ARBA maximum 3 lb (1.4 kg). PetGuide gives 2.5-3.5 lb (1.1-1.6 kg) and Wikipedia's breed list 2-3 lb (0.9-1.4 kg). Range spans all sources.
short, dense rollback coat on a compact dwarf body
A small, rounded rabbit with shoulders as wide as its hips, a bold broad head and short upright ears. The glossy white fur rolls back gently when stroked, and a neat band of colour circles each eye like eyeliner.24
A sweet, friendly little rabbit that tends to become very attached to its people, sometimes bouncing with excitement when its enclosure is opened. Regular, gentle handling from a young age brings out its best side.4
Moderately active; it enjoys a few laps of the room, simple toys and puzzles, and should spend most of the day out of its enclosure in a rabbit-safe area.45
The short coat needs very little care most of the year; during moults, brush it often (PetGuide suggests daily) to lift out loose fur.4
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch or cage works only as a base alongside a large run or daily free-roam time. Use solid flooring with soft bedding, spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly.54
Unlimited hay with daily fresh greens and vegetables, a small measured amount of pellets (PetGuide suggests about a quarter cup a day), occasional fruit and fresh water. Portion pellets carefully, as this breed loves its food.45
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises they should not live alone; a compatible, neutered rabbit companion plus regular gentle time with people suits them best. Daily handling and interaction keep this breed confident and friendly.54
Its large ancestor, the Blanc de Hotot, was bred in France in the early 1900s. In the 1970s two breeders in East and West Germany each created a dwarf version, and in 1979 the two lines were combined. Elizabeth Forstinger brought the breed to the United States in 1980, and ARBA accepted it in 1983.241
Its nickname 'Eyes of the Fancy' comes from the dark rings around its eyes on an all-white coat.4
The ideal eyeband is about as thick as two stacked pennies.2
Two separate German breeding lines, one in the East and one in the West, were merged in 1979 to make the modern breed.2
It is a purely fancy breed, kept for showing and as a pet.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dwarf Hotot. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feed unlimited hay every day, plus daily fresh greens and a small measured amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer pellets according to the label and your vet's advice.45 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets, with occasional fruit treats. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Always check with your vet for a full list.4567
Rabbits generally do not need baths as they keep themselves clean. If your Dwarf Hotot gets dirty, consult an exotic-pet vet for safe cleaning methods.
The short coat needs little care most of the year, but during moults brush daily to remove loose fur. Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush weekly and daily during moulting.4 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly because they grow continuously. Furry Diary's starting plan includes nail trims every 42 days and weekly teeth checks. Your vet can show you how. Pet Wiki plan
Your Dwarf Hotot needs a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high and at least 4 hours of free-roam time daily. It enjoys simple toys and puzzles.45 Pet Wiki plan
Dwarf Hotots are social and should have a compatible, neutered rabbit friend along with daily gentle time with you. Living alone can lead to loneliness.45
With proper care, a Dwarf Hotot typically lives 7 to 10 years.4
This sweet, friendly rabbit can be a good pet for gentle, supervised children who handle it calmly. Early regular handling helps it become confident.4
Always support the hindquarters and hold securely but gently. For specific techniques, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Blanc de Hotot
Netherland Dwarf
Britannia Petite