Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Admin
Dwarf rabbits are adorable pets that are popular in many households. In case you own a tiny rabbit or perhaps intend to adopt one and you’re wondering how long they live, then this article is for you. Dwarf rabbits live an average of 8 to 10 years with some breeds such as the Netherland Dwarf extending more than a decade. It’s worth pointing out that on average, dwarf rabbits’ lifespan is usually longer than medium and large-sized breeds.
The average lifespan of Dwarf rabbit breeds
Dwarf rabbits originated from Europe dating back to the early 1900s. They typically weigh close to 3 lbs on average. Below are some of the popular breeds and how long these dwarf rabbits live.
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American Fuzzy Lop
The America Fuzzy Lop weighs around 3 to 4 lb and has an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years. Their ears hang along the side of the face and they have a long wooly coat. This particular breed comes in a variety of colors such as white with a combination of opal, chestnut, and squirrel, while others have a plain white coat. Due to their wooly coat, American Fuzzy Lop will often ingest fur balls with can be life-threatening in the long run. As a result, make sure that your dwarf bunnies are occasionally dewormed. Lastly, this miniature rabbit has a friendly personality and is also quite playful and active.
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Polish /Britannia Petite
This particular rabbit is better known as the polish rabbit in the Uk and Britannia Petite rabbit in the US. It has an average lifespan of between 5 to 6 years, however, some can live close to a decade if properly taken care of. Originally from England, the Britannia Petite is an affectionate and playful bunny that weighs between 3 to 4 pounds. It has different coat colors such as white, black, blue, chocolate, ruby-eyed white, and blue-eyed white.
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Columbia Basin Pygmy
Columbia Basin Pygmy has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, typically the shortest life expectancy of a dwarf-sized bunny. Their short longevity is historically due to their small size which makes them vulnerable to predators. Naturally, even with ideal conditions, their lifespan, in general, is shorter. The Columbia Basic Pygmy weighs around 1 lb and is around 9 to 11 inches long, typically the smallest rabbit breed in the world. In other words, it can easily fit in the palm of an adult’s hand. This breed is an endangered species that originated from the Columbia Basic area of Washington state. The Columbia Basin Pygmy has a soft grayish-brown fur with a timid and skittish temperament.
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Dwarf Hotot
How long the Dwarf Hotot rabbits are expected to live on average is 7 to 10 years. These miniature breeds originated in France at the beginning of the 20th century. This particular breed weighs between 2 to 3 pounds and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t the smaller version of the larger Hotot. The Dwarf Hotot has a distinct white coat with a black ring around the eyes which looks like an eyeliner. This miniature rabbit has a friendly temperament and is more laid back than most rabbits.
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Dwarf Lionhead
The Lionhead rabbits have an average life expectancy of between 8 to 10 years. They’re originally from Belgium and are a crossbreed between the Netherland dwarf and the miniature Swiss Fox. This particular bunny weighs around 3 pounds and is about 8 to 10 inches long. Lionheads as the name suggests have a mane around their head about two inches long and 3-inch long ears. They usually come in a variety of colors such as white, black, blue, chestnut, red, lilac, opal, chocolate, fawn, orange, golden and frosted pearl. Lastly, dwarf Lionheads have a docile and calm temperament. They are also affectionate, however, when startled they easily get frightened or stressed.
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Jersey Wooly
The Jersey Wooly is another adorable dwarf rabbit with an average lifespan of between 7 to 10 years. This particular breed originated from New Jersey and is a crossbreed between the Netherland Dwarf and the French Angora bunny. This bunny weighs between 2 to 3 pounds and has a compact body with a wooly coat. Jersey Wooly’s ears are small and erect, about 3 inches long. Some of the color variety for this breed includes white, blue, black, chocolate, pearl, and chestnut. These miniature rabbits are naturally gentle and affectionate. They also have playful and friendly personalities.
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Holland Lop
How long these dwarf rabbits live on average is around 7 to 10 years. Holland Lops are originally from the Netherlands and normally weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. They’re an active breed that needs lots of physical stimulation. They have a compact muscular structured body with a wide range of colors. They include black, white, blue, orange, chestnut, chocolate, opal, ruby-eyed white, blue-eyed white, and tri-color among other broken color patterns. Holland Lop has a calm, gentle and docile temperament.
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Netherland Dwarf
The expectancy of a Netherland Dwarf is also between 8 to 10 years. However, it can extend up to 12 years for some breeds depending on their health and diet over the years. This particular rabbit as the name suggests, originated from the Netherlands and has an average weight of between 1 to 2 pounds. In other words, this miniature bunny is among the smallest dwarf rabbit breeds. It comes in an array of colors such as Orange, lilac, chocolate, black, blue, mantle, opal, tortoiseshell, and Agouti. The Netherland Dwarf has a skittish and lively temperament. Ideally, they’re quite playful and wild.
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Miniature Cashmere Lop
A Miniature Cashmere Lop or simply the Mini Lop has an average life expectancy of between 8 to 12 years. It’s worth pointing out however that the Mini Lop is a totally different breed from the Dwarf Lop, a fact that was well proven by the British Rabbit Council in the 1980s. This particular bunny that originates from England weighs between 4 to 5 lbs. It comes in a variety of colors such as blue-eyed white, ruby-eyed white, blue, black, chocolate, lilac. Additionally, Mini Lops also come in agouti colors which include lynx, Chinchilla, opal, cinnamon, and squirrel. When it comes to temperament, the mini Lop is a friendly and playful dwarf breed.
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Mini English Angora
This particular dwarf-sized rabbit has an average life expectancy of between 7 to 12 years. The Mini-English Angora originated from Turkey formerly known as Angora in Ankara. This dwarf bunny has a compact body and weighs between 5 to 6 lb. Mini English Angora has a broad flat head, short ears, and woolly fur around their faces and the rest of the body. They come in various colors such as blue, Chinchilla, brown-grey, white, smoke, chocolate, sable, and Marten Sable. Lastly, the Mini English Angora has a very calm and docile temperament.
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Mini Rex
The life expectancy of Mini Rex is between 7 to 10 years. They originate from France and weigh between 3 to 4 pounds. This particular rabbit has fur that’s short and upright with a velvety touch. It also has a rounded back with well-built shoulders, midsection, and hindquarters. Mini Rex comes in various colors such as black, blue, lilac, and chocolate. Additionally, they have either a white or silver chin, underbelly, behind the ears, and tail. They also have circular eye marking and are relatively calm, curious, and friendly.
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Mini Satin
The Mini Satin is a dwarf rabbit with an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years. This particular bunny originated from Indiana and is a result of an inbreeding of the Netherland Dwarf and the standard Satin or Polish bunny. This particular breed has a compact body that weighs between 3 to 4 lbs. It comes in a variety of colors such as blue, black, red, white, chinchilla, Opal, copper, and tortoise. Additionally, they also have a broken color pattern combined with white. When it comes to personality, the Mini Satin is gentle and friendly. However, around strangers, they are often skittish.
Final remarks
How long dwarf rabbits live, is greatly determined by how properly they’re fed, housed, and groomed. Their diet should comprise hay, fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and a constant supply of clean water. Besides a healthy diet, a miniature bunny’s habitat should be spacious enough to play in. Additionally, also purchase toys to mentally stimulate them. When it comes to grooming, be on the lookout for ticks, fleas, and mites. One of the common health problems for dwarf bunnies is overgrown teeth. This occurs when you don’t feed your pet enough hay. Lastly, it’s highly recommended to seek veterinarian checkups to prevent any potential diseases or health conditions.
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