AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key

Dwarf rabbits are a type of domestic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). They are much smaller than their larger cousins, but are capable of inbreeding and so are not recognized as a separate species. Purebred dwarf rabbits weigh 1.5-3.0 lbs. Their heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their body, and their ears are small and carried high on the head. The exception to this is the dwarf lop--a cross between the French lop and the dwarf--which is both heavier (3.0-4.0 lbs) than a standard dwarf and has long, dangling ears. Many different colorations make up breeds in dwarf rabbits, such as Himalayan, Red, Siamese, Chinchilla, Blue, and White-tipped Black.

Dwarf rabbits were originally bred as pets. Dwarf rabbits have the same behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be housetrained and can be socialized with dogs and cats. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and do not make good pets for young children.

Most of the rabbits sold as dwarves in pet stores are not true dwarfs, but crosses between a dwarf and a standard rabbit. These mongrels are hardier, but grow to a larger size and lack the characteristic small head and low carriage of the true dwarf.

Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume grasses, grains, and other succulent greens. Their digestive system is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems.