Animal-World > Small Animals > Pet Rabbits > Polish Rabbits

Polish Rabbit

Family: Leporidae

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Oryctolagus cuniculus Photo © 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

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Latest Comments
Our Bunny was a Polish Dwarf purchased at a flea market about 2 years ago. He died yesterday and I am heartbroken. "His" name started out as Violet. However, his name became "V" after about a year...when we discovered he was not a girl afterall!! I bathed "Violet" from the time he joined us... and because I am a massage therapist, I often found myself amazed by the tiny structure. I massaged this bunny's back, neck, ears, paws, fingers and jaws ... he was amazing! He loved it and totally trusted me beyond belief. I would hold him on his back and rub his tummy or put my fingers at his mouth and he would lick my hand to death! He licked me all the time... I don't think he ever bit me, ever. He was a true buddy. I loved to take him outside and let him lounge in the grass with his little red vest and leash. He would chill out on his belly and was a really happy guy. Every morning he would remind me he was there... if I didn't go say hello ...he would stomp/thump his feet in the cage until I came over. My daughter left him outside yesterday and forgot about him... I raced him to the hospital ... but the vet called last night to tell me he was out of energy. I so wish I could turn back time and save my little guy ... I did all I could. "V" really did bring me joy. I don't know if another bunny would have the same personality... he was truly special. annette 2008-07-05
Frankie is 12 + years; aside from cateracts he behaves like a kitten. Gets a butter cookie every a.m. and loves most fruits and some veggies (won't eat carrots). Waits until I eat something (fruit, veggies, bread) to make sure it's OK. LOVES challah & matzeh (he's in a Jewish home which means he is not neutered.) WONDEREFUL pet. Puts up with 3 children and travels fairly well. Has a litter box but leaves pills all over the place (I'm well trained). Great pet. Yohanon 2008-03-21
I have a Polish Dwarf, she 8-9 weeks old. They are very little but very good. You would think that since they are so little they would be frightened of everybody, but she wasn't, she got used to me fast. They are an ideal pet and breed to have. They do scratch a little and nibble but they will get out of it when they are older. They do need time and still need love and care. Katie 2008-03-02
My friend and I have two polish bunnies. We bred them and the first litter died:(. We are going to try again in a couple of months. maria 2008-02-21
There is no such thing as an "American" Polish rabbit. Just wanted to tell you that. I have 8 chocolate polish bunnies cr8034 2008-02-15
Some of the coolest comments:
we have a beautiful, fat, butterscotch, fuzzy lop named angus who is 10 years old and spoiled rotten. the other day my husband and daughter went biking down the local community college where everyone dumps their rabbits. they brought home a sickly, hurt polish dwarf. we went to our local rabbit lady to try to bring him back to life and hopefully get adopted. the rabbit lady is stretched very thin, financially, emotionally and physically trying to help these poor animals. she gets no support from the city, community college or animal control when she tries to keep these rabbits from reproducing or being maimed and killed out in the streets . she loves rabbits and probably knows more than a vet does. (sorry to the vets but she does) what happens to these animals is horrible. they are attacked by dogs,ferral cats,vultures,other rabbits or run over. people are better off taking their pets to the animals shelters to be put to sleep than dumping them somewhere to fend for themselves. i wish there was more we could do to help the rabbit lady. after one visit to the rabbit lady, he is doing much better and we are going to be foster parents to this new rabbit until someone adopts him and takes good care of him. linda gilmore 2004-08-23