Dwarf Hotot Rabbit: The Adorable Miniature Breed

The Dwarf Hotot Rabbit is a compact, striking companion known for its clean white coat and the thin black “eyeliner” ring around each eye. This unique look signals the hotot breed identity and makes this small pet instantly memorable.

Weighing about three pounds, this bunny suits indoor living and calm households. The name traces back to Normandy, France, linking the breed to a longer history and to the larger Blanc de Hotot line.

Caring for these rabbits takes regular hay, fresh water, daily handling, and simple enrichment. Expect a lifespan of roughly eight to twelve years, so plan time and resources for a long-term pet experience.

Key Takeaways

• The Dwarf Hotot is prized for white fur and the delicate black ring around the eyes.
• Its small size and calm temperament make it a favored indoor pet.
• Basic care includes hay, water, enrichment, and gentle handling.
• Plan for an 8–12 years commitment when adopting this breed.
• Learn the breed’s origins and proper housing to ensure responsible ownership.

Overview and History of the Hotot Breed

Pronunciation and name: Say it like hoh-TOH. The name comes from Hotot‑en‑Auge in Normandy and literally means “White of Hotot,” a nod to the breed’s clear white coat and the thin dark line around the eyes.

The blanc hotot emerged in the early 1900s in France as a practical strain bred for meat and fur. It first appeared on the show table in 1922 and later earned recognition from ARBA in 1979.

In the 1970s, breeders in Germany created a smaller version through two routes. One program used a REW netherland dwarf crossed with a blanc hotot. Another crossed Dutch stock with a black netherland dwarf and selectively kept only the eye bands.

Those East and West German lines were combined to form the modern dwarf hotot standard, which ARBA accepted in 1983. Throughout, the hallmark traits—white fur and the narrow band around the eyes—link the original blanc hotot breed to its compact descendant.

• Milestones: first shown 1922; blanc hotot ARBA 1979; dwarf hotot ARBA 1983.
• Breeding note: a deliberate bred crossing preserved the signature markings while reducing size.

Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Characteristics and Standards

Compact and striking, this small companion pairs a glossy white coat with the classic narrow black eye band that gives an “eyeliner” effect.

Size and build

Most dwarf hotot weigh about 3 pounds, while the blanc hotot ranges from 8 to 11 pounds. The larger type shows a commercial body: medium length, full-bodied, with a small tail.

Coat, eyes, and ears

The coat is short with long guard hairs for a shiny finish. The continuous black band around the brown eyes defines show quality in the hotot breed.

Ears are upright and proportionate: roughly 3 inches on dwarfs, and about 4–5 inches on blanc hotot examples.

Temperament and lifespan

These rabbits stay friendly and even-tempered, making them good apartment pets when given daily exercise. Typical lifespans fall between 7–12 years depending on care, diet, and genetics.

• Origins: netherland dwarf influence helped set size and markings.
• Care tip: short fur needs regular brushing and basic grooming.

Care and Health: Daily Needs, Enrichment, and Common Issues

Consistent feeding, grooming, and safe play set the foundation for good health. Build the daily routine around a steady supply of timothy hay to keep digestion moving and wear teeth down naturally. Add measured hay-based pellets and a rotation of leafy greens. Limit fruit to no more than 3 teaspoons per day and offer clean, fresh water in a heavy crock or drip-free bottle at all times.

Provide an indoor enclosure at least four times the animal’s body size with a cushioned floor and a separate litter area. Give a minimum of two hours of free exercise daily in a rabbit-proofed room—remove cords, toxic plants, and tight gaps to create safe room to hop and binky.

Enrichment keeps them busy: tunnels, platforms, wood chews, untreated wicker, cardboard shreddables, hay-stuffed tubes, dig boxes, and hard plastic balls. Rotate toys to prevent boredom and encourage natural chewing and digging.

Brush at least weekly, more during heavy shedding, and trim nails every 4–6 weeks. Never bathe; instead wipe spots with a damp cloth. When lifting, support the rear and stabilize back legs to prevent injury.

Watch for health issues such as GI stasis, dental overgrowth, ear mites, flystrike, and uterine problems. Note sudden changes in appetite, droppings, or activity and contact a rabbit-savvy vet for urgent care and yearly exams.

• Diet: timothy hay mainstay, pellets, greens, limited fruit.
• Housing: cushioned, spacious indoor enclosure and safe exercise room.
• Grooming: brush regularly, trim nails, avoid bathing.
• Health watch: learn red flags and schedule annual vet checks.

Choosing a Dwarf Hotot Rabbit in the United States

If you plan to add a compact white show-bred companion to your home, start by researching trusted sources in the U.S.

Finding reputable breeders means asking for health histories, recent vet checks, and photos of parents. Look for a breeder who explains socialization, diet, and housing clearly.

Note: blanc hotot animals are considered rare and may be on waitlists. Consider local rescues or shelters if you want a shorter adoption timeline. For breed-focused background, see this resource on blanc de hotot.

Costs, commitment, and household pets

Budget for enclosure, litter setup, dishes, hay, and a carrier. Plan ongoing costs: quality food, litter, toys, and annual veterinary care.

Expect weeks of acclimation. Daily feeding, cleaning, and gentle handling build trust. Rabbits are prey animals and startle easily, so move slowly and keep routines steady.

• Verify breeders know the hotot breed’s standards and temperament.
• Introduce new pets slowly; supervised, calm meetings with a dog or cats reduce stress.
• Prioritize health and temperament over color when choosing a pet for home life.

Conclusion

The striking white coat and narrow black eye ring make this type instantly recognizable. Whether you aim for the compact dwarf or the larger blanc hotot, the defining look stays the same.

Match care to need: provide abundant hay, fresh water, measured food, daily exercise, and rotating toys to support natural behavior and good health.

Watch teeth and digestion each day and schedule routine visits with a rabbit-savvy vet. Give protected room to roam and safe handling so this kind can thrive in your home.

Ready to learn more about other rabbit breeds, find breeders, or consider rescues? Prepare habitat, plan exercise routines, and enjoy a confident, friendly companion.