How to Choose a Dwarf Rabbit

When you hold a cute little furry dwarf rabbit in your hands, you want to keep petting this sweet creature forever. Once the dwarf has gotten used to you, it will even come hopping up to you to collect its ration of petting.

How to Find a Purebred Dwarf

You can obtain a purebred dwarf rabbit in a pet store or from a breeder you have found through a local rabbit breeders’ club or a rabbit show. To make sure that the breeder or pet store is reputable, check that:

  • The hutch, cage, or exercise box in which the rabbits are kept is clean and cared for.
  • The litter is dry and not urine-soaked.
  • The rabbits have enough freedom of movement, light, and good ventilation.
  • The animals are provided with sufficient fresh water and food. Recommendations for care and feeding will be given to you by the breeder or pet store staff to take with you.
  • Observe whether the breeder or dealer handles the animals caringly.

Note: Unfortunately, instead of purebred dwarf rab­bits, undersized ordinary rabbits are often sold to the novice buyer. If you want to be certain, only a cer­tificate from the breeder’s association guarantees that you are purchasing a pedigreed dwarf rabbit. Of course, even if you have acquired a rabbit without a pedigree, it is no less lovable.

The Right Age to Buy

At about seven to eight weeks a young rabbit has been weaned from its mother and can be moved to a new home. Besides, because of the ear length, it is now easy to tell whether it is a true dwarf rabbit or a small ordinary rabbit. In the trade it is not uncom­mon to find truly tiny babies that are no older than three weeks. It is unwise to buy such an animal because it is probably still being nursed by its mother. Young rabbits that are taken away from their mothers too early are not physically or psychologically and emotionally mature; their temperaments are not firmly established. The risk of dis ease is correspondingly high with such “minis”.

Male or Female?

Male: When a sexually mature, unneutered buck is not allowed to breed, he suffers from his unreleased sexual drive. He often scratches restlessly in the cage litter, has a strong odor, and frequently sprays urine to mark his territory. He also tries to mount everything that is subordinate to him. To elimate this behavior, you should have a buck neutered at the age of four to six months and you will gain an especially affectionate dwarf.

Female: Females make good pets even without being spayed, and the procedure is riskier for them. When in heat, does can be very aggressive with rivals and even mount other rabbits and guinea pigs. When this happens you must provide enough opportunities for the beleaguered companions to escape, or tem­porarily keep the doe in a separate cage.

Determining Sex: It is not easy to determine the sex of a young rabbit; you must trust the pet store dealer or breeder when buying. To be certain, you should consult a veterinarian, then, later, perhaps while performing care routines, you can study the sex differences in detail yourself.

A Healthy Rabbit

Observe the rabbits in their hutch or cage for a while; healthy animals are bright and lively. Then take the dwarf of your choice in your hand or have it displayed close to you so that you can examine its state of health. Her are some items to look for.

1. Its coat is smooth and shiny, without bare spots and free of parasites.

2. The eyes are clear and bright, not dull or fixed. Discharges and inflammations can be signs of disease.

3. The nose is dry, without discharge.

4. The ears are clean, without deposits and crusts.

5. The rabbit’s occlusion is correct.

6. The anal region is clean, not wet.