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The Dwarf Hotot is a breed of very small rabbits that was developed in Germany. They are popular not only for their ‘cute’ looks, but also their gorgeous eyes bordered by a black ring. This almost unique feature gives it the name ‘Eyes of the Fancy’. The breed was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) in 1983.
| Pronunciation | Dwarf Oh-Toe |
| Type | Domestic and show rabbit |
| Origin | Germany |
| Behavioral Traits | Temperaments can vary between moody and outgoing; usually playful, sweet, energetic, and affectionate with a friendly personality; well suited to pet life |
| Physical Characteristics |
Small and compact; the entire body color is
white with a pair of wide, black eye bands (rarely, specimens with chocolate
and blue eye bands are also found); Some individuals might also possess blue or black spots near the ears or eyes |
| Weight/Size | Maximum 3 pounds (1.4 kg) (full grown adult) |
| Body Type | Compact and rounded |
| Fur Type | Gentle rollback coat |
| Ear Type | Short, upright; may or may not touch each other |
| Lifespan/how long do they live | 7-10 years |
| Approximate Price/Cost | House pets: $15 – $50; Show quality: $50 – $75 |
| Care Level | Easy; requires minimal grooming |
| Suitable For | House pets, shows |
| Vaccines | Viral hemorrhagic disease, myxomatosis |
| Health Requirements | Deworming, checking for fleas, ticks, rabbit mites, formation of fur balls in the stomach |
| Precautionary Measures | Non-breedingdoes (females) and bucks (males) can be spayed and neutered, respectively, after adoption, to reduce chances of reproductive system related diseases like uterine cancers in females |
| Activities | Provide with gnaw toys and a quiet corner where they can run, nap, hide and play, both inside your house and outside in an enclosed garden |
| Cage Setup | For indoor rabbits, a 24 x 24 or 18 x 24 inch wire cage with a metal/plastic bottom is enough; in case of an outdoor cage, it should be airy enough, secure from predators, weatherproof, and shady, with enough space for them to hop around, stretch and play [Note: Should preferably be kept indoors] |
| Cage Cleaning | Clean all the poops daily, and the entire enclosure at least once a week |
| Diet & Feeding | Provide good quality pellets (¼ cup per head daily), organic hay, along with limited amounts of leafy greens, fruits & vegetables, and enough fresh water |
| Sickness & Diseases | Malocclusion (type of dental disease) |
Q. How often should I bathe my dwarf hotot rabbit?
Rabbits usually groom themselves. If not, you should avoid bathing them, and instead, use a soft, damp cloth to clean the body twice or thrice a week, or as and when you find them dirty.
Q. What if my dwarf hotot rabbit stops pooping normally?
Discuss with your vet about giving the rabbit some laxative. If the problem persists, take it to the vet to check for formation of fur balls inside its stomach.
Q. What are the symptoms and remedies/treatment for malocclusion?
When your rabbit gets malocclusion, the pair of above incisors (front teeth) grow right over the pair of lower ones, rather than naturally growing in front of them.
Symptoms of this dental condition include difficulty in chewing/eating, ND often pulling a tooth on its cage by accident. In such conditions, you can take your rabbit to a vet who can shorten the teeth.
To decrease the chances of such conditions, you should entertain your pet to have enough grass and other chewy foods.
