From pint-sized sweethearts to giant gentle giants — find the rabbit that suits you best
Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes — from dainty dwarfs that could fit in the palm of your hand, to giant breeds that can stretch across your lap (and then some). Each size brings its own personality traits, care requirements, and charm.
Whether you’re drawn to little lops or towering Continentals, it’s important to understand how rabbit size affects space, diet, health, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll hop through the most popular breeds by size, helping you find a perfect match based not just on looks, but on what your home — and heart — can happily accommodate.
Why Rabbit Size Matters
Rabbit size affects far more than cuddle capacity. It impacts:
- Housing space and flooring needs
- Feeding costs and hay consumption
- Ease of handling (especially for kids or less mobile owners)
- Grooming demands and healthcare risks
Quick Tip
Larger rabbits tend to be calmer and easier to handle. Small breeds can be quick, jumpy, or nervous if not well-socialised — and may not suit young children.
Small Rabbit Breeds (Under 2kg)
Tiny frames, big energy! These breeds are adored for their cuteness, but don’t let their size fool you — they’re often highly energetic and need just as much space as their larger cousins. Small bunnies also tend to live slightly longer, with some reaching 10+ years.
Mini Lop
The Mini Lop is a compact, round-bodied rabbit with soft fur and signature floppy ears, making it one of the most popular pet rabbits in the UK. Its playful yet affectionate personality and manageable size make it ideal for indoor homes and small families.
Netherland Dwarf
As the smallest domestic rabbit breed, the Netherland Dwarf weighs under 1.2kg and features a short, rounded face and tiny upright ears. It’s known for its lively and sometimes shy temperament, and it thrives best in calm, adult-only environments.
Polish Rabbit
The Polish Rabbit is a small, smooth-coated breed with bright, curious eyes and a gentle nature. Though less well-known in the UK, it’s appreciated by experienced rabbit owners for being responsive, affectionate, and easy to handle when socialised early.
Medium Rabbit Breeds (2–3.5kg)
The sweet spot between small and giant! These rabbits are ideal for many households — sturdy enough for gentle kids (with supervision), but compact enough for indoor living. They’re often the most versatile and widely available in rescues.
Dwarf Lop
The Dwarf Lop may sound small, but it’s actually a medium-sized rabbit known for its dense, plush coat and love of cuddles. With its friendly, social personality and iconic lopped ears, it’s a brilliant choice for first-time rabbit owners and families alike.
English Spot
The English Spot is a sleek, athletic rabbit with a striking appearance — including symmetrical spots, an arched body, and dark eyeliner-like markings. Its playful, curious temperament makes it a great choice for homes that can offer free-roaming or large run space.
Rex Rabbit
The Rex Rabbit is best known for its luxurious, velvety fur — a result of its unique hair structure with no guard hairs. Calm and affectionate, it’s a favourite among UK rabbit lovers looking for a low-maintenance, cuddly companion with a sweet, gentle nature.
Large Rabbit Breeds (3.5–5kg)
Big love, bigger footprints! Larger rabbits tend to be calmer, cuddlier, and more patient, but they require considerably more space, food, and support. Their bones are heavier, so they need soft flooring and gentle handling.
Satin Rabbit
The Satin Rabbit has a distinctive sheen to its coat thanks to its fine, translucent hair, giving it a polished, satin-like look. With its friendly and alert personality, it does well in spacious homes where it can explore comfortably and bond with humans.
British Giant
A UK alternative to the Continental Giant, the British Giant is a large, docile rabbit with a sturdy build and soft, dense fur. Its gentle nature and impressive size make it an endearing floor pet for experienced owners who have the room and time for extra care.
Giant Rabbit Breeds (5kg and over)
Not a pet — a housemate! Giant rabbits are majestic, gentle, and often dog-like in behaviour. They bond strongly with humans but aren’t suited to all households. You’ll need robust flooring, reinforced enclosures, and enough space for them to stretch fully and hop comfortably.
Continental Giant (Conti)
The Continental Giant — affectionately called the “Conti” — is the largest rabbit breed kept as a pet in the UK, often weighing as much as a small dog. Despite their size, Contis are known for their calm, affectionate personalities and make surprisingly good indoor companions.
Flemish Giant
Originating in Belgium, the Flemish Giant is a slow-moving, relaxed breed that’s become a beloved house rabbit in the UK. With their soft temperament and dog-like behaviour, they’re ideal for spacious, calm homes with adults or older children.
Choosing The Right Rabbit For You
Here’s what to ask yourself before falling for a floppy ear or glossy coat:
- ✅ How much space can I provide long-term? (At least 3m x 2m — more for big buns!)
- ✅ Do I want a cuddle bunny or an explorer? (Temperament varies more than size)
- ✅ Am I confident handling a delicate or a heavy rabbit?
- ✅ Can I commit to grooming or healthcare needs?
- ✅ What does my lifestyle look like — and will a rabbit’s routine fit into it?
Quick Tip
Visit rescues and meet rabbits in person — the right match might surprise you.
Rabbit Size & Breed Snapshot
|
Size |
Breed Examples |
Traits |
Best For |
|
Small (<2kg) |
Mini Lop, Netherland Dwarf, Polish |
Active, delicate, lively |
Experienced handlers, compact homes |
|
Medium (2-3.5kg) |
Dwarf Lop, Rex, English Spot |
Balanced, affectionate, good with families |
Most households, first-time owners |
|
Large (3.5-5kg) |
Satin, British Giant |
Gentle, calm, physically demanding |
Spacious homes, committed daily care |
|
Giant (5kg+) |
Continental Giant, Flemish Giant |
Laid-back, dog-like, needs room to roam |
Ground-floor living, experienced rabbit owners |
Final Thoughts
From the tiniest Netherland to the grandest Continental, rabbits of all sizes can make brilliant companions — as long as their needs are met.
Small breeds can be full of energy and sass. Medium breeds are usually the best all-rounders. Large and giant rabbits, while physically demanding, often have the sweetest and softest temperaments. But every rabbit, no matter their size, deserves space, companionship, enrichment, and understanding.
So before choosing your next furry friend, don’t just go with your eyes — go with your heart and your home. Because the right rabbit isn’t just cute. They’re the one who’ll hop into your life and stay there, joyfully, for years to come.
