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How Big Do Rabbits Get? (Smallest and Largest Breeds)

From the tiniest little Furballs to the giants of the bunny world, Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes! Just how small can you go and how big can they get? Hop on this wild ride through the world of petite, midsize and mammoth Rabbit breeds. We’ll take a front row seat to witness astoundingly fast rabbit growth from floppy baby to full grown adult. You’ll get insider tips to predict your own bunny’s final poundage. Whether you love ’em tiny, admire their medium magnitude or crave serious cuddle potential from a plus size poof, this comprehensive guide on rabbit size has all the fluffy details. Get ready to have your mind blown about just how big – or small – these magical creatures can be!

The average size of adult rabbits

The average size of an adult rabbit depends on the breed. Rabbits come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the tiny Netherland Dwarf to the massive Flemish Giant. On average, most rabbits weigh between 3 to 5 pounds when fully grown.

The average rabbit size also differs between males and females. Female rabbits, called does, are typically larger than males of the same breed. Does may weigh 25% more than bucks. Female rabbits need the extra body mass to support pregnancy and nursing babies.

Some rabbit breeds are dwarf breeds, meaning they stay perpetually small like baby bunnies. Most dwarf breeds grow to 1.5 to 3.5 pounds when mature. Rabbits weighing less than 1.5 pounds full grown are considered super dwarf breeds.

At the other end of the spectrum, giant rabbit breeds can weigh 10 to 15+ pounds at maturity. Giant breeds include Flemish Giants, Checkered Giants, French Lops, and more. Giant breeds provide lots of floof to cuddle!

While the average rabbit clocks in around 4 pounds grown, weights between 2 to 6 pounds cover the range for most common small and midsize breeds. Larger rabbits are less common as pets, but plenty of people love having an adorably oversized, extra fluffy bunny.

Small Rabbits (up to 5lbs)

Many popular pet rabbit breeds fall into the small rabbit category, weighing up to 5 pounds when fully mature. Here are some examples of breeds that stay petite and tiny:

Netherland Dwarf – Weighing just 2 to 2.5 pounds, the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest rabbit breed. These super cute mini rabbits were bred down from small wild rabbits native to Holland. They have rounded apple-like heads and compact bodies. Their tiny size makes them one of the most popular pets.

Holland Lop – The Holland Lop has long floppy ears that frame a sweet round face. These little charmers usually weigh 3 to 4 pounds. Solid and broken pattern coats display fun markings like the Papillon dog breed.

Mini Rex – With plush, velvety coats, Mini Rex rabbits have cuteness written all over them. Their upright ears and full cheeks give them a charming appearance. Average weight is 3.5 to 4.5 pounds.

Polish – Weighing 2.5 to 3.5 pounds as adults, Polish rabbits resemble tiny Britannia Petite rabbits with a hint of mane and ruff of fur. They have a neatly rounded head and minimal dewlap.

Mini Lop – A mini version of the French Lop, Mini Lops have floppy lop ears instead of upright ears. Their small size of 3 to 4.5 pounds makes them one of the most popular lop-eared breeds.

Himalayan – With striking points and a calm temperament, Himalayans make lovely companion pets. They average 3 to 4.5 pounds grown. Snow-white coats and ruby eyes give them an exotic look.

Mini Satin – A true dwarf breed, Mini Satins weigh just 2.5 to 3.5 pounds fully matured. Their plush coats have a beautiful satiny sheen. Gentle personalities endear them to owners.

These are just a few examples of delightful small rabbit breeds. Many fanciers prefer smaller rabbits due to their manageable size and lapsitting potential. Smaller housing and food requirements are also a plus. For urban and apartment living, compact rabbit breeds tend to adapt better to limited space.

Medium Rabbits (5-8lbs)

Rabbit breeds in the medium size range grow to between 5 to 8 pounds as adults. These bunnies serve as nice middle ground – bigger than teeny tiny breeds but still an easy to handle size. Some medium breeds include:

Mini Rex – Mini Rex rabbits are on the smaller end of medium, weighing 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. Their plush fur comes in all colors and patterns, including blue and chocolate. Round faces coupled with upright ears give Mini Rex rabbits a delightful look.

Standard Rex – Standard Rex rabbits have the same ultra-soft, plush fur as Mini Rex but in a larger 5 to 7.5 pound package. Any color and pattern is possible in Rex rabbit coats. Their velvety fur feels like chinchilla fur.

English Angora – Fluffy and sophisticated English Angoras weigh 5.5 to 7.5 pounds fully grown. Their long, silky angora coats must be groomed daily to prevent tangles and mats. English Angoras are intelligent and playful.

English Spot – Sporting signature spots and friendly personalities, English Spot rabbits are a breed to adore. Average adult weight is 5 to 8 pounds. They make wonderfully mellow pets and enjoy human interaction.

Silver Marten – The handsome Silver Marten has a medium build weighing 5.5 to 7.5 pounds. Their thick fur includes silver guard hairs tipped in black over chocolate, lilac or blue. Sweet faces coupled with friendly natures make them a joy to own.

