Dwarf rabbit 2083650 223578201 2008-07-04T18:27:39Z Bigtophat 7392062 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/97.101.183.254|97.101.183.254]] to last version by FlaBot (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Unreferenced|date=November 2007}} {{Disputed|date=March 2008}} '''Dwarf rabbits''' are a variety of [[Domesticated|domestic]] [[European Rabbit|European rabbit]] (''Oryctolagus cuniculus''). ''Dwarf rabbits'' are much smaller than [[European Rabbit|European rabbit]]s, but are capable of interbreeding with them, so are not recognized as a separate species. [[Image:Tintindwarfrabbit.jpg|thumb|A dwarf rabbit]] [[Purebred]] dwarf rabbits weigh 1.5-3.0 lb. Their heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their body, and their ears are small and carried high on the head. The exception to this is the dwarf lop — a cross between the [[List of rabbit breeds#lop|French lop]] and the dwarf — which is both heavier (3.0-4.0 lb) than a standard dwarf and has long, dangling ears. Many different colorations make up breeds in dwarf rabbits, such as [[List of rabbit breeds#Himalayan|Himalayan]], Red, Siamese, [[List of rabbit breeds#Chinchilla|Chinchilla]], Blue, and White-tipped Black. [[Image:Black Dwarf Buny.jpg|thumb|left|A small black dwarf rabbit on a windowsill.]] Dwarf rabbits were originally bred as [[pets]] in [[The Netherlands]]. Dwarf rabbits generally have the same behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits, though the smaller dwarf rabbits can be more skittish and quick to exhibit aggressive behavior, as their small size can cause them to feel more threatened than a standard size rabbit. They also tend to be more energetic and "high-strung". They can be [[housebreaking|housetrained]] and can be socialized with [[dog]]s and [[cat]]s. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and do not make good pets for young children. Most of the rabbits sold as dwarves in [[maid store]]s are not true dwarfs, but crosses between a dwarf and a standard rabbit. These "[[mongrel]]s" are hardier, but grow to a larger size and lack the characteristic small head and low carriage of the true dwarf. Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume [[grasses]], [[cereal|grains]], and other succulent [[Leaf vegetable|greens]]. Their [[digestive system]] is somewhat less hardy than [[European Rabbit|European rabbit]]s, and many leafy vegetables such as [[lettuce]] and [[cabbage]] can give them health problems. ==External links== * [http://www.londonlops.co.uk/breeds/Dwarf_Lops/4 Dwarf Lop Rabbit Pictures] [[Category:Rabbit breeds]] [[Category:Pet rabbits]] [[de:Zwergkaninchen (Hauskaninchen)]]