Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Polish (name used in the UK), Petite
From England, where the breed is known as the Polish. It was given the name Britannia Petite in the United States to avoid confusion with the separate American Polish breed. One breed guide dates its development to the mid-19th century.123
ARBA maximum 2.5 lb (1.1 kg); the breed society gives an ideal adult weight of 2.25 lb (about 1.0 kg). Hepper gives 2-2.5 lb (0.9-1.1 kg) and Wikipedia's breed list 1.5-2.5 lb (0.7-1.1 kg). Range spans all sources.
short, normal-fur coat on a fine, very small body
A tiny, fine-boned rabbit with short upright ears and a lively, upright stance that makes it look alert and sprightly on the show table. The coat is short and lies close to the body.153
An energetic, quick-moving little rabbit with plenty of character. It can be a bit excitable and cautious with strangers at first, so it rewards calm, patient handling, and it usually grows close to the person who looks after it. Its smarts and curiosity make it entertaining to watch.431
A very active breed that needs generous daily time out of its enclosure; one breed guide suggests about four hours of free-roaming a day, split into two sessions.36
The short coat needs little work: brush roughly every two weeks, and about twice a week during the spring and autumn moults. Check nails regularly (about every two months) and provide plenty of hay and safe items to chew.3
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch or cage works only as a base alongside a large run or daily free-roam time. Use solid flooring with soft bedding, spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly. Keep food bowls away from the litter area.63
Unlimited hay should make up around 70 percent of the diet, with fresh leafy greens and vegetables, a small measured amount of pellets, an occasional bit of fruit as a treat and constant fresh water.36
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises they should not live alone; a compatible, neutered rabbit companion plus regular gentle time with people suits them best. It gets on well with other rabbits and gains confidence through regular, gentle socialising.63
The breed comes from England, where it has long been shown as the Polish. When it was brought to the United States it was renamed Britannia Petite so it would not be mixed up with the American Polish. ARBA accepted the Ruby Eyed White in 1977, and dedicated breeders have since added many more colours, most recently the Himalayan and Tort groups in 2022.123
In the UK this breed is called the Polish, while the rabbit called Polish in the US is a different breed.2
At a 2.5 lb maximum it is one of the smallest breeds ARBA recognises.4
ARBA describes it as one of the most showy breeds to exhibit.4
Only one colour, Ruby Eyed White, was accepted in 1977; more than eight further varieties and groups were added between 1992 and 2022.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Britannia Petite. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feed your Britannia Petite unlimited hay every day, plus a small portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets. Treats like fruit should be occasional. Furry Diary's plan suggests refilling hay daily. Always provide fresh water.368 Pet Wiki plan
The main diet should be unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, and a small amount of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes. Check the RSPCA and ASPCA lists for more toxic items.3689
Bathing is not covered in the breed information; it's best to ask your vet for advice on if and how to bathe your rabbit.
Yes, brushing is needed. Brush every two weeks, and about twice a week during spring and autumn moults. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, daily while moulting.3 Pet Wiki plan
Check nails every 6 to 8 weeks and trim if needed. Provide unlimited hay and safe chew toys to keep teeth healthy. Have a vet check teeth regularly, as they never stop growing.38 Pet Wiki plan
They need a large living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high and at least 4 hours of free-roaming time daily, split into two sessions. This active breed loves to hop and explore.36 Pet Wiki plan
Britannia Petites should not live alone. A neutered rabbit companion is ideal, along with regular gentle time with people. They are social and gain confidence from companionship.36
With proper care, a Britannia Petite can live 6 to 10 years.3
This breed is energetic and can be cautious with strangers, so it may not suit very young children. Ask a good breeder for advice on whether it fits your family.431
Handling advice is not provided in the sources; consult your vet or a good breeder for safe handling techniques.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Polish
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