13 Cutest Small Rabbit Breeds

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Regardless of the breed, it is no question that rabbits are some of the cutest small mammals in the world.

Rabbits belong to the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha.

With their short and fluffy tails, long ears, and cute nose and whiskers, rabbits have become popular as household pets.

Rabbits are prey to wild dogs, feral cats, ground squirrels, falcons, eagles, hawks, owls, and more.

Their ability to run fast for long periods allows them to escape from constant threats and their eyes, which can rotate 360 degrees, allow them to look behind without the need to turn their heads.

A rabbit’s diet consists of 70 to 80 percent good quality hay. The remaining portion should contain pellets, vegetables such as leafy greens, and fruits that are low in sugar.

It is highly recommended that they always have a supply of hay, as well as fresh water.

There are so many things to know about rabbits.

There are over 300 breeds that are distinguished in the world but we will discuss some of the cutest and most irresistible small rabbit breeds that are popular for children and rabbit enthusiasts.

Columbia Basin Pygmy standing on side of a box

Table of Contents

1. Columbia Basin Pygmy

The first on our list is the smallest rabbit breed in the world. It is native to a single Columbia Basin Area in Washington State – the Columbia Basin Pygmy.

This breed easily fits in an individual’s hand and weighs around 0.8 to 1 pound (0.3 to 0.4 kg).

The Columbia Basin Pygmy is timid and skittish, which is not surprising since it lives in the wilderness, away from the presence of humans.

Sadly, these tiny rabbits are endangered and considered near extinction, thus making them not suitable as pets.

This cute, compact-sized rabbit lives from 3 to 5 years.

White Netherland Dwarf Rabbits in basket

2. Netherland Dwarf

Originating in Netherlands, the Netherland Dwarf is one of the smallest rabbit breeds.

Its ears are cute and short, and the head and eyes are large and unproportioned to its small body.

The Netherland Dwarf measures 12.9 to 19.6 inches (33 to 50 cm), with weight ranging from 1.75 to 2.5 pounds (0.7 to 1.1 kg).

They are popular as pets, although not suitable for children because they don’t appreciate getting picked up or held tightly – which a child can be known to do.

Its life expectancy ranges from 10 to 12 years.

baby white britannia petite rabbit in meadow

3. Britannia Petite

The Britannia Petite which originated in England has a full-arch body, wedge-shaped head, short and pointed ears, and eyes that look like they stick out of its head.

The Britannia Petite is a dwarf rabbit, with weight ranging from 2 to 2.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.1 kg).

Unlike the Netherland Dwarf, this rabbit breed is energetic and needs lot of play time outdoors, perfect for owners who can spend lots of time with it.

The Britannia Petite’s life expectancy is 6 to 10 years.

4. Dwarf Hotot

Portrait of Dwarf Hotot Rabbit on black background

Developed in France, the Dwarf Hotot was created by crossing White Hotot and Netherland Dwarf.

It is white in color, with a black ring around its eyes that looks like eyeliner. The ears should be short and thick, and the body is small.

On average, Dwarf Hotot weighs 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.3 kg).

This breed’s friendly and outgoing personality makes it an excellent choice as a household pet.

The Dwarf Hotot has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

white and gray baby jersey wooly rabbits together

5. Jersey Wooly

Jersey Wooly originated in New Jersey and was developed by mixing the French Angora Rabbit and the Netherland Dwarf.

It has a compact-sized body, wooly coat, square-shaped head, and small erect ears.

The Jersey Wooly weighs 2.5 to 3.5 pounds (1.1 to 1.5 kg).

Because of its sweet and adoring personality, the Jersey Wooly makes an adorable pet for any home.

A healthy Jersey Wooly has a life expectancy 7 to 10 years.

6. American Polish

The American Polish originated in Britain and is different from the Polish breed in the U.K.

Compared to the latter, it is more compact and rounder in size. This breed weighs 2.5 to 3.5 pounds (1.1 to 1.5 kg).

The American Polish is smart, often curious, and a playful breed.

They are friendly with children who know how to handle and treat them properly.

