Rabbits are adorable, but when they’re small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, it only increases their charm. It’s hard to resist those big, wide eyes paired with their little, round, furry bodies.
In this article, we will discuss the 10 smallest rabbit breeds in the world. They all weigh under 6 pounds. While these adorable little bundles seem similar, they come in various colorings, coat types, and temperaments. Most of the rabbits on our list make wonderful pets and are recognized by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association).
The 10 Smallest Rabbit Breeds in the World
1. Columbia Basin Pygmy
Weighing less than a pound in adulthood, the smallest rabbit in the world is the Columbia Basin Pygmy. It’s only found in a small region in Washington State. After being declared extinct in the wild in the 1990s, biologists were able to capture 16 of the last few dozen rabbits in existence.
Today, the Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbit breed numbers in the hundreds. While it is not available as a pet, it’s kept in captivity at the Oregon Zoo, the first zoo to breed Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbits successfully.
2. English Angora
The English Angora rabbit weighs between 5 and 6 pounds and resembles a little, round ball of fur. Their wooly, silky coat, which covers every bit of their compact bodies from their ears to their feet, comes in various colors and is often sought after for spinning. As one of the oldest domestic rabbit breeds, the English Angora rabbit originated in Turkey. With a lifespan of 7 to 12 years and a docile, friendly temperament, the English Angora rabbit is great as a show rabbit or as a pet. It’s one of four breeds of Angora recognized by the ARBA.
3. Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf weighs 1 to 2 ½ pounds. These compact little rabbits have short necks with heads as big as their bodies, big eyes, and tiny upright ears. They have a thick, glossy, short coat that comes in various colors. The Netherland Dwarf has become one of the most popular breeds in the world and is recognized by the ARBA as a show rabbit.
Although they are sweet-natured, the Netherland Dwarf is not well-suited for young children. They have a skittish, shy temperament and tend to nip.
4. Polish
Despite its name, the Polish rabbit breed traces its origins to Britain and not to Poland. This tiny rabbit, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds, has a round body covered in short, soft, flyback fur, large eyes, and small, upright ears. The Polish rabbit is recognized by the ARBA in six color varieties.
They make wonderful pets that love to be picked up and remain affectionate throughout their 5 to 6-year lifespan. This calm and friendly rabbit can live longer, 8 to 10 years, if they’re spayed or neutered.
5. Dwarf Hotot
The Dwarf Hotot rabbit breed is easy to identify by its pure white coat in contrast to its black eye markings that resemble eyeliner. Weighing only 2.5–3.5 pounds, Dwarf Hotots have short ears and a dense, shiny rollback coat. Dwarf Hotots were developed in Germany by combining the Blanc de Hotot with a dwarfed breed.
They’re popular as show rabbits and have been recognized by the ARBA since 1983. Dwarf Hotots have a sweet, playful, and energetic nature. As a pet, once they’re accustomed to being handled, they’re affectionate and friendly.
6. Lionhead
Originating in Belgium, the Lionhead rabbit was named after the lion-like mane of wool fur that encircles their high-mounted head and neck area. With short, furry ears and compact, upright bodies, this small rabbit weighs just under 4 pounds.
The Lionhead has thick fur in a variety of colors. It is outgoing, energetic, friendly, and tolerant of children. As a show rabbit, in 2018, a Lionhead was awarded Best in Show at the ARBA Convention.
7. American Fuzzy Lop
At 3-4 pounds, the American Fuzzy Lop is a small rabbit with a flat “bulldog” face. They have a stout body with a broad chest. Known as “the Head of Fancy,” the American Fuzzy Lop has a wool coat that comes in various colors and can be collected and spun into yarn. This sweet-tempered, playful, active rabbit is well-suited as a pet if given the proper care. They are popular show rabbits that are recognized by the ARBA.
8. Jersey Wooly
Ranging in weight from 1 pound to over 3 pounds, the Jersey Wooly is one of the smallest rabbits in the world. They were developed by Bonnie Seeley, who crossbred to create a small rabbit with a wooly coat. The Jersey Wooly has a compact build, upright ears, and a square head described often and lovingly as a “Mug Head.”
Their short hair comes in several colors. Jersey Wooly rabbits are popular as show rabbits and pets. They have a gentle nature and are not known to kick or bite their handlers.
9. Holland Lop
Developed in the Netherlands as the smallest of all the lop-eared breeds, the Holland Lop weighs only 2 to 4 pounds. They have a stocky body shape, a large head, and long, furry, lopped ears that widen at the bottom. Their fluffy rollback coat comes in various colors and is dense, medium-length, and soft.
One of the most unique characteristics is a “crown” of fur along the back of their head. Lively, curious, and sweet, the Holland Lop makes a beautiful pet that adores playful interaction. As a show rabbit, they’re among the top five most popular breeds in the ARBA.
10. Britannia Petite
With a full arch body shape, the Britannia Petite rabbit resembles a tiny hare, weighing only a little over 2 pounds. They have a narrow head with large eyes and pointed upright ears. Their short, soft coats come in several colors. As a show rabbit, the Britannia Petite is among the smallest breeds of rabbits recognized by the ARBA.
However, they perform better in competitions involving jumping obstacles due to their active and energetic temperaments. As pets, Britannia Petites tend to nip and can be high-strung. They’re not for inexperienced owners and need plenty of outdoor time.
You may also be interested in:
- How Long Do Dwarf Rabbits Live? (Average & Maximum Lifespan)
- Mini Lop vs. Holland Lop: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
