The Polish Rabbit is a small and striking rabbit breed that is immediately recognisable by its compact build, short ears and bright white coat. Within this breed, two varieties are mainly found: the red-eyed Polish Rabbit and the blue-eyed Polish Rabbit. Because of its modest size and alert appearance, the Polish Rabbit is a special breed for many enthusiasts. The coat is short, dense and soft, which gives it a neat and well-groomed look. The Polish Rabbit is often lively, attentive and sensitive to what is happening around it. This makes the breed well suited to owners who handle their rabbit calmly and pay close attention to proper care, nutrition and housing. As with all rabbits, the Polish Rabbit is a social animal that must never be kept alone.
The Polish Rabbit has a long history within rabbit breeding. The red-eyed variety originated in England and was recognised in the Netherlands as early as 1907. The blue-eyed variety is linked to Germany and was recognised in the Netherlands in 1927. The breed was developed as a small, compact and striking white rabbit with a neat build and short ears. Today, the Polish Rabbit is especially popular with enthusiasts of small rabbit breeds and with people who are drawn to its fresh, alert appearance.
The Polish Rabbit is known as a lively and attentive rabbit. Because of its small size and alert posture, it often reacts quickly to sounds and movements in its surroundings. Many Polish Rabbits are curious, but also sensitive to bustle and unexpected stimuli. A calm approach therefore helps enormously. When a Polish Rabbit feels safe, it can be social and friendly and enjoy seeking contact with its carer. As with all rabbits, character does vary from one animal to another. Good socialisation, enough space and a suitable bond with another rabbit are very important for relaxed behaviour.
A Polish Rabbit lives to an average age of 8 to 10 years. Because it is a small rabbit breed, it may sometimes live even longer with proper care. Good nutrition, enough exercise, clean housing and regular check-ups with a vet all contribute to a healthy lifespan.
The diet of a Polish Rabbit is basically the same as that of other rabbits. The most important thing is unlimited hay or grass of good quality. This is needed for healthy digestion and to keep the teeth wearing down properly. In addition, you give a reasonable amount of fresh greens and only a small amount of good-quality rabbit nuggets. Fruit should only be given now and then as a treat. Because a Polish Rabbit is small, it is especially important not to give too many nuggets or snacks.
Because nutrition is so important for the health of rabbits, we are happy to refer you to our detailed blog “What can rabbits eat?” for a complete and clear overview.
Although the Polish Rabbit is a beautiful and special breed, there are also points to bear in mind:
Yes, a Polish Rabbit can be kept indoors perfectly well, as long as it has enough space to move around freely. A cage on its own is not enough. Indoor housing works best with a spacious enclosure or a safe room, supplemented with hiding places, a toilet area and plenty of exercise space. Also pay attention to slippery floors: on a non-slip surface, a rabbit can move more comfortably and safely. Of course, the same rule applies here that a Polish Rabbit must always be kept with a companion.
The Polish Rabbit is a small rabbit breed. Adult rabbits usually weigh between 800 and 1350 grams. The body is compact and sturdy, with short legs, a rounded build and short upright ears. It is precisely because of that small size that the Polish Rabbit looks especially delicate, but it still remains an active rabbit that needs enough space.
The price of a Polish Rabbit is on average between £35 and £87. This varies by provider and depends in part on age, origin, socialisation and whether the rabbit has already been vaccinated.
Please note: a lower price is not always better value. A responsibly bred or well-cared-for rabbit has often had a better start. In addition, small rabbits are regularly available through rabbit rescues, which can be a lovely and responsible choice. For current prices, it is always wise to check with each provider or rescue.
No. No rabbit should be kept alone.
Rabbits are group animals and need social contact with their own kind. A rabbit that lives alone can feel unsafe and lonely. A Polish Rabbit should therefore always live with a suitable companion.
The question “be alone” can also be interpreted differently, namely: can a rabbit stay home alone? That is something else. A Polish Rabbit can be left at home alone for a few hours, as long as it lives with another rabbit and has enough hay, water and space. Living alone, however, is never suitable.
Yes, it certainly can, provided the bonding is done carefully. With rabbits, character, age and sex are usually more important than size. With a very small breed such as the Polish Rabbit, it is wise to pay extra attention to a calm match, so that the small rabbit is not chased or accidentally injured. The most stable combination is often a neutered buck with a spayed doe. Many rabbit rescues can help with finding a suitable match.
The Polish Rabbit is a small rabbit breed, but do not be misled by its size. Small rabbits also need a lot of room to move. Like all other rabbits, the Polish Rabbit is also a social animal that must never be kept alone. A companion, enough space and a calm living environment are the basis.
A small size does not mean that a small hutch is sufficient. A Polish Rabbit must be able to run, sit upright and retreat safely. Indoor housing is perfectly possible, but even then a spacious living area with hiding places, a toilet area and enough enrichment is needed. Outdoor housing is also possible, provided the enclosure is dry, draught-free and safe, and offers protection against heat, rain and cold. Also make sure that openings are not too large and that the set-up is safe for a small rabbit.
Both indoors and outdoors, always provide:
The coat of a Polish Rabbit is short and generally easy to maintain. Even so, it is important to check regularly whether the coat stays clean and whether the rabbit maintains a healthy weight. Also pay extra attention to the teeth, because small rabbit breeds can be somewhat more sensitive in this area. Eating less, making a mess with food, losing weight or producing smaller droppings are signs that should be taken seriously. Your rabbit’s droppings, appetite and behaviour also provide a lot of information about its health.
In addition, it is important to have rabbits vaccinated in time against common and serious diseases, such as myxomatosis and RHD (VHD). Rabbits that live indoors are also at risk, because infection can be transmitted through insects, shoes, clothing or fresh greens, among other things. Annual vaccination is therefore important. You can read which vaccinations are needed and how often these should be repeated in our detailed blog: Vaccinating your rabbit against myxomatosis and VHD.
Rabbits are social animals that naturally spend a lot of time together. They build their nests and burrows, maintain their territory, and spend a large part of the day foraging for food. Our rabbits, kept as pets, often no longer need to make an effort to find food. As a result, they can quickly become bored, which may lead to problems. But how can you prevent this?
A healthy and happy rabbit starts with the right nutrition. Did you know that an improper diet can lead to dental issues, digestive problems, and even illness? By providing the correct diet for your rabbits, you can prevent many of these issues. But what can they eat and what should be avoided? In this article, you’ll discover everything about a well-balanced diet for rabbits, from tasty hay and fresh vegetables to herbs and responsible treats.
Like dogs and cats, you can house train your rabbit. Many rabbits naturally pick one certain spot to do their business. You can make it easier for yourself by placing a rabbit toilet in this place. There are also rabbits that do their business in the entire enclosure. These rabbits might be harder to house train.
Add products to view your basket
We use cookies to help us serve you better and more personally. Functional cookies ensure that the website works properly and have an analytical function. We also use technology to track your behaviour anonymously, both inside and outside our website. Personal data and cookies may be used for personalisation or advertising. Want to know more? Read our privacy policy and cookie statement here. If you choose to reject, we will only place functional and analytical cookies.
