At a glance the quick version
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.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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
Personality what they are like
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
Daily activity how busy a day looks
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
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
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
Home where they are happiest
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
Food basics what goes in the bowl
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
Company who they like around
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
The story where it all began
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its nickname 'Eyes of the Fancy' comes from the dark rings around its eyes on an all-white coat.4
- 2
The ideal eyeband is about as thick as two stacked pennies.2
- 3
Two separate German breeding lines, one in the East and one in the West, were merged in 1979 to make the modern breed.2
- 4
It is a purely fancy breed, kept for showing and as a pet.2
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 1983; maximum weight 3 lb. Chocolate eyebands accepted 2006 and blue 2020. National club: American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club (ADHRC).2
- ARBA
- Listed with recognition year 1983 and a 3 lb maximum.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dwarf Hotot. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for ARBA recognition, maximum weight, varieties, national club
- Dwarf Hotot - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, ARBA variety dates, body, eyebands, fun facts
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for ARBA/BRC recognition overview, weight range
- Dwarf Hotot - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, weight, temperament, grooming, housing, diet, nickname
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space guidance, companionship, general care
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.