This breed has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

two little lionhead rabbits on gray wooden background

7. Lionhead

The Lionhead was first developed in Belgium and was created by crossing Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf.

This caused a genetic mutation wherein wool appeared on the rabbit’s head, called “mane.”

The Lionhead weighs between 2.5 to 3.75 pounds (1.1 to 1.7 kg).

For them to have a deep relationship with their human families, Lionheads need enough time to explore and get accustomed outside their enclosure.

The average life expectancy of Lionhead is 7 to 10 years.

Miniature Lop rabbit in studio with toy ball on white background

8. Miniature Lop

Not to be confused with the Mini Lop, the Miniature Lop came from the first dwarf lops in the Netherlands.

In the U.S., this breed is called Holland Lop. This breed has a broad head, with ears covered in thick fur and rounded at the end.

The Miniature Lop weighs 2.10 to 3.5 pounds (1.2 to 1.5 kg).

This breed is relatively new, with a lifespan averaging 7 to 14 years. If properly cared, some may live up to 18 years.

9. Miniature Lion Lop

Originating in the U.K, the Miniature Lion Lop is known for its lop ears and Lionhead-type mane.

It was developed after mixing Lionhead Rabbit and Mini Lop Rabbit. This rabbit weighs 3 to 4 pounds (1.3 to 1.8 kg).

The Miniature Lion Lop has an outgoing personality – friendly, lively, and always curious.

It enjoys attention and would be happy to be included in family activities.

However, since it is a relatively new breed, the temperament for everyone may vary.

The Miniature Lion Lop can live for up to 17 years.

white american fuzzy lop in black background

10. American Fuzzy Lop

The history of American Fuzzy Lop relates to the Holland Lop.

It has a short, dense body with fuzzy dropped ears to the side of its head. This rabbit weighs 3.5 to 4 pounds (1.5 to 1.8 kg).

The American Fuzzy Lops are known for their sweet, loving temperament.

They are great for show, and their fur is used to make various kinds of clothes.

An active and energetic breed, this rabbit makes a great household pet for elders and children.

This breed has a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

11. Miniature Plush Lop

Developed in the U.S., the Miniature Plush Lop was created by mixing Miniature Lop, Miniature Rex, and Holland Lop.

There’s also another variety of this breed, called the Standard Plush Lop. The Mini Plush Lop weighs 3 to 4.5 pounds (1.3 to 2 kg).

This breed makes excellent family pets due to its affectionate and warm personality. They will happily sit on your lap but will also explore around the house.

In addition, they also make good playmates with kids because of their kind and gentle nature.

The Miniature Plush Lop has an average lifespan of 12 years.

Mini rex rabbit eating a carrot on white background

12. Mini Rex

The Mini Rex was developed by crossing black Dwarf Rex with an undersized Lynx Red rabbit.

Known for its balanced build, elegant coat, and beautiful appearance combined with its cute size, the Mini Rex is well-loved throughout the world.

The average Mini Rex weighs 3.5 to 4.5 pounds (1.5 to 2 kg).

This breed is quiet and calm, making it a fantastic companion for first-time and novice pet owners.

Training takes some time but is rewarding. Toys help them keep entertained.

A healthy Mini Rex has a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.

resting English Angora rabbit on furry pillow

13. English Angora

Emerging from Ankara, Turkey, the English Angora is one of the oldest domestic rabbit breeds.

This breed is known for having a flat head, furry face and feet, and short, wooly ears.

The English Angora is the biggest among our list, with weight varying from 5 to 6 pounds (2.2 to 2.7 kg).

This breed enjoys spending time with its family. Because grooming them takes plenty of time, take it as an opportunity to bond and get closer with them.

They are even-tempered; thus it is easy to introduce them with kids.

The English Angora lives between 7 to 12 years.

While it may be challenging to house train these small mammals, it is not impossible for them to learn house rules and even practice basic commands.

They also do a very adorable behavior known as “binky” when they are happy in which they hop in the air and twirl around.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, our list of cutest small rabbit breeds!

This can serve as a reference when you are considering adding a rabbit member to your family.

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