Polish Rabbit

Family: Leporidae Oryctolagus 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.

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