Polish

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine coat on a small, compact, fine-boned body

A small, neat rabbit that is not counted as a true dwarf, so its build is a little less cobby than a Netherland Dwarf. It has a short head with full cheeks, big bold bright eyes, and short upright ears (around three inches at most) that sit close together and touch along their length. The hindquarters are rounded and slightly wider than the shoulders, and the body tapers smoothly from back to front.12345

Personality what they are like

Usually a gentle, settled little rabbit that enjoys interaction once it trusts its people. Polish are curious and personable, and many become quite tame with regular, calm handling. Like all rabbits, each one has its own character, shaped a lot by how much friendly contact it gets when young.436

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Even a small rabbit needs room to hop, stretch and explore. Plan for daily time outside the enclosure in a safe, rabbit-proofed area, with toys, tunnels and things to chew for enrichment.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only a quick brush now and then, a little more often while moulting. Check nails and teeth regularly. Polish handle cool conditions well but should be kept out of hot sun and warm rooms, with shade and good airflow in summer.14

Home where they are happiest

Give a roomy enclosure despite the small body size, plus regular free-roam or pen time. Indoor housing is advised where predators are a concern, and the space should stay cool in warm weather.14

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unlimited fresh grass hay forms the bulk of the diet (around 80%), topped up with daily leafy greens and a measured portion of pellets. Fresh water should always be available.41

Company who they like around

A sociable, interactive breed that enjoys regular gentle attention from its people. Daily contact and handling help it stay relaxed and friendly.4

The story where it all began

Small white rabbits of this type were already being written about in England by 1860, and despite the name, breeders generally credit Britain rather than Poland as the birthplace. Early on they were larger animals kept partly for the table, and for a long period nearly all Polish were white, with either ruby or blue eyes. The breed reached the United States around 1912, when W.E. Dexter of Boston brought stock over. American breeders then slowly added colours: the Ruby Eyed White was the first ARBA variety, Black and Chocolate were accepted in 1957, Blue in 1982, Broken in 1998 and Lilac in 2020. Over the same years the American line was bred down to its current maximum of 3.5 lb. Today it is a well-established show breed in the US, supported by the American Polish Rabbit Club, and it should not be confused with the UK 'Polish', which Americans call the Britannia Petite.12345

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA

Recognised show breed with seven varieties: Black, Blue, Broken, Chocolate, Blue Eyed White, Ruby Eyed White and Lilac. Maximum senior weight 3.5 lb.5

ARBA

Ruby Eyed White was the first variety accepted; Black and Chocolate followed in 1957, Blue in 1982, Broken in 1998.1

ARBA

Lilac variety accepted in 2020.3

American Polish Rabbit Club

National specialty club for the breed, with members across the USA and Canada; publishes the quarterly newsletter 'The Little Aristocrat'.5

Naming note

The American Polish is a different breed from the UK 'Polish'; the UK breed is known in the US as the Britannia Petite.1