The Dwarf Hotot (pronounced “Oh-Toe”) is not a miniaturized version of the Blanc de Hotot. This breed was created by combining a Netherland Dwarf with the larger Hotot. The Dwarf Hotot’s earned the nickname ‘eyes of the fancy,’ a term that is obvious when you first encounter these stunning rabbits.
How do you care for a Dwarf Hotot rabbit? Do smaller breed rabbits need additional care?
This guide contains valuable information about this breed’s nutritional and housing requirements. We go over the health concerns that Dwarf Hotots are prone to and answer your questions.
Overall Description
- Size: Dwarf
- Weight: 5-3.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
The black eye markings contrast the white coats of Dwarf Hotot rabbits give these rabbits a distinct appearance. With a round head and a short neck, Dwarf Hotot has a compact body type.
From shoulders to hips, the body should be evenly broad, with well-rounded hindquarters. Their ears are relatively short and thick. From the base of the ear to the highest point over the hips, the topline should have a tiny progressive slope and fall in a smooth curve to the bottom of the tail.
Coat and Color
The coat of a Dwarf Hotot is short, lustrous, and thick. The strands on their coat will always remain upright even when stroked.
ARBA will only accept one color combination of Dwarf Hotot. Show-worthy bunnies are entirely white with a black ring around their eyes that resembles eyeliner.
The black ring around their eyes shouldn’t be too thin or too thick, and it shouldn’t have a feathery appearance; it should be around an eighth of an inch thick.
Temperament
This breed is friendly and makes an excellent pet. Dwarf Hotots enjoy a lot of human interaction and companionship with other rabbits.
This rabbit is not territorial and is not hostile toward other rabbits. However, some breeders believe that if a rabbit is housed in a tiny cage with other males, it might acquire a territorial mentality. Males will struggle for space and territory, leading to fights.
How to Care For a Dwarf Hotot Rabbit
Caring for this breed is similar to caring for other rabbit breeds. Essential considerations include sufficient nutrition, housing, companionship, and taking it to the veterinarian for necessary medical treatment.
Diet
Hay is the primary dietary source and should account for 80% of your rabbit’s diet. For a well-balanced diet, include high-quality rabbit pellets, veggies, leafy greens, and fruit as an occasional treat.
In the rabbit’s cage, keep fresh water and hay. Hay helps rabbits maintain a healthy and regular digestive system. Water should be placed in a large, heavy shallow dish so that your rabbit can drink it without tipping it over as it travels around the cage.
Note: Stick to the recommended feeding guidelines since the Dwarf Hotot have quite the appetite and will eat as much as you allow it.
Housing
Because of its tiny size, this rabbit does not need a big cage. The golden rule is that the cage needs to be four times the rabbit’s size leaving sufficient room to run and stand up.
Typically, these enclosures are composed of powder-coated steel wire. Refrain from using a wire floor since walking on the wire might cause sore hocks, a painful ailment. Instead, use a solid bottom or cover it with a thick layer of rabbit-safe bedding to make it soft and pleasant for your pet.
Every day, spot-clean the bedding and change it entirely at the end of the week. Because of its tiny size, this breed is not recommended for keeping as an outdoor rabbit.
Naturally, the enclosure you choose for your pet should not be their entire living space. Consider your pet’s enclosure to be a small area where your bunny can sleep, eat, but your house should be where they spend most of their time.
Make sure the room is bunny-proof before letting your Dwarf Hotot out of the cage. Hide all cords, protect furnishings, and eliminate any possibly poisonous plants or foods from your pet’s environment.
Grooming
Dwarf Hotots have short to medium hair that does not require brushing regularly. Brush your dog’s fur to maintain it clean, lustrous, and free of fur mites and other parasites. Weekly grooming with a tiny brush is required.
During their molting process, you should groom them more often. This is when your pet’s fur sheds to make room for new fur. Grooming at this time will prevent the rabbit from eating its fur and causing wool blockages. It can build up in the digestive tract, resulting in a blockage and further difficulties.
The Health of Dwarf Hotot Rabbits
The Dwarf Hotot, like most dwarf breeds, is prone to malocclusion, a condition in which the front teeth lie immediately above the lower teeth instead of in front of them.
Rabbits with this syndrome may pull a tooth on their cage by mistake or have difficulty eating. This might happen every 6-8 weeks to allow them to shorten their teeth.
Myxomatosis is a prevalent viral illness that can kill rabbits quickly. Pet rabbits kept outside and come into touch with wild rabbits, hares, or other animals are more vulnerable to this disease. However, this does not mean that rabbits kept indoors are secure, as a housefly can spread the illness. Arrange for your rabbit to be vaccinated every year to avoid this disease.
In addition, you should have your rabbit dewormed regularly and ensure that they are treated with rabbit-safe flea prevention.
Vigilance is the key to ensuring that all rabbits, especially this size, enjoy long and healthy lives. While there aren’t many illnesses that affect indoor-only pet rabbits, several disorders can cause significant difficulties if not caught early.
Snuffles, an upper respiratory tract illness that affects all rabbit breeds, is one of them. Runny eyes and nose, as well as head tilting, are all indications that, if caught early enough, can be treated with medication and save your bunny’s life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Bathe My Dwarf Hotot Rabbit?
Rabbits groom themselves regularly. If not, you should avoid washing them and instead scrub their bodies with a soft, moist towel twice or thrice a week or as needed.
Do Dwarf Hotot Enjoy Being Held in Their Arms?
Dwarf Hotots are more friendly than other dwarf breeds, such as the Mini Rex, and are better with handling. They will appreciate curling up on the sofa with you because they are a breed that is less energetic than others.
Is the Dwarf Hotot Rabbit for You?
Dwarf Hotot rabbits are not only wonderful show rabbits, but they also make excellent pets. Because of their gentle nature, they are ideal for seniors, first-time rabbit owners, and families with older children.
Because of their small stature, children should always be supervised when handling rabbits. Remember that Dwarf Hotots are best kept as indoor pets.