It’s a well-known fact that bunnies are lovely.
But if you thought they couldn’t get any cuter…
Some are blessed with extra adorable traits and features.
That you want to put them inside your pocket and take them home.
Now, who are these furry pals?
Read on to learn more:
- 17 cutest rabbit breeds in the world.
- The rarest adorable bunny you must know.
- The smallest and largest rabbit breeds that are too cute for words.
- And so much more…
17 cutest rabbit breeds in the world
#1: Netherland Dwarf
With their tiny button eyes, little head, and body…
These bunnies are the epitome of cuteness.
First, you can scoop them up using 1 hand.
Yup. Netherland Dwarfs only weigh about 1.75-2.5 lb (0.8-1.13 kg). Making them the smallest pet rabbits in the world.
Second, they look like miniature dolls at a glance.
These bunnies have small perky ears and chubby cheeks.
Plus, they have baby-like facial features too.
Third, they’re ‘scientifically cute.’
Their soft looks are partly due to their ‘brachycephalic’ head.
It’s the term for having a ‘flat face’ or shortened skull. Same with Pugs and Bulldogs.
A study shows that this trait causes the ‘baby-schema effect.’
It’s when people find round faces, small noses, or mouths cute. And research says it brings out an instinct to care for them.
Lastly, despite their tiny frame…
Netherland Dwarfs have enormous energy.
They’re playful and more active than some bigger breeds.
However, since they were bred from wild rabbits…
These bunnies tend to be shy or grumpy at first.
But as long as you earn their trust and give them love…
They’ll open up to you eventually. Then show their tamer side.
Note: Although flat-faced bunnies are adorable, their looks come with a price. Due to their short skulls, vets say they’re at risk of dental and breathing issues. So if you plan to adopt 1, ensure you’re ready to give them extra care.
You might also like: Top 27 Reasons Why Bunnies Are So Cute (#3 Is Crazy Cute)
#2: Dwarf Hotot
A small white furball with black eyeliner.
This is what I call these sweet little bunnies.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association, a.k.a. ARBA, recognized them in 1983.
Since then, Dwarf Hotot has been a popular breed.
And they received the nickname ‘Eye of the Fancy‘ for the striking markings around their eyes.
Usually, Dwarf Hotot rabbits weigh only 3 lb (1.36 kg).
They have short, round faces. As well as tiny upright ears.
And these traits are the perfect combo for cuteness.
Now, if taken care of well…
These small rabbits can become loving friends. Instead of skittish ones.
With the right guidance and socialization, some may even befriend a cat. Like this bun:
Note: If you have kids at home, ensure they’re old enough to handle a rabbit. As this breed’s tiny and extra delicate. (This also applies to other small, timid rabbits in this list.)
#3: Lionhead
Among the kings in the jungle…
This is the only ‘lion’ that can fit in your palm.
But don’t worry. They don’t plan to hunt and pounce on you.
These bunnies only attack with cuteness.
Lionheads have a ‘mane-like’ fur around their small head. Hence, their name.
However, they’re also fluffy around their:
- Ears.
- Chins.
- Chests.
And this feature makes these rabbits lovely and eye-catching.
Aside from their striking mane…
Lionheads are adored for their small size. As they only weigh a maximum of 3.75 lb (1.7 kg).
Also, they’re gentle and friendly. So they’re usually great with kids.
Which makes them on the list of the most popular bunny breeds.
These bunnies were developed in Belgium.
But they came to the US in the 1990s. Then became an official breed in 2014.
Learn more: Are Rabbits Friendly? 11 Reasons Why…
#4: Jersey Wooly
This is a mix of a Netherland Dwarf and French Angora (you’ll meet this breed later on the list).
So you know where they got their tiny bodies and cute looks.
Jersey Woolies are petite with an average weight of 1-3 lb (0.45-1.36 kg).
But what makes these bunnies cuter is their fluffy, long fur.
This might sound like they’re high maintenance.
However, their shaggy coat only requires brushing once a week. And you don’t need to trim it, either.
