If you love rabbits, chances are that you will love Britannia Petite rabbits. They are a favorite breed for rabbit fanciers.
They look dainty, but they are tiny bundles of energy. They never sit still.
Brittania Petites are the smallest breed of rabbits in the world. They are even smaller than Netherlands Dwarf rabbits.
And because they are endlessly curious about the world they live in, it takes a lot of patience to teach them the basic commands they will need to obey to stay safe.
Before we tell you more about this fascinating rabbit, let’s clear up some nomenclature.
Britannia Petite rabbits were created in the United Kingdom. In the UK today, they are known as Polish rabbits, even though they are not descended from any Polish breed.
In the US, there is another breed of rabbit known as the “Polish”rabbit that is unknown in the UK.
Now that we have covered the nomenclature, let’s consider some essential facts about Britannia Petite rabbits.
Essential Facts About Britannia Petite Rabbits
Scientific name: Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Care level, compared to other rabbits: Britannia Petites are very small. Owners need to take precautions to keep them from getting stepped on, and protect them from confrontations from other animals.
Temperament: Energetic, constant motion, does not like to be held.
Color: White with either red eyes or blue eyes, black, blue, chocolate, or broken coats of chocolate and white.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years.
Maximum size: About 2-1/2 pounds (slightly over a kilogram).
Dietary requirements: Mostly timothy hay. Limit pellets to 10% of diet.
Compatible breeds: OK with other small rabbits, such as Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbits, English Angora rabbits, Netherlands Dwarf rabbits, Dwarf Hotot rabbits, Lionhead rabbits, Jersey Wooly rabbits, American Lop rabbits, and Holland Lop rabbits.
Cage size: Your Britannia Petite can adjust to living in the same kind of crate you would use for your cat.
Does best indoors with occasional closely supervised playtime in the sun.
They’re best suited for experienced owners or families with children who are patient and understanding, as they can be more high-strung compared to other breeds.
History of the Britannia Petite Rabbit
Brittania Petites, as you might guess, were developed in Britain. They began appearing in rabbit shows in 1884.
Their name, with two t’s, actually refers to the polished look of their coats.
Brittania Petites were crossbred from several varieties of small wild rabbits and Dutch and Belgian table rabbits.
The first rabbits of this breed had red eyes. It was a true albino rabbit.
Then, the breed was imported into the United States, where it was bred with other rabbits for blue and brown eyes and a colored coat.
As time went on, the Britannia Petite rabbit underwent further development in the United States.
One key aspect that sets it apart from other breeds is its small size. In fact, the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes it as one of the smallest rabbit breeds, with a maximum weight of 2.5 pounds.
Appearance of the Britannia Petite Rabbit
Brittania Petites have a rounded body and a distinctive pose. They have an upright stance, their bodies are lifted above the ground, and their bone structure is refined.
The body type of the Britannia Petite is classified as “full arch.”
This means that the arch starts at the neck and continues to the base of the tail. From a side view, a Britannia Petite looks like a quarter circle.
The head is wedge-shaped, and the eyes protrude. Ears are short and point straight up.
These rabbits are very small, but they look tall because of their long front legs.
Size
Among the smallest rabbit breeds, the Britannia Petite weighs in at just 0.7 to 1.2 kg when fully grown.
With their fine-boned and slim body structure, they make an elegant and graceful pet for you to enjoy.
Coat
Brittania Petites have short, soft coats. They don’t need a lot of grooming. However, Brittania Petites shed twice a year, spring and fall.
For a couple of weeks a year, there will be an increase in stray hairs around your house.
Colors
Britannia Petites are most commonly available in Agouti Chestnut, Black, Black Otter, Sable Marten, and Ruby-Eyed White.
They can also have coats that are a mixture of these colors.
Distinctive Features
What sets the Britannia Petite Rabbit apart is its very arched, hare-like appearance.
Unlike other dwarf breeds, these rabbits are not round or blocky in type. Their body shape is best described as a full arch, giving them a unique and attractive look.
In addition to their distinctive body shape, they have energetic and confident personalities, so you won’t find them shy or skittish like some other small rabbits.
When you bring a Britannia Petite Rabbit into your home, expect a lively and curious companion.
Temperament of the Britannia Petite Rabbit
Even though Britannia Petites are small rabbits, they are not shy. They love running and jumping.
They want to be free. But don’t let them roam free, because they cannot defend themselves against larger animals.
Be aware that Brittania Petites don’t like to be cuddled. They want to move around. You’ll find them constantly moving around, exploring their environment.
This makes them unsuitable as pets for children and seniors. It is easy to trip over a Britannia Petite if you are not careful. However, their energetic nature could be perfect for you if you want a playful companion. It’s important to provide them with lots of toys and stimulation to keep them entertained.
Even though they are not petting rabbits, Britannia Petites are capable of forming close ties with their owners.
