Polish rabbit

Last updated
A Polish breed rabbit
(The breed named Polish in the UK
is named Britannia Petite in the USA.)
Ruby eyed white color variety Rabbit - Polish breed - White with Red Eyes - from Japan.jpg
A Polish breed rabbit
(The breed named Polish in the UK
is named Britannia Petite in the USA.)

Ruby eyed white color variety

The Polish rabbit is a compact breed of domestic rabbit, most often bred by fanciers (as opposed to hobbyists) and commonly exhibited in rabbit shows. Despite its name, the Polish rabbit likely originated in England, not Poland. [1] The breed known in the UK as Polish is the breed known in the US as Britannia Petite. [1] The breed known in the US as Polish is unknown in the UK. [1]

Contents

Appearance

FOR COMPARISON
A Netherland Dwarf rabbit
(Note the short ears, brachycephalic head, and cobby body)
Ruby eyed white color variety Ro pool gilberte.jpg
FOR COMPARISON
A Netherland Dwarf rabbit
(Note the short ears, brachycephalic head, and cobby body)
Ruby eyed white color variety
A Britannia Petite (a/k/a Polish) rabbit
Black color variety Britannia Petite.jpg
A Britannia Petite (a/k/a Polish) rabbit
Black color variety

Today, the Polish rabbit in the US is used as a fancy exhibition breed and as a pet. Polish rabbits are small, with short ears that touch each other all the way from the base to the tip. This breed has a short head with full cheeks and bold eyes. Due to its small size, the Polish rabbit is often confused with the Netherland Dwarf, although the Polish is a little larger and its head is not rounded. There are many other differences between the two breeds, such as coat structure, body type and colors. The accepted weight a 6-months-or-older Polish rabbit in the US is 2½ to 3½ pounds, with the ideal weight being 2½ pounds. [2]

Until the 1950s, most Polish rabbits in the US were white with either red eyes or blue eyes. The ruby-eyed white is a true albino. The blue-eyed white has the Vienna breed's white gene and is not a true albino. Since the 1950s, colored Polish varieties have been recognized by rabbit clubs. In 1957, the American Rabbit Breeders' Association recognized a black as well as a chocolate color in Polish rabbits. In 1982, the blue variety was recognized, and in 1998 the broken variety was approved.

Care

Despite their small size, Polish rabbits need space in cage and barn facilities. They are generally advised to keep indoors in areas populated by predators such as raccoons or coyotes, as is typical for dwarf rabbits. [3]

Feeding

It is vital that rabbits have access to unlimited fresh hay to ensure good dental health, gastrointestinal health, urinary tract health, weight control and for environmental enrichment. The nutritional needs of the Polish rabbit are similar to those in other dwarf breeds. [4]

The nutrition of the rabbit is tested by running one's hand over the rabbits back. A firm layer of flesh over the ribs and spine together with the ribs and spine should be felt, indicating proper nutrition. A prominent spine indicates under nutrition and is corrected by increasing the feed. Inability to feel the spine indicates overnutrition and likewise, the amount of feed is decreased.

Health concerns

As with other rabbits, Polish rabbits do not do well in high temperatures, but can withstand low temperatures if they are kept dry and out of drafts. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Other health concerns include ear mites, Pasturella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. [3]

The average life span of a breeding Polish rabbit is 5 to 6 years, and 8 to 10 years for spayed or neutered rabbits. [5]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dachshund</span> Dog breed

The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog or sausage dog, badger dog and doxie, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired. Coloration varies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cuniculture</span> Agricultural raising and breeding of rabbits

Cuniculture is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits as livestock for their meat, fur, or wool. Cuniculture is also employed by rabbit fanciers and hobbyists in the development and betterment of rabbit breeds and the exhibition of those efforts. Scientists practice cuniculture in the use and management of rabbits as model organisms in research. Cuniculture has been practiced all over the world since at least the 5th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angora rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Angora rabbit, which is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, is bred for the long fibers of its coat, known as Angora wool, which are gathered by shearing, combing or plucking. Because rabbits do not possess the same allergy-causing qualities as many other animals, their wool is an important alternative. There are at least 11 distinct breeds of Angora rabbit, four of which are currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA): English Angora, French Angora, Giant Angora and Satin Angora. Others include German Angora, Chinese Angora, Finnish Angora, Japanese Angora, Korean Angora, Russian Angora, St Lucian Angora and Swiss Angora.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Netherland Dwarf rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Netherland Dwarf is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in the Netherlands. Weighing 1.1–2.5 pounds (0.50–1.13 kg), the Netherland Dwarf is one of the smallest rabbit breeds. Its popularity as a pet or show rabbit may stem from its neotenic appearance. The Netherland Dwarf is recognised by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The Netherland Dwarf is often confused with the Polish breed of rabbit, but the latter has longer ears, a non-brachycephalic head and less cobbiness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domestic rabbit</span> Domesticated form of European rabbit

