The dwarf rabbit is one of the funniest and best-loved pets, but did you know that it is not a rodent? Yes, rabbits, unlike hamsters or guinea pigs, belong to the lagomorph family. 

This is an order of herbivorous mammals, characterised by four prominent incisors, an upper lip divided into two parts by a cleft, and front limbs with five toes and hind limbs with four. Rabbits and hares belong to this category.

The dwarf rabbit is an affectionate and docile animal that is very playful and loves company. It will be a perfect pet to cuddle and have fun with, but beware of a few tips to keep it healthy!

The characteristics of dwarf rabbits

Physical appearance of dwarf rabbits

The dwarf rabbit is also a cuddly little animal because of its appearance. As their name suggests, they are small rabbits, which is why they are also perfect for those who do not have much space at home. Moreover, one of the most distinctive features of these pets are their long, large ears, which are somewhat disproportionate to the size of the rest of its body.

The different races

Perhaps not everyone knows that there are different varieties of dwarf rabbits, distinguishable by various physical appearance characteristics, such as coat colour, ear length or body size. In any case, all dwarf rabbits weigh approximately 1 to 3 kg and can live up to 10-12 years if they lead a healthy and regular lifestyle. 

The character of the dwarf rabbit

Dwarf rabbit loves to interact with those around them. In addition to being curious and game-loving, it they are very intelligent pets and tend to learn quickly the commands it are taught by their owner. 

Their mild and meek character makes them a perfect bunny for young and old people. They are not an aggressive animal, but rather thier nature leads them to become very affectionate, although in the early days they may be shy and shy. Once they are settled in, they will turn out to be a lively, resourceful little animal and a real lover of cuddles and all possible attention.  

Care and attention

The dwarf rabbit like any other pet needs some simple but important daily care to stay healthy. Here are some tips on how best to look after it.

Feeding the dwarf rabbit

Special attention when having a rabbit is related to nutrition. The teeth of these pets grow all the time, which is why it is very important to provide them with functional food, which helps them to wear out their teeth and avoid health problems.

Your dwarf rabbit’s diet should largely consist of grass and hay, contained in a special feeder such as Ferplast’s Hay Feeder. Rabbits are also fond of fresh vegetables, a great food to add to their diet, along with a small amount of specific seeds and small snacks.

Cleaning and accessories for the dwarf rabbit

Cleaning dwarf rabbits is another very important factor for their health. Your furry friend’s coat should be brushed frequently to remove any knots and excess hair. This practice will also be useful to check the dwarf rabbit for small wounds or parasites. 

Ferplast’s Gro 5759 premium brush will be a valuable ally when grooming your small pet. You will also need a carding brush to remove excess hair more easily, like Gro 4949. 

Cutting your dwarf rabbit’s nails will also be a necessary practice. Before proceeding, however, it is strongly recommended that you consult your vet for precise information and advice on this practice. Once you have obtained a consultation, you can help yourself with the Gro 5984 nail clipper, which is easy to use and safe. 

Finally, it is always a good idea to have hygienic wipes at hand, ready for any eventuality, such as Ferplast’s Genico Fresh, a toilet where your dwarf rabbit can take care of its needs undisturbed and some small dental toys to chew on such as PA4780 or Ferplast’s Goodbite Tiny & Natural line.

Now that you are informed about the characteristics and care of the dwarf rabbit, are you ready to welcome a small furry pet into your home?