They learn to come to you when they are called. They will politely follow you around when they are hungry.
In fact, if you aren’t careful, Britannia Petite rabbits will conclude that you are a rabbit, with some comical consequences, unless you provide them with a companion rabbit.
The thing to remember about Britannia Petite rabbits is that they do not trust other animals implicitly, not even other rabbits.
Always introduce your Britannia Petite to another animal (including another rabbit) by:
- Putting something with the other animal’s scent on it, such as a toy or a blanket, before bringing them into the same room with the new animal.
- Letting them see the other animal from behind a wire grate, so they feel safe.
- Only putting rabbits in the same hutch, or bringing rabbits and cats into the same room, a day or two after you have begun the introduction process.
Even if you do everything right, fights can still break out.
Making sure your rabbits have plenty of space in the hutch with an outdoor rabbit run keeps tensions lower.
In summary, your Britannia Petite Rabbit is a lively and energetic companion who needs an engaging environment to thrive. With time, patience, and the proper care, you’re sure to develop a strong bond with this playful little bunny.
Care Requirements of the Britannia Petite Rabbit
Brittania Petites don’t need a lot of room for their sleeping quarters, but they love to explore and climb.
Providing them with the kind of playscape you might provide for a cat (without the cat!) suits them perfectly.
If you can’t afford a playscape, your Brittania Petite will also enjoy playing with a paper towel roll or a ball. Even better, provide them with a lot of carefully supervised outdoor playtime.
You should not keep Brittania Petites outdoors in a hutch. They are too vulnerable to predators and stray pets.
But you should also limit them to one room of your house, with no furniture that they could damage by chewing.
Because of their petite size, you might consider housing your Britannia Petite rabbit and hamster or guinea pig together.
Don’t put rabbits in the same enclosure with rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters. Rabbits can transmit a bacterial infection called Bordatella to guinea pigs and hamsters.
The bacterium is not harmful to rabbits, but it can kill rodents.
Diet
Feeding your Britannia Petite Rabbit a balanced diet is essential for keeping them healthy. An ideal diet consists of:
- 75% hay, ensuring their digestive system functions properly and their teeth are naturally ground down.
- The remaining 25% includes pellets, fresh vegetables, and leafy greens.
Remember to provide clean water daily and avoid feeding your rabbit sugary treats.
Health Issues
While Britannia Petite Rabbits don’t have specific health issues, regularly monitor them for common problems:
- Overgrown teeth due to a poor diet lacking hay.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify and address potential health problems early on, ensuring your rabbit stays healthy and happy.
Popular Bunny Names for Britannia Petite Rabbit
Here’s a table with popular Britannia Petite Rabbit names, reflecting their breed characteristics.
The Britannia Petite Rabbit is known for its small size, compact and arched body shape, and lively personality.
They come in various colors, such as white, black, blue, and sable.
Many of these names are inspired by their petite appearance and energetic nature.
Boy Bunny Names for Britannia Petite Rabbit | Girl Bunny Names for Britannia Petite Rabbit |
---|---|
Tiny | Pixie |
Spark | Belle |
Pippin | Dainty |
Zippy | Minnie |
Dash | Breezy |
Rascal | Lila |
Gadget | Jewel |
Comet | Skye |
Whiskers | Flicker |
Pebbles | Tinker |
These names highlight the small size, lively spirit, and various colors of the Britannia Petite Rabbit breed, making them fitting choices for your rabbit.
Also read: Popular Pet Rabbit (Bunny) Names (Girl/Boy)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brittannia Petite Rabbit
Are Britannia Petite rabbits intelligent?
You can teach a Britannia Petite rabbit to sit or stay. They can also be house-trained.
But because of their intense activity, it takes more time to train a Britannia Petite than other breeds.
How much will a Brittania Petite cost?
A. Breeders typically charge about US $50 for a young Britannia Petite rabbit. For a show-quality rabbit, expect to pay $200 or more.
Where can I buy a Brittania Petite rabbit?
A. A good place to start looking is the Rabbit Breeders Directory.
Are Brittania Petites compatible with other pets?
Brittania Petites are too small to be kept with most other pets.
Britannia Petite rabbits are not particularly shy or skittish, so they are usually not scared of most other pets.
However, due to their small size, they are vulnerable to predators such as cats and dogs and should not be allowed near predator animals of any sort.
Should I buy my child a Britannia Petite?
Brittania Petites are too delicate for a child to play with.
They do not like being petted. Other breeds of rabbits are more suitable for a child’s first pet.
Q. Is there any downside to owning a Brittania Petite rabbit?
Brittania Petites are among the least domesticated breeds of rabbits. They aren’t a good choice as a beginner pet.
You need to understand rabbit behavior well to have a good experience with a Britannia Petite rabbit.
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