will happily eat timothy and filtered water. To ensure their nutrition is complete, they should be fed daily with kibble and dark leafy greens.
Even though they are small, ensure that Dwarf Hotots are able to move freely, stretch, and exercise. They are curious and will be happy to roam your home once they have been litter trained.
Grooming
It is true that smaller rabbits require less time to groom. Brushing should be done once a week and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. However, don’t worry if your Dwarf Hotot begins to ask for them more often because they love the attention. You will need to brush more often in spring when they shed.
Temperament
Complex interbreedings are known for their friendly temperament. However, the Dwarf Hotot is more active and energetic than most rabbits. They are a wonderful companion for single pet owners because of their natural curiosity.
Final thoughts on the Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Race
This unique dwarf rabbit is possible because of the dedication and hard work of dedicated breeders. You might find yourself a Dwarf Hotot enthusiast after spending time with them. They make great pets and their charm is infectious.
Dwarf Hotot rabbits are they friendly?
The Dwarf Hotot is a purely decorative breed. They are too small to be commercially valuable at 3 pounds. Temperament can range from outgoing to moody, but they are generally friendly rabbits who do well as pets.
What do Dwarf Hotot rabbits do?
The Dwarf Hotot rabbit is distinguished by its small size and bright coloring. These white rabbits are frequently used as show rabbits, but they are also popular as pets due to their small size!
Is it possible to keep rabbits in your bedroom?
Yes, a rabbit can live happily in a bedroom. I know several devoted rabbit parents who keep their bunnies in their bedrooms. They can get enough traction to run really fast if the room is carpeted. They will (usually) jump up on the bed because they will have enough room to jump and stretch.
What is the smallest rabbit breed?
The Netherland Dwarf is the tiniest domestic rabbit. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) permits a weight range of 1.1″3.5 kg (2.4″7.7 lb), although the British Rabbit Council allows a maximum of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) (BRC).
How large do Hotot rabbits grow to be?
Blanc de Hotot rabbits are huge, with mature males measuring 8 to 10 pounds and mature does weighing 9 to 11 pounds. They are a lively and resilient breed that may be kept in any wire cage. They are fairly good moms, produce large litters, and their young grow quickly.
What rabbit breed has eyeliner?
The Blanc de Hotot is an eye-catching white rabbit with black or eyeliner. The breed is moderately rounded and weighs between 8 and 11 pounds, with females (known as does) being the heavier of the two.
Are Dwarf Hotots nice pets?
Dwarf Hotots make wonderful household pets. They value regular contact with their relatives. When left alone in the house, they frequently seek their owners.
How large do dwarf Hotots get?
The Dwarf Hotot is a little rabbit that grows to weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. This breed is distinguished by its white coat and black eye markings. Dwarf Hotot has a small torso, a short neck, and a spherical head.
Dwarf Hotot rabbits live for how long?
When fully grown, the Dwarf Hotot is a petite, compact dwarf breed weighing no more than 2.25 to 3.5 pounds. A Dwarf Hotot has an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, although because of its tiny stature, it can live long into its adolescence.