Tan Rabbit – Tans are known for their distinctive orange color. Weighing 4 to 6 pounds, their commercial medium size makes them popular as meat and show rabbits. They are alert and curious pets.

For many rabbit owners, a medium sized bunny hits the sweet spot. They are small enough to pick up and cuddle, yet big enough to deliver good rolly-polly bunny behavior. Medium sized rabbits offer the best of both worlds when it comes to lap pets versus bouncy interactive playmates.

Large rabbits (8lbs or more)

On the larger end of the rabbit size spectrum, giant rabbit breeds tip the scales at 10+ pounds. But you don't have to go full gigantic for a bigger bunny. Rabbits weighing 8 pounds or more deliver plenty of oversized cuddliness. Some large breeds are:

French Lop – The famous French Lop with its long, floppy ears can weigh 8 to 14 pounds. Their massive size and lazy appeal make them mellow lap companions and floor loungers.

New Zealand – A popular meat and show bunny, the New Zealand breed clocks in around 9 to 12 pounds grown. Doe NZ's can reach 14 pounds. Sturdy bodies and broad shoulders make them a commercial farmer favorite.

Californian – Californian rabbits resemble the New Zealand breed in commercial body type. Ideal weight is 8 to 10.5 pounds according to the breed standard. Show quality specimens present gleaming white coats with dark markings.

Champagne D'Argent – Sometimes called the French Silver, the Champagne D'Argent averages 9 to 12 pounds mature. Their soft grey fur has a shimmering effect. They are muscular like a small Flemish Giant.

Cinnamon Rabbit – The Cinnamon breed displays full bodies weighing 9 to 12 pounds. Coat color ranges from reddish brown to a warmer chocolate brown. Friendly personalities coupled with impressive size make them nice pets.

For owners who want more rabbit to cuddle and love, these larger breeds deliver. Big buns need more space and exercise than smaller house rabbits. But fans of giant breeds find their substantial size makes them equally substantial as lap, bed and sofa snuggle companions.

How to know how big your rabbit will get

Figuring out your pet rabbit's adult size is part science and part guesswork. Here are some tips for making an educated guess:

  • Start with the average weight for your rabbit's breed per the breed standard. This provides a general idea of expected weight when your bunny is full grown.

  • Consider your rabbit's parents' sizes. Like humans, rabbits often grow to a similar size as their parents. Baby bunnies from extra large parents will likely mature bigger than runts from a small litter.

  • Factor in sex. Female rabbits tend to reach 85% to 100% of the breed's maximum weight. But males top out around 75% of max breed weight generally.

  • Monitor growth month to month. Rabbits gain their full adult size from 6 to 12 months old usually. By 4 to 6 months old, your bunny will reach 50% to 75% of full grown weight. Consistent monthly weight gains signal your rabbit is on track.

  • Use online rabbit weight calculators. Input your rabbit's current weight, age and breed to get an estimate of final size. Calculators use growth rate formulas to make predictions.

While full grown rabbit size ranges by breed, your bunny's actual adult weight can deviate up or down from the average. Things like nutrition, exercise level, hereditary tendencies and overall health play a role too. But pay attention to monthly weight changes and use breed standards coupled with sex averages to make an informed best guess.

How to weigh your rabbit

To track your rabbit's growth and know when full size is reached, invest in a rabbit scale to weigh your bunny at home. It's also helpful for monitoring elderly or sick rabbit weight. Here are tips for weighing a rabbit at home:

  • Choose the right scale. Small digital kitchen scales for weighing food can work for tiny rabbits under 3 pounds. For larger rabbits, use a digital pet scale with a weigh platform or limit of at least 15 pounds.

  • Set scale in a steady spot. Put the base on an even, hard floor surface. Carpet can make the scale unsteady and affect accuracy. Tare the empty scale before starting.

  • Coax rabbit calmly onto scale. Never force or chase a rabbit onto a scale. Let them hop on voluntarily by offering a treat to lure them.

  • Secure rabbit on scale. Gently hold bunny centered on the platform while the weight displays. Try not to influence weight by pressing down.

  • Monitor behavior. Don't stress rabbits during weighing. Go slowly and give breaks if they seem anxious or skittish of the process.

  • Track weights. Write down your rabbit's weight each time so you can compare month to month. Look for steady gains until maturity.

  • Weigh at the same time of day. Rabbit's weight can fluctuate a bit throughout the day as they eat and drink. Weigh first thing in the morning before breakfast for most consistency.

Weigh your rabbit every 4 to 8 weeks until full grown, then monthly, or as needed to assess health changes. Handle scale sessions gently and turn them into a positive experience with praise and treats.

How long until a baby rabbit is full grown?

Rabbits grow amazingly fast. Baby rabbits reach adult size between 6 to 12 months usually. Here's a timeline of what to expect as your bunny grows:

  • Birth to 8 weeks – Newborn domestic rabbits open their eyes at around 1 week old. Fast baby rabbit growth starts at 2 weeks when kids start nibbling food and mom's milk. Baby bunnies grow fur and leave the nest at 3-4 weeks old. By 8 weeks they are weaned off milk, eating solid foods and ready to be separated from mom.

