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Brittania Petite Rabbit (USA)

Polish Rabbit or British Polish Rabbit (UK)

Family: LeporidaeOryctolagus cuniculusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The delicate sleek Brittania Petite Rabbits have a sparkle in their eye, are full of energy, and can be a very playful pet!

   The Brittania Petite Rabbit, called the British Polish Rabbit or the "Polish" Rabbit in Britain, is not a "dwarf" but it is a very small rabbit. Along with the Netherland Dwarf it is one of the smallest rabbits.

   Generally more high strung than other small rabbits, Brittania Petite Rabbits have a vigorous nature. They will take gentle perseverance to tame. With patience however, you can be rewarded with a most delightful pet.

   The Brittania Petite Rabbit is very curious and likes lots of toys and attention. These are not a pet for the timid. Small children would probably do better with one of the calmer small bunnies that are more willing to patiently accept handling.

For more information about Rabbits and their care see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Background:    The Britannia Petite Rabbit is called the British Polish Rabbit or the "Polish" Rabbit in Britain. It was bred and developed into a small, compact breed of standard rabbit, and it is generally believed that it was just started with smaller common rabbits. It was exhibited in Hull, Yorkshire as long ago as 1884.

Description:    The adult size is up to about 2 1/2 pounds. They are a small delicate looking bunny though the body is rather elongated and arched, similar to that of a hare. Their long front legs make them stand up tall, and their wedge shaped face is topped with short upright ears. When they pose, they look like a lower-case 'h'. Their fur is short, fine and dense with a silky texture.
   Brittania Petites are not easy to breed and take a lot of effort and time. Females do not always become pregnant and when they do they sometimes they do not make good mothers, neglecting the babies or sometimes abusing them.

Color differences:    The Brittania Petite Rabbit is available in many colors, though in the United States it is most often seen in white, with its recognized show color being the 'ruby eyed white'. Other nice colors include black, black otter, sable marten, and chestnut agouti.

Lastest Comments on Brittania Petite Rabbit View all 11 comments on Brittania Petite Rabbit Add Your Comment

Jesika - 2010-03-19 I have a Dwarf-Britannia Petite mixed rabbit, called Laramie. She's the first rabbit I've ever had, and I got her for my fifteenth birthday. She's white, with gray-brown on her nose, tail, feet and ears and has red eyes. I was warned not to expect more than a few years of life from her, but my twenty-first birthday is this year and she's still going strong (And this with having survived a house fire, where she'd been very near to the main flames- No worries, though; she was unharmed bar some minor smoke damage to her lungs)! I have never taken her anywhere that people weren't amazed by her temperament. She doesn't care to be handled (she'll let you handle her without problems, but she doesn't seem to enjoy it herself), but she's extraordinarily well-behaved. She's always been calm, curious, and very friendly. She even gets on well with cats and dogs, as long as they don't try to fuss with her. She's never so much as nipped anyone, and is overall just an absolute dear. She's litter trained, and loves sweet treats (such as raisins and pieces of fresh fruits, especially strawberries). Every time I so much as look at her, I feel like I love her a little bit more. I adore rabbits, but when she passes, I very well might never get another; There's no chance any other rabbit could fill her shoes! Reply

Elisa - 2009-05-09 I have a white Britannia and his name is Dido. He is my first bunny and at the beginning he was shy and hated being handled (he still hates being picked anyway). When I bought him I thought I made a mistake as he used to be very agressive when I tried to pick him up, and as it is my first bunny I was hoping to have those cute ones that you can handle and pet for hours. However, 3 months have passed and I regret my thoughts as I am the happiest bunny owner in the world. Dido is such a character, he loves to do his "marathons" around the house running like crazy and jumping to the sofa, then carry on running and ending on my bed! He also loves to sleep and relax on my bed or under the table, jump in the air and plays with me a lot! He learned so easily the things that he is not allowed to chew and is very well litter trained! I would like to recommend this breed to those who want to have lots of fun! The best breed! Now I think that a breed which is very tame may be a bit boring for me compared to my funny Dido. Reply

Kati - 2006-10-12 I have a little Brittania. His name is Frank and he's mostly black with some brown and white. He is adorable but he is one crazy rabbit. He bounces around my room and throws himself at things. He enjoys getting into fights with things much longer than him. He is not a cuddler, though. I can pet him while he lays on the floor, but he doesn't like being held unless he knows it's to get in or out of his cage. He's a handful and he's a little bloodthirsty at times (hehe), but I love having him around. This breed is not for the faint of heart or the easily frustrated, however, because they are very independant and have a mind of their own. Reply

Karollynn - 2006-08-21 I have a female (himalayan) cream colored w/chocolate points Netherland Dwarf who's very fat, a male light gray Holland Lop, a male black otter Brittania Petite (Polish) who's still a baby (born in February 2006), a female boxer dog (fawn colored), and a female cat who's half siamese and half himalayan (same color as my Netherland Dwarf bunny-they match-get alond very well and sometimes sleep along side of each other). I love all of my "babies", but the Brittania is the newest addition (we got him @ 5 1/2 weeks and he could fit in the palm of your hand). He's amazingly affectionate, smart, fastidiously clean and just a wonderful bunny. No matter how bad a person could feel-he always cheers you up. I am now trying to decide whether I should have him neutered or not. He is also absolutely beautiful with a stunning coat. All of my bunnies have separate cages that are close together in my cellar. They all come upstairs with us for play and cuddling (watching tv) everyday. I highly recommend bunnies as wonderful rewarding yet lower maintenance loving pets. Reply

Bradley Luke Sas - 2006-01-24 i love my bunny named Mocha... he also loves people!!!!!:);) Reply

Celeste - 2005-09-20 I once took care of a Brittania petite and they are very energetic and if children understand they can get excited easily and know to approach with care, then they can have the best time playing together. They also like being head of the house but get along well with other pets if trained and introduced in stages. but if you want one you have to get ready for a furball that is cute but is more a fireball of energy. (be sure to rabbit proof your home well. Read about rabbit proofing in Rabbits for Dummies.) Reply

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