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Polish Rabbit

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

   If you want a very nice but small pet bunny, the Polish Rabbit makes an excellent choice!

   There are two distinct types of Polish Rabbits: The Britannia Petite (British Polish), and the American Polish. These are both very small rabbits. The British Petite is the tinier of the two, weighing only about 2 1/2 pounds, while the American Polish is a little larger weighing closer to 3 1/2 pounds. Pictured above are American Polish Rabbit babies that are about 5 weeks old.

   Polish Rabbits are very intelligent little bunnies. They can follow voice commands and hand signals, which they learn mostly through repetition. The Polish Rabbit, along with the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, is one of the most common small animal breeds used by Magicians for their magic acts. Magicians use them because they are not only small and smart, but they have the right temperament for performing. They are also not afraid of children and enjoy being petted by them!

   Polish Rabbits are friendly and affectionate. They are ideal for children to handle with their smaller hands, as well as for people with coordination difficulties. Their small size makes them easy to feed and house as well.

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

Background:    The British Polish rabbit is the original rabbit that was termed a "dwarf". They were first recognized in Hull, Yorkshire in 1884.
   American Polish rabbits are larger than their British counterparts. They originate from British Polish rabbits, but also have other small-rabbit genes mixed in (such as the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit).

Description:    British Polish rabbits are very petite, and compact, with a maximum weight of 2.5 pounds.
   American Polish rabbits, larger than their British counterparts, have an upper weight closer to 3.5 pounds, and have longer ears than the Netherlands.

Color differences:    The British Polish rabbit: In the USA, the only color accepted for showing is albino (white with red eyes), but in Britain, many more colors are accepted.
   The American Polish rabbit: Their colors include black, blue, and chocolate with generally matching color eyes, and white with ruby or blue eyes.

   Check with the American Rabbit Breeders Association for acceptable colors if you are thinking of having a Polish Rabbit for showing rather than just as a pet.

Lastest Comments on Polish Rabbits View all 66 comments on Polish Rabbits Add Your Comment

lyn - 2006-01-01 Hi I own and show polish and they dont make good pets they are fast and springy. They dont have a very good temperment, infact can be nasty. Rhonda Bastarache - 2012-04-05 I don't agree, I too breed Polish Dwarfs and they're the most friendly and sweet bunnies ever, even better tempered than the Netherland Dwarfs which I used to breed. I don't anymore because the Netherlands can sometimes be very nasty. I just love my polish bunnies and will always have them as pets as well as breeding. Reply

Jill - 2009-07-10 I need to find another dwarf Polish bunny!! We had a wonderful pair, Isabelle & Gimli. She passed away suddenly last night and we are beyond sad. Gimli looks absolutely bewildered. He had been in the cage with her when she died and was licking her face. This is so awful. I'm not sure whether he will take to another companion, but would like to try. Unfortunately I cannot find much on-line about dwarf Polish rabbits. He is so small I don't really want to get anything else. Does anybody have any suggestions? Know someone who has a dwarf Polish doe, maybe? I was also wondering if we should try a guinea pig. I've heard they are a common companion animal for rabbits. Anonymous - 2010-07-12 Good for you we have one but my dad will not give them away. Reply

Myeisha Nicole - 2012-02-26 Hey, I'm looking for a miniature rabbit for my birthday and I wan to know about how much they will they cost and where can I find them because I dont want the normal rabbits Charlie Roche - 2012-02-26 You can usually find rabbits at no cost at a shelter or rehabilitation facility. Most rabbits cost between $15.00 and $25.00 but remember, that does not include the cost of a hutch (home for your little guy), toys, food hay etc. Some rabbits will go up to $200.00 depending on pedigree and show quality but that is not the norm. Usually $15 - $25. Remember whatever rabbit you decide to get will not be the normal - it will be special to you. Reply

Julia Torti - 2011-10-07 How much do polish dwarf rabbits cost ?????????Do poliisgh dwarf rabbits bite much? Charlie Roche - 2011-10-07 Polish cost around $25 normally and they are pretty easy going. Not bitey but like to taste your fingers when little. Not biting just more like a pup licks you. Reply

Mr. YNOT - 2010-03-16 I would like to know when the female rabbits are ready to have babies. LUVURBUNS - 2011-09-06 They reach sexual maturity (AKA adulthood) at about 6 months (They are recongnized as adults but that does not mean that they are actually able to breed) it depends on their lineage. Reply

John Greenwood - 2009-05-24 I have a pair of Polish Rabbits , they are sisters , our problem is one sister keeps biting the other pulling its hair out leaving a sore. We have separated them at this time to prevent more problems and Velvet is healing well. Is this normal behavior and is there anything we can do to help them get along so they can stay together? They have an outside hutch as well as inside. Any suggestions? Er Korbel - 2011-09-06 I know this is a few years late, but it's my first time on the site. I came across your posting and felt compelled to respond in case it benefits someone else looking for the same type of answer. From what I have read, females are more territorial then males. Yes, I was surprised to read this while doing my research for my own rabbit the last few months. That is why they say when breeding bunnies to never leave a male and female together (unless they are fixed) because the female is aggressive towards the male because she will claim the space. You are supposed to take the female to the males cage never the other way around. In your case, it sounds like the female is a lot more aggressive and territorial then your other female. You didn't list if they were fixed or not, so this may not apply if they are indeed fixed. However, they have also stated in many sites I've read that if a rabbit is anxious, aggressive, etc before getting fixed it make them permanently that way after they are fixed. The best way to have a bunny fixed is to make sure they are comfortable, not anxious and in a good place temperamentally before having them fixed. However from the information you shared it sounds like a territory issue and the one rabbit is being aggressive towards your other bunny. I hope this helps someone that may be having the same issue and is looking for answers. As for you, i hope this situation has been resolved. Take care! LUVURBUNS - 2011-09-06 I would NOT recommend getting them fixed unless you have a vet that specializes in rabbits around you. DO NOT DO IT IF YOU DO NOT! If the vet is NOT knoledgable on rabbits HE COULD KILL UR RABBIT!!! BE CAREFUL! Reply

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