10 Smallest Rabbit Breeds in the World (With Pictures)

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Fumipets

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Even while rabbits are already fairly adorable, their attractiveness is only increased when they are tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand. With their little spherical, fluffy bodies and their large, wide eyes, it’s difficult to resist them.

The world’s ten smallest rabbit breeds are mentioned below. They are all under six pounds in weight. Despite the fact that these cute tiny bundles of joy seem to be identical, they have a wide range of various colors, coat types, and temperaments. The majority of the rabbits on our list are popular show rabbits, recognized by the ARBA, and they make lovely pets. (American Rabbit Breeders Association).

The 10 Smallest Rabbit Breeds in the World:

1. Columbia Basin Pygmy

The Columbia Basin Pygmy is the smallest breed of rabbit in the world, weighing less than a pound as an adult. One of the rarest rabbit breeds in the world, it can only be found in a tiny area of Washington State. 16 of the few dozen remaining rabbits were caught by researchers after they were proclaimed extinct in the wild in the 1990s. There are currently hundreds of the Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbit breed. The Oregon Zoo was the first zoo to successfully breed Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbits, despite the fact that they are not accessible as pets.

2. English Angora

The English Angora rabbit breed is a little, spherical ball of fur that weighs between 5 and 6 pounds. Their woolly, silky coat, which covers every inch of their little bodies from their ears to their feet, is highly prized for spinning. It comes in a broad range of colors. The English Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breeds and was developed in a region of Turkey. The English Angora rabbit breed is a wonderful companion or show rabbit with a lifetime of 7 to 12 years and a calm, social demeanor. It is one of the four Angora breeds that the ARBA recognizes.

3. Netherland Dwarf

The Netherland Dwarf is one of the world’s smallest breeds of rabbit, reaching a mature weight of 1 to 2 12 pounds. These small, svelte rabbits are as long as they are wide, with short necks, large eyes, and tiny erect ears. They have a short, thick, glossy coat that is available in many different hues. The ARBA recognizes the Netherland Dwarf as a show rabbit, making it one of the most well-liked rabbit breeds worldwide. The Netherland Dwarf is not a good choice for young children, despite their gentle disposition. They prefer to nip and have a timid, jittery attitude.

4. Polish

Despite its name, the Polish rabbit breed really has British roots rather than Polish ones. This little breed of rabbit, measuring just 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, has tiny, erect ears, wide eyes, and a round body covered in short, silky flyback hair. The Polish rabbit breed, which is well-liked as a display animal, is recognized by the ARBA in six color variations. Polish rabbits are fantastic pets since they like being lifted up and are loving throughout their whole lives of 5 to 6 years. If they are spayed or neutered, this peaceful and amiable kind of rabbit may live for an additional 8 to 10 years.

5. Dwarf Hotot

The immaculate white coat of the dwarf hotot rabbit breed stands out in contrast to its eye markings, which are black and resemble eyeliner. Dwarf Hotots have small ears and a thick, lustrous rollback coat. They weigh only 2.5–3.5 pounds. In Germany, dwarf Hotots were created by crossing the Blanc de Hotot with a smaller variety. This breed, which is well-liked as a show rabbit, has been approved by the ARBA since 1983. Dwarf Hotots are friendly, lively, and vivacious creatures. Once they’re used to being handled, they become loving and sociable pets.

6. Lionhead

The Lionhead rabbit breed, which has its roots in Belgium, is named for the wool mane that surrounds its high-mounted head and neck region and resembles the mane of a lion. This little type of rabbit measures just under 4 pounds, has short, fluffy ears, and compact, erect bodies. The thick, multicolored fur of the Lionhead is soft to the touch. The Lionhead is one of the most well-liked pet rabbit species, with a kind demeanor that is tolerant of kids, an outgoing attitude, and energy. A Lionhead won Best in Show honors as a show rabbit in 2018 at the ARBA Convention.

7. American Fuzzy Lop

The American Fuzzy Lop is a tiny rabbit about 3 to 4 pounds, with ears that lop to either side and a flat “bulldog” face. They have a large chest and a robust physique. The American Fuzzy Lop, often called “the Head of Fancy,” has a wool coat that comes in a variety of colors and may be gathered and spun into yarn. If given the right care, this sweet-natured, energetic, and active rabbit is an excellent pet. This breed is popular as a show rabbit and is recognized by the ARBA.

8. Jersey Wooly

One of the tiniest rabbits in the world, the Jersey Wooly weighs between 1 and 3 pounds. Bonnie Seeley created this breed of rabbit by crossbreeding in order to produce a tiny rabbit with a woolly coat. The Jersey Wooly is small in stature, with erect ears, and a square head that is often and affectionately referred to as a “Mug Head.” Their short hair is available in many different shades. This rabbit breed is well-liked as a pet or a show rabbit and is recognized by the ARBA. The mild temperament of Jersey Wooly rabbits may be seen in the fact that they seldom bite or kick their handlers.

9. Holland Lop

The Holland Lop, the smallest of the lop-eared breeds, was created in the Netherlands and barely weighs 2 to 4 pounds. They have a huge head, a long, lopped body, and ears that are wider at the bottom. Their silky, dense, medium-length fluffy rollback coat comes in a range of colors. A “crown” of fur around the back of their heads is one of their most distinctive features. The Holland Lop is a lively, inquisitive, and affectionate pet that likes engaging in playful interaction. They are among the top five most popular breeds of show rabbits in the ARBA.

10. Britannia Petite

The Britannia Petite rabbit breed, with its full arch body form and weight of little over 2 pounds, resembles a small hare. Large eyes and sharp, erect ears are on each side of a thin head. They have several different colored short, silky coats. The Britannia Petite is one of the smallest breeds of rabbits recognized by the ARBA as show rabbits. Due to their active and vivacious personalities, this rabbit breed is ideally suited for events that include leaping over hurdles. Britannia Petites may be high-strung and have a tendency to pinch as pets. These rabbits need a lot of outside time, therefore novice owners should avoid them.

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