Also, these rabbits are perfect for 1st-time parents.
Why?
They’re calm and sweet.
Due to this, they even got the name ‘No-Kick’ as they rarely bite or kick. (Extra adorable points to Woolies!
#5: Mini Satin
These lovely furries seem like they came straight out of a cartoon.
They’re a small breed. With an average weight ranging from 8.5-11 lb (3.86-4.9 kg).
Mini Satin got their name from their gorgeous, shiny fur. Which is also smooth when touched.
They have rollback coats too. This means the fur returns slowly to its initial position after you run your hand over their body.
Now, as pets, Mini Satins are often calm and friendly.
But they can also become active during playtime.
So you may think of them as bunnies who go gladly with the flow.
Fun fact: Experts share they were once named ‘Satinette’ and only had 1 color. But as I write this article, there are 16 variations of Mini Satins. And they’re as follows:
- Red.
- Blue.
- Opal.
- Otter.
- Black.
- White.
- Broken.
- Copper.
- Squirrel.
- Tortoise.
- Siamese.
- Chinchilla.
- Chocolate.
- Himalayan.
- Silver Marten.
- Chocolate Agouti.
#6: Mini Rex
Apart from their adorable looks…
These bunnies stand out due to their rich, velvety coat.
It’s the trademark of Rex rabbits.
But this breed, in particular, is smaller in size. Which makes them ideal as family pets.
Mini Rex only weighs about 3.5-4.5 lb (kg). So they’re easy to handle.
Although when in the mood for play, they’ll be quite a handful like other rabbits.
However, most of the time, they’re quiet and calm.
Plus, they have strong maternal instincts too.
So you may see them busy taking care of other bunnies.
#7: Holland Lop
As per ARBA, these rabbits belong to the top 5 famous breeds in the world.
Because of their compact bodies and thick fur, they look like plushies from afar.
At most, they only weigh around 4 lb (1.8 kg).
And like Netherland Dwarfs, they also have short, round faces. Plus, stout bodies and stubby legs.
But what makes them more unique and adorable?
It’s their floppy, almond-shaped ears.
These can grow up to 4.7 in (12 cm), longer than their tiny heads.
Holland Lops are as soft and calm as their appearance.
And they like being with other bunnies or people. So most of them love interacting with humans.
#8: Mini Lop
Although they’re called ‘mini’…
These bun-buns aren’t tiny like the dwarf breeds above.
On average, Mini Lops weigh about 6.5 lb (2.9 kg). So they’re on the small to medium side.
Now, since they’re Lop rabbits, they’re equipped with large, droopy ears too.
Which emphasizes their cute, softball-sized heads.
Experts say Mini Lops were 1st brought to the US in the 1970s.
And since then, they’ve been growing in popularity.
Sure, their adorable size and looks are one of the factors in this.
But their gentle, laidback nature also makes them popular among rabbit fans.
#9: Himalayan
You may have heard of this breed by other names. As some people also call them:
- Egyptian Smut.
- Russian Rabbit.
- Black Nose Rabbit.
This is because they’re one of the oldest breeds in the world.
They have a white coat with dark markings all over their body:
- Feet.
- Ears.
- Nose.
Himalayan bunnies typically weigh 2.5-4.5 lb (0.9-2 kg). So they can fit in your hands too.
Plus, they have slim, cylindrical bodies. As well as a relaxed personality.
Fun fact: Himalayan rabbits’ fur color depends on the climate. In cold weather, their black spots darken and grow in size. Meanwhile, they’ll lighten and shrink in hot temperatures.
“Why’s that?”
This is because cold weather allows the production of more pigments. On the other hand, high temperatures limit it.
#10: Thrianta
The ARBA only recognized this breed in 2005.
So they’re quite rare and new.
But you can quickly identify these cute bunnies by their unique fur color.
Since Thrianta has the title of ‘The Fire of the Fancy’…
These rabbits have bright, reddish coats. Which cover their body – from the tips of their ears to their tail and feet.
So they may look like fiery balls of fur.
Now, apart from their interesting coat, they’re also petite.
