Dwarf rabbit explained

Dwarf rabbit refers either (formally) to a rabbit with the dwarfing gene,[1] or (informally) to any small breed of domestic rabbit or specimen thereof, or (colloquially) to any small rabbit. Dwarfism is a genetic condition that may occur in humans and in many animals, including rabbits. True dwarfism is often associated with a cluster of physical abnormalities,[2] including pituitary dwarfism. The process of dwarfing is used to selectively breed for smaller stature with each generation. Small stature is a characteristic of neoteny, which may account (in part) for the attraction of dwarf animals.

Small rabbits

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of the domestic rabbits. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)[3] [4] accepts a weight range of 1.1kg-3.5kgkg (02.4lb-07.7lbkg), but 2.5kg (05.5lb) is the maximum allowed by the British Rabbit Council (BRC).[5] The small stature of the Netherland Dwarf was initially the result of the dwarfing gene: dw. Its short neck and rounded face are additional features of neoteny.

Many small rabbit breeds have the dwarfing gene, but the Polish and the Britannia Petite are among those that do not. They have attained their small stature solely through selective breeding of successively smaller generations (a processing called dwarfing).

Some small rabbits (often mixed breeds) are a false dwarf, a rabbit that did not inherit the dwarfing gene.

One of the smallest species of wild rabbit is the Marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), an excellent swimmer[6] that weighs 2.2kg-2.6kgkg (04.9lb-05.7lbkg).

Smallest rabbit breeds

The following table includes rabbit breeds currently recognized by ARBA or by the BRC that have a maximum weight of 4kg (09lb). Also included is a small breed from Germany, the Teddy Dwarf.[7]

Domestic rabbit breeds <4kg (09lb)
Breed nameImageWeightEar type
Netherland Dwarf1.1kg–2.5kgkg (02.4lb–05.5lbkg)erect
Britannia Petite [US]1.5kg–2.5kgkg (03.3lb–05.5lbkg)erect
Teddy Dwarf
  Also called:
    Teddyzwerg
0.8kg–1.7kgkg (01.8lb–03.7lbkg)erect
Dwarf Hotot2kg–3kgkg (04lb–07lbkg)erect
Jersey Wooly2.5kg–3.5kgkg (05.5lb–07.7lbkg)erect
Polish [US]2.5kg–3.5kgkg (05.5lb–07.7lbkg)erect
Lionhead1.36kg–1.7kgkg (03lb–03.7lbkg)erect
Miniature Lion Lop1.5kg–1.6kgkg (03.3lb–03.5lbkg)lop
Miniature Lop [UK/NL]3.4kg–3.8kgkg (07.5lb–08.4lbkg)lop
Miniature Cashmere Lop3.5kg (07.7lb)lop
American Fuzzy Lop3.5kg–4kgkg (07.7lb–09lbkg)lop
Plush Lop (Miniature)1.7kg–1.8kgkg (03.7lb–04lbkg)lop

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Hu. Dou. Identification and analysis of the dwarf mutation in domestic rabbits (Master's Thesis). May 2014. 444. 1–26. 19 February 2018. Examensarbete. Identifiering och karaktärisering av dvärg mutationen hos tamkaninen. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences - Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Uppsala.
  2. Fiorello. Christine V.. German. R.Z.. Heterochrony within species: craniofacial growth in giant, standard, and dwarf rabbits. Evolution. February 1997. 51. 1. 250–261. 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1997.tb02406.x. 28568789. 205780205. free.
  3. Book: Standard of Perfection 2016-2020. 2015. American Rabbit Breeders Association. B018GVBJK4.
  4. Web site: ARBA Recognized Breeds. American Rabbit Breeders Association. 19 February 2018.
  5. Web site: Breed Standards 2016-2020. British Rabbit Council. 29 January 2018. 21 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180121125834/http://www.thebrc.org/Mono%20Breed%20Standards%20Book%20APRIL%202017%20small.pdf. dead.
  6. News: Compton. Gail. Swimming Rabbit Surfaces. 22 February 2018. Lifestyle. The St Augustine [Florida] Record. 29 September 2012.
  7. Web site: Herzlich Willkommen auf den Webseiten des Teddykaninchen-Clubs. Teddykaninchen Club. 22 February 2018.