The domestic or domesticatedrabbit—more commonly known as a pet rabbit, bunny, bun, or bunny rabbit—is the domesticated form of the European rabbit, a member of the lagomorph order. A male rabbit is known as a buck, a female is a doe, and a young rabbit is a kit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwarf rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

Dwarf rabbit refers either (formally) to a rabbit with the dwarfing gene, or (informally) to any small breed of domestic rabbit or specimen thereof, or (colloquially) to any small rabbit. Dwarfism is a genetic condition that may occur in humans and in many animals, including rabbits. True dwarfism is often associated with a cluster of physical abnormalities, including pituitary dwarfism. The process of dwarfing is used to selectively breed for smaller stature with each generation. Small stature is a characteristic of neoteny, which may account for the attraction of dwarf animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Californian rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Californian, also known as the California White, is a breed of domestic rabbit originally developed for the fur and meat industries by George S. West of Lynwood, California, starting in 1923. West maintained a herd of 300 genetically pure New Zealand Whites, which he began crossing with Standard Chinchilla rabbits for their dense coat, and Himalayan rabbits. This new breed, named for the state of its origin, was first shown in 1928 and a standard was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dutch rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Dutch rabbit, also known as Hollander or Brabander, is easily identifiable by its characteristic colour pattern, and was once the most popular of all rabbit breeds. However, after dwarf rabbits were developed, the popularity of the Dutch rabbit dwindled. Nevertheless, the Dutch rabbit remains one of the top ten most popular breeds worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mini Lop</span> Breed of rabbit

The Mini Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit that is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). It is different from the Miniature Lop breed that is recognized by the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The Mini Lop [US] and the Miniature Lop [UK] are different from the Dwarf Lop breed that is recognized by the BRC. The Mini Lop is similar to several other small rabbit breeds, such as the Dwarf rabbit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holland Lop</span> Breed of rabbit

Holland Lop is a breed of lop-eared rabbit that was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1979. The Holland Lop, with a maximum weight of 1.8 kg (4 lb), is one of the smallest lop-eared breeds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Fuzzy Lop</span> Breed of rabbit

The American Fuzzy Lop is a rabbit breed recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). It is similar in appearance to a Holland Lop. However, the American Fuzzy Lop is a wool breed and will have wool similar to the Angora breeds although the wool will be shorter than that of a commercial Angora. The American fuzzy lop has to weigh up to four pounds in order to be shown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American rabbit</span> American rabbit breed

The American Rabbit is a breed of rabbit, recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1917. By the ARBA standard, American rabbits have a mandolin body shape. It has also been noted for a good 'sweet' temperament and good mothering abilities. As with all domestic rabbits, the American breed is of the species Oryctolagus cuniculus, the European wild rabbit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver Marten rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Silver Marten is a breed of domestic rabbit. Although they are raised to compete in pet shows and agricultural shows, they are also regarded as "loveable and charming" pets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The New Zealand is a breed of rabbit, which despite the name, is American in origin. The breed originated in California, possibly from rabbits imported from New Zealand. New Zealand rabbits are available in five colors recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA): white, red, black, blue, and broken. Crossbreeding can result in many other variations, such as gold tipped steel and chestnut agouti. They average 10–12 lb (4.5–5.4 kg) with the does being slightly larger than the bucks. New Zealands are bred for meat, pelts, show, and laboratory uses, being the most commonly used breed of rabbit both for testing and meat production. They are also bred as pet rabbits but mostly breed for meat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miniature Lop</span> Breed of rabbit

Miniature Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit recognised by the British Rabbit Council (BRC). Confusion arises because, in the UK, the Miniature Lop is often commonly called the Mini Lop. It is, however, a different breed from the Mini Lop that is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The BRC-recognized Miniature Lop is most similar to the ARBA-recognized Holland Lop. The Miniature Lop is also similar to several other small rabbit breeds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Himalayan rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Himalayan rabbit is a rare medium-sized breed of rabbit easily mistaken for the Californian rabbit. The body is white with colored points, recognized colors are black, blue, chocolate and lilac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida White rabbit</span> Breed of rabbit

The Florida White is a relatively small breed rabbit originally produced for the laboratory or smaller meat rabbit. They are all white in color with no other markings, and have Albino red eyes. They are a recognized American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) breed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwarf Hotot</span> Breed of rabbit

Dwarf Hotot is a breed of domestic rabbit characterized by an entirely white coat, except for a circle of another color around each eye.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Whitman, Bob D (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World. Leawood KS: Leathers Publishing. ISBN   978-1585972753.
  2. "American Polish Rabbit Club" . Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  3. 1 2 Faria, Dianaa (17 June 2016). "Polish rabbit". PetGuide. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  4. "Veterinary Record". Veterinary Record . 191 (10). 2022. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)2042-7670. ISSN   2042-7670.
  5. "Choosing a Polish Rabbit - PetPlace" . Retrieved 21 November 2022.

Further reading