  • 3 months old – At 3 months old, rabbits have reached about 40% of their adult weight. Their baby fluff has transitioned to adult fur. Personality is rapidly developing. Rabbits are still quite playful and mischievous at this age.

  • 6 months old – By 6 months old, expect your bunny to weigh 75% of full grown weight. Reproductive maturity happens now too. Rabbits are energetic and social at this adolescent age. Prey drive decreases and they can better focus on litter training.

  • 9 months old – At 9 months old, your rabbit is before or at peak weight. Good nutrition and care will result in achieving breed standard size. Activity levels start to decline from teenage bonanzas to a more calm adult disposition.

  • 1 year old – Most rabbits complete their growth by 12 months old. Adult weight should plateau over the year mark. Your rabbit is now behaviorally mature too with steadier moods and less mischief making.

Raise your rabbit with care, proper diet and regular vet checkups in the first year to ensure they fully mature into a healthy, happy adult bunny. The first 12 months of life are vital for reaching genetic size and development potential.

The largest breeds of rabbit

When it comes to jumbo sized rabbit breeds, these bunnies take the cake for largest:

Flemish Giant – Weighing an average of 13 to 15 pounds, the Flemish Giant holds the record as largest rabbit breed. Some specimens can tip the scales over 20 pounds according to breed standards. Everything about Flemish Giants screams gigantic.

French Lop – The famous French Lop with its long, floppy ears is another heavy hitting giant breed. Their average weight range is 10 to 14 pounds. Doe's can get as big as 16 pounds. All that lush fur makes for outstanding cuddle factor.

Checkered Giant – Checkered Giants live up to their jumbo name, weighing from 10 to 16 pounds on average. Their white and colored blotched pattern coat adds to the visual impression of size and power. Gentle but larger than life.

American – As the name hints, the American rabbit breed is an all-American original. Average weight is 9 to 11 pounds, leaning toward the heavy side. The overall commercial body type coupled with dense fur and bone delivers the robust American rabbit.

Giant Chinchilla – Don't let the velvety soft chinchilla fur fool you. Giant Chinchillas tip the scales at 12 to 15+ pounds. Heavy fur makes them look even more massive. Laidback personalities offset their substantial size.

Continental Giant – Continental Giants round out the largest rabbit breeds averaging 13 to 15 pounds as adults. They resemble oversize French Lops with a broad, stocky build ideal for commercial meat breeding. Gentle despite the imposing figure.

Bring home one of these gentle giants only if you have space and commitment to properly care for them. From housing to diet to grooming and beyond, giant rabbit needs differ from average small house rabbits. Do ample research to prepare for welcoming a super sized bunny.

The smallest breeds of rabbit

If it's pure small-size cuteness you're after, check out these teeny tiny rabbit breeds:

Netherland Dwarf – The Netherland Dwarf reigns as the undisputed smallest rabbit breed. Average adult weight is just 2 to 2.5 pounds. Round apple-shaped heads and stubby bodies pack maximum charm into minimal space.

Britannia Petite – The Britannia Petite is the epitome of a petite bunny averaging 2.5 to 3.5 pounds grown. A rounded physique coupled with a gentle disposition makes them precious mini companions.

Himalayan – Though longer in body, Himalayan rabbits are light boned and fine featured. Average adult weight falls around 2.5 to 4 pounds. Points and coloration enhance the appeal.

Jersey Wooly – Weighing 2 to 3 pounds, Jersey Woolies offer bundles of fuzzy cuteness. A rounded body shape allows them to tuck paws under for ultimate compactness. Gentle and relaxed personalities delight.

Holland Lop – Among lop eared rabbits, Holland Lops are petites weighing 3 to 4 pounds fully grown. Those crazy long lop ears emphasize the tiny proportions of these lovable lap rabbits.

Netherland Dwarf mixes – Crossing purebred Netherland Dwarfs with other small breeds often produces "peanut" sized mixes under 3 pounds. Though not purebred, mixes gain increased vigor.

Dwarf Hotot – Around 3 pounds full grown, the Dwarf Hotot qualifies as a micro mini rabbit. Black eye bands encircling alert orange eyes enhance the Disney-esque vibe of this breed.

While easy to handle, small rabbit care does require some specialized considerations. Be sure you have the know-how to properly care for, feed and house a mini rabbit. If so, petite bunnies offer maximum cute factor per square inch!

Conclusion

Rabbit breeds range from the teensy tiniest to the impressively giant. As prey animals, even large rabbits retain gentle dispositions. No matter the breed, proper care and lots of affection ensure a happy, well-adjusted rabbit. Monitor your bunny's growth rate in that critical first year. Once full grown, enjoy the rabbit breed size you chose for years of lightweight or heavyweight cuddling.



This post first appeared on Rabbit Care For Your Bunnies - Online Rabbit Care, please read the originial post: here

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How Big Do Rabbits Get? (Smallest and Largest Breeds)

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