An adult Thrianta only grows up to 6 lb (2.7 kg). And they have small yet plump bodies, short necks, and upright ears.
Trivia: Records show this breed came from Sweden. It was created for the Royal House of Orange-Nassau during the 1930s.
However, most of the original Thriantas went extinct after World War II.
But fortunately, there were some left.
And to restore their population, they were bred with ‘Sachsengold’ – a German kind.
Then the offspring became the Thriantas of today’s world.
#11: American Chinchilla
Although these bunnies are medium-sized…
They still look cute with their chunky bodies and long, erect ears.
Plus, they have a stunning salt-n-pepper coat.
So who can’t resist them?
Now, aside from their looks…
These rabbits have an adorable personality too.
They’re gentle and sweet.
Also, they’re smart. So they might learn how to use a litter box fast. Or easily come to you when called.
#12: English Spot
This playful and friendly breed’s one of the oldest out there.
But you would never get tired of their distinct charms and looks, which saves them a place on this list.
These rabbits have white fur splashed with dark spots. Hence, the name.
If you see their back, you’ll see a black lining along their spine.
They also have dark markings on the following areas:
- Ears.
- Eyes.
- Nose.
- Cheeks.
- Sides of the body.
As if a child has drawn on them.
But this is what sets English Spot apart from the other bunnies. And why they catch the hearts of many people.
#13: Flemish Giant
Who says extra-large rabbits can’t be cute?
Well, these bunnies prove that size doesn’t matter.
Weighing around 15 lb (kg)…
Many rabbit lovers still adore these furry giants.
They have huge ears. And they may grow as big as a toddler or a medium-sized dog.
So Flemish Giants offer a right, huggable size.
Also, inside their large bodies is a soft, sweet heart too.
That’s why they’re named the ‘gentle giants’ in the rabbit world.
These bunnies are friendly.
Plus, they love to snuggle with their humans.
So some people even say they act more like a dog than a bunny.
Trivia: Flemish Giants are one of the largest pet rabbit breeds. They can weigh more than 20 lb (9 kg). And grow longer than 30 in (76.2 cm).
#14: French Lop
Remember the Lops?
This breed also has long, floppy ears.
But these bunnies are on the large side compared to Mini and Holland Lops.
They usually weigh around 12-15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg).
Plus, French Lops have big, sturdy bodies and thick coats
So they look like fluffy stuffed toy animals.
And like Flemish Giants, they have a relaxed temperament too.
#15: English Lop
These rabbits have the longest ears in the Lops family. Or, the whole bunny land.
They fall on both sides of their small heads. And their ears are too long that they touch the ground.
As a large breed, they weigh about 9-10.5 lb (kg).
English Lops originated in England during the 19th century.
Specialists say they’re one of the most prized pets during the ‘Victorian era.’ Or a period when Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain.
So experts believe that this is the 1st Lop rabbit breed created.
“How are they as pets?”
English Lops are easygoing.
They enjoy other people’s company. Which makes them even more lovable as furry companions.
And urge you to take them home.
#16: French Angora
Due to their wooly coat…
You might mistake these rabbits for big balls of cotton candy.
As their thick fur may cover their small heads.
French Angoras came from Turkey. Then sailors brought them to France, where they got their name.
Now, besides their fluffy coat…
Many people also love these bunnies because of their sweet nature.
They’re calm and gentle.
Plus, they like a nice cuddle time too.
And these are things you’re looking for in a pet.
#17: Crème D’Argent
Last but not least…
I now present one of the world’s cutest but rarest rabbit breeds.
ARBA says they’re extinct in all countries except the US and UK.
Plus, they have a population of less than 1,000.
Crème D’Argent bunnies can grow as heavy as 11 lb (5 kg).
They’re known for their unique fur color – a creamy white over an orange undertone.
And they have upright ears, which are as long as their heads. As well as bright, round button eyes.
Now, in terms of temperament…
Crème D’Argents are laidback and friendly.
Thus, they can be great pets. But hopefully, their population will increase steadily.