Dwarf Angora Rabbit: Care Guide, Varieties, Lifespan & More (With Pictures)

If you see a Dwarf Angora Rabbit, you will probably fall in love with them immediately. Few animals are as adorable as this fuzzy bunny. Unlike many domestic breeds, this one is typically sold and raised strictly as a pet. However, the same can’t be said of the rabbit’s ancestors. Humans treated them more like livestock for both their fur and meat.

You can say that the Dwarf Angora Rabbit has something of an identity issue. They’re not universally recognized as a breed by the major rabbit councils or associations around the world. However, that doesn’t detract from this bunny’s cute appearance and docile demeanor.

Quick Facts about Dwarf Angora Rabbit

Dwarf Angora Rabbit Overview

There are 11 breeds of the larger Angora Rabbit, which is one of the parents of the dwarf variety. The Angora is an ancient breed, going back to the time of the Romans. Their spread in Europe led to different types, selectively bred for certain characteristics. Not all countries recognize these species. While the Australian Show Rabbit Council does, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) does not.

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit is a cross between the Netherland Dwarf or Polish and the Angora Rabbit, usually either the English or French varieties. The result is a bunny that has the long, dense wool of the Angora with the small size of a dwarf species. The breed Jersey Wooly refers to a cross between the Netherland Dwarf and Angora Rabbit.

The ARBA recognized this breed in 1988 as a dwarf-sized version of the larger Angora. On the other hand, the Australian Show Rabbit Council gives its official name as the Dwarf Angora. While selective breeding may have tweaked a few characteristics, they are essentially the same rabbit, just going by different names in the varying countries.

How Much Do Dwarf Angora Rabbit Cost?

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit is a relatively rare breed. That’s due in part to their small size and thus, smaller litters. You can expect to pay at least $60 and more for a pet with a respectable lineage. The price will likely top $100 or more for such kits. Those with champion bloodlines can cost considerably more.

We recommend getting your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t intend to breed the rabbit. It can decrease the risk of some types of cancer and curb undesirable behavior in males, or bucks. Surgery and the necessary housing for your pet will run about $400 or more the first year. Annual expenses for food, litter, and other items will reach a similar price point.

Typical Behavior & Temperament

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit is a sweet animal that genuinely enjoys being around their owner. They typically don’t bite, especially if you get them

used to handling early. That makes them ideal pets for families with small children. Parents should teach the younger ones how to handle the bunny gently because of their small size.

Appearance & Varieties

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit is one of the smallest animals of their kind. The ARBA lists a maximum weight of 3.5 lbs. for the Jersey Wooly. Their ears are relatively small compared to other breeds, which is undoubtedly a trait that it gets from its Netherland Dwarf lineage. Selective breeding has yielded a broad range of colors, from all-white to the agouti coloration of their wild counterparts.

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit’s wool is luxurious. It’s no wonder that people would raise them for this purpose. A young kit will get their full coat by about six to eight months. Regular grooming becomes essential at that point to prevent mats.

How to Take Care of Dwarf Angora Rabbit

Habitat, Cage Conditions & Setup

The minimum size for a rabbit of this size is 3’ L x 3’ W x 2’ H. That will give plenty of room for a litter box and some kind of bed or shelter. Many pet owners allow their pets to spend time outside of their cage. We recommend keeping them indoors and confining them in a playpen. Like wild rabbits, your bunny will chew on whatever they can find, even dangerous things, like electrical cords.

You should also have plenty of food and clean water available at all times. A bottle will ensure that their cage stays dry. We suggest getting one with a guard along the bottom or a glass one. Rabbits are notorious for gnawing on bottles too.

You’ll also need to provide bedding for your pet. It will absorb waste and keep your rabbit’s cage more comfortable. You’ll find many products available that do an excellent job of absorbing odors. There are also ones made with recycled materials, as eco-friendly options.

Are Dwarf Angora Rabbit Good Roommates?

You can house more than one rabbit in a cage. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages of this. On one hand, it’s a smart option if you can’t spend enough time with your pet every day. Remember that bunnies are social creatures. They’ll gladly accept all the attention that you want to give them. A companion can fill in if that doesn’t work for your family’s lifestyle.

On the other hand, your pets are going to cost more. You’ll have to get more food and a bigger cage. The main consideration is maintenance, which doubles with two rabbits. You’ll have to clean the cage more often and buy more bedding.

Keeping two males or two females together doesn’t always work either. Either sex can get aggressive, leading to fights. Sometimes, they may cuddle and sleep together. Other times, they’ll fight. Harmony is not impossible, but you’ll have better luck with a spayed female and a neutered male.

What to Feed Your Dwarf Angora Rabbit

Commercial rabbit pellets are an ideal food to offer your Dwarf Angora Rabbit. They provide complete nutrition to help keep your pet healthy. You should also give your bunny Timothy hay. It is gentle on their small digestive systems and will add welcome variety to their diet. Treats are another appropriate addition to their food intake, as long as it’s less than 5% of their diet.

Keeping Your Dwarf Angora Rabbit Healthy

The essential thing to keep your pet healthy is to place their cage in a draft-free area. Cold breezes can stress out your bunny and cause respiratory issues. You should also avoid giving your rabbit any people food, such as lettuce or processed foods. Bear in mind that these animals evolved eating the greens that a commercial food uses.

Drastic changes in your Dwarf Angora’s diet can upset their digestive system and lead to GI distress. We recommend sticking with products specifically formulated for rabbits.

Fortunately, bunnies are relatively healthy animals with few serious concerns. That’s especially true for pets kept indoors. Rabbits can get fleas like dogs and cats. One unique characteristic about these pets is that their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Providing Timothy hay will help keep their teeth in check and prevent dental disease.

Breeding

We recommend doing your research before deciding to breed your Dwarf Angora Rabbit. It means regular veterinary care with someone familiar with these small animals. It’s imperative to bring the female, or doe, to the buck, instead of the other way. It’s typically a quick affair if she accepts the male. The pregnancy lasts about 28-33 days.

Are Dwarf Angora Rabbits Suitable for Your Home?

The gentle nature of the Dwarf Angora Rabbit makes them an excellent choice for a family pet. They are friendly and affectionate, making them great for children too. The essential things to remember are daily attention and regular cage maintenance. Add a healthy diet, and you have the makings of a beautiful friendship.

Conclusion

The Dwarf Angora Rabbit has much to offer a family that wants a pet but doesn’t have the lifestyle to welcome a dog into their home. The easy-going temperament of this animal is another point in their favor. It’s easy to see why this breed has so many devoted fans. Your bunny will live a long and happy life as long as you provide them with a healthy environment.

Featured Image Credit: JACLOU-DL, Pixabay