by Stacy Kaaki

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 12, 2010

Dwarf Hotot (pronounced O-toe) rabbits are a small breed of rabbit, ideally only weighing two and a half pounds when fully grown, and not exceeding three pounds. They are pure white in color, with a band of black fur around the eyes, giving them the appearance of wearing eyeliner makeup. The eyes should be dark brown and set in a rounded head, which is situated on a round body. They should give the appearance of two balls; one for the head, and one for the body.

Originating in Germany as recently as the 1970's, the breed is fairly new, and is the result of distinct and separate breeding efforts in both East Germany and West Germany that were eventually combined. The East Germanybreeder crossed a ruby eye white (REW) Netherland Dwarf doe with a Blanc de Hotot buck. This produced a Hotot marked baby that was larger than a typical dwarf rabbit.

The breeder in West Germanyattempted to produce a Hotot marked Netherland Dwarf by crossing a REW Netherland Dwarf with a black Netherland Dwarf. The result produced a Dutch marked rabbit that was further bred to reduce the amount of black and eventually these breedings resulting in only the black eye marking remaining. These rabbits were smaller due to their true Netherland Dwarf parentage. These two breeders eventually combined their efforts and crossed stock to create the Dwarf Hotot.

Dwarf Hotots were imported into the United States in the early 1980's, and accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA) in 1984.

Dwarf Hotot rabbits require the same care as any pet rabbit. An appropriately sized cage would be a minimum of two feet long by two feet wide, and fourteen inches tall. Dwarf Hotots can be housed indoors or in an outdoor hutch. Their diet should consist of primarily Timothy Hay, with limited amounts of commercial alfalfa pellets. Overfeeding of alfalfa pellets can result in poor health and obesity in the rabbits. Fresh dark green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, parsley and cilantro, to name a few, and clean water should round out the diet.

Rabbits are social and should have interaction on a daily basis. Interacting with your Dwarf Hotot will provide your rabbit with relief from boredom and stimulation that your rabbit needs. Exercise is also important, and a small run or exercise pen can fulfill this requirement. Rabbit safe toys should also be supplied and rotated to prevent boredom.

Dwarf Hotots are quickly becoming a popular choice among rabbit owners due to their curious and friendly nature, and their small size is ideal for most pet homes.

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