How long do dwarf rabbits live? (Average and Maximum Age)

Content

• Breeds of dwarf rabbits and their average lifespan
• How to Help Your Rabbit Dwarf Live Longer
• Abstinence
• Grooming
• Accommodation
• Game time
• Precautions
• Health care
• Result

Cute and adaptable to human living arrangements, dwarf rabbits are popular pets. If you own one of these, you may be wondering how long you can expect your dwarf rabbit to live. While you hope your little friend will live forever, the good news is that dwarf rabbits live longer than their full-sized rabbit counterparts. On average, rabbits dwarf live for about 10  to 8 years. Different breeds of rabbits live longer than others and proper care can help your dwarf rabbit live longer, sometimes well into their teenage years.

Breeds of dwarf rabbits and their average lifespan

Contrary to what you might think, a dwarf rabbit isn't just a smaller version of a normal rabbit. True dwarf rabbits carry a gene specifically for dwarfism. This gene not only makes these rabbits smaller, but also causes other physical differences. Dwarf rabbits usually weigh no more than 4 pounds, but not every small rabbit is actually a dwarf. True dwarf rabbits also have smaller ears, a more compact body and a rounder head than full-sized rabbits.

There are several breeds of rabbits known as true genetic dwarfs. These are breeds that you can expect to live longer than full-sized breeds of rabbits. The average life expectancy of several popular dwarf rabbit breeds is listed below:

• Netherlands Dwarf : 10-12 years
• Dwarf Lionhead : 8-10 years
• Jersey woolly : 7-10 years
• Dwarves Hatot : 7-10 years
• Mini Rex: 8-10 years
• American Fiji Loop : 5-8 years
• Holland Loop: 5-7 years
• Mini satin: 5-8 years

Many dwarf rabbits can reportedly live up to 12 or 15 years with proper food, housing and veterinary care.

How to Help Your Rabbit Dwarf Live Longer

So, what is considered proper care to help your dwarf rabbit live to its maximum age? Well, properly caring for a dwarf rabbit includes everything from food, housing, grooming, playtime, and preventative veterinary visits. You need to educate yourself about common rabbit diseases and health concerns. will also be needed so that you can quickly recognize when your dwarf rabbit needs medical intervention.

Abstinence

Bug bunnies may spend all their time eating carrots, but real-life dwarf rabbits should eat mostly high-quality grass or hay. Timothy grass is a popular choice for feeding dwarf rabbits. Eating hay and grass helps keep your dwarf rabbit's digestive system healthy and their teeth properly worn.

Grooming

Most dwarf rabbits groom themselves but will need regular brushing to ensure their coats stay clean and free of mats. Dwarf rabbits can have hair like cats. These hairs can eventually cause digestive problems or blockages, so talk to your veterinarian about ways to avoid and treat them.

Make sure your dwarf rabbit is kept clean and free of any parasites such as fleas and worms. Ask your veterinarian before using any type of flea treatment as not all are safe for rabbits.

If your dwarf rabbit gets dirty for some reason, use a damp cloth to clean them, but do not attempt to bathe them. Bathing is very stressful for rabbits and stress should be avoided.

Accommodation

Dwarf rabbits can live indoors or outdoors, provided they are given adequate shelter and protection. However, indoor rabbits usually live longer than outdoor ones. Your dwarf rabbit should have a spacious hutch or cage that is kept away from wet areas or direct sunlight. Dwarf rabbits can have trouble handling temperature extremes.

Make sure to keep your dwarf rabbit's living space clean and sanitary at all times. Rabbits, even small dwarfs, can make a mess, so it's important to clean their cages thoroughly once or twice a week. You should also clean up old food and check for clean droppings daily. Training your rabbit can help make cage cleaning easier.

In addition to a safe, clean cage or hutch, dwarf rabbits will ideally have a large space available for play, exercise and mental stimulation. This can be an interior room or wall that is bunny-proof and quiet to reduce stress. Dwarf rabbits will also enjoy being supervised outside and spending time in a secure enclosure.

Game time

Giving your dwarf rabbit space for play and exercise not only helps keep them physically fit but also gives them mental stimulation. Rabbits need daily social interaction and attention from their people. They will also love being able to practice the natural behaviors of chewing, hiding and digging.

Keeping your dwarf rabbit's daily life as stimulating and active as possible will help them live a long, happy life. There are many toys, chews and hiding places available to help you keep your dwarf rabbit's life interesting.

Precautions

Like human babies, rabbits are small, fragile, and get into everything. This is especially true of dwarf rabbits. Because they are so small, they will need extra precautions to keep their living space safe and stress-free.

Make sure your dwarf rabbit is kept away from electrical wires as they can be dangerous to chew on. In general, rabbits will try to chew anything they can get their teeth on so it's important to keep any harmful materials out of their reach.

If you have children, especially young, fussy children, make sure your dwarf rabbit is kept safely away from their play areas. Teach children how to properly communicate with their dwarf rabbit without hurting them.

If your dwarf rabbit enjoys outdoor playtime, make sure their area is fenced off and predators can't get near your rabbit. Supervise your rabbit when they are outside to make sure they stay safe.

Dwarf rabbits do not handle stress well and may become ill or worse. Making sure your rabbit feels safe and secure in their environment is a key to helping them live a long life.

Health care

A dwarf rabbit's teeth are constantly growing, which is why it's important to offer them the right food and appropriate chew toys. Keep an eye on your rabbit's teeth to make sure they aren't growing too long and consult your veterinarian if they are.

One of the best precautions you can take to ensure the longevity of your dwarf rabbit is to get them spayed or neutered. Both male and female rabbits, especially females, can develop malignant cancers of their reproductive organs at a (relatively) young age. It's also a good idea to learn about some of the other common diseases and conditions that your dwarf rabbit may develop and how to prevent and treat them.

Make sure your dwarf rabbit gets regular checkups with the vet. Your veterinarian will be able to help you with any questions you may have about keeping your dwarf rabbit as healthy as possible. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations as far as preventive health care your rabbit needs.

However, if you are ever concerned that your rabbit is sick, the sooner you get them to the vet, the better. Any illness or health concern can cause a lot of stress for your dwarf rabbit and as we have already discussed, stress is not good for rabbits.

Result

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest known rabbit lived to be about 19 years old. While you shouldn't expect your dwarf rabbit to live this record-breaking life, living into their teens isn't out of the question. Your dwarf rabbit's genetics will determine how long they live, but you can play your part by providing excellent care and following your veterinarian's advice. If you do, chances are you and your dwarf rabbit will be able to enjoy many years together.