Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Mug Head, No-Kick Bunny
Jersey Woolies are known as sweet, easy-going rabbits that rarely kick when picked up, which earned them their nickname.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 to 1.6 kg (2 to 4 lb)12345 |
| Lifespan | 7 to 10 years345 |
| Coat | Soft wool coat on a compact dwarf body |
| Origin | United States: High Bridge, New Jersey, developed by breeder Bonnie Seeley from the 1970s/early 1980s.312 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Jersey Woolies are known as sweet, easy-going rabbits that rarely kick when picked up, which earned them their nickname. They tend to be affectionate and playful, ranging from relaxed lap rabbits to busy little explorers. Many learn their names, take well to litter training and enjoy toys and time with their people.34561
A typical home-care rhythm for a Jersey Wooly. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
soft wool coat on a compact dwarf body
A small, compact rabbit with a bold, square head (the famous 'mug head') and short upright ears of about 2.5 inches, no more than 3 inches for showing. The body is covered in a soft, dense wool coat that was bred on purpose to be manageable for pet owners, so it needs far less work than an Angora's and no clipping.3246
Plan for a few hours of supervised play outside the enclosure every day in a safe, rabbit-proofed space. Toys and things to explore keep this curious breed busy.65
Brush the wool about once a week with a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb, and two or three times a week during moults. Clipping is not needed. If the coat gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth rather than bathing. Trim nails roughly every 4-6 weeks.462
Best kept indoors in a spacious cage or exercise pen with a solid floor, soft bedding, a litter box and a hideaway, away from temperature extremes. One guide suggests at least one square foot of enclosure per pound of rabbit, plus a separate play area.645
Unlimited timothy or orchard grass hay makes up most of the diet, with a small measured portion of pellets, daily fresh leafy greens, occasional fruit or vegetable treats and constant fresh water.645
A sociable breed that likes gentle handling and regular daily interaction. Woolies tend to bond well with their owners and can also get along with other rabbits.65
The Jersey Wooly is an American breed created by Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, New Jersey. Her goal was a small pet rabbit with wool that stayed easy to look after. Accounts of the founding stock differ: the club history on Wikipedia describes crosses of a Chinchilla buck with a black Silver Marten doe (both carrying the dwarf gene) and a Blue doe, with French Angora influence in the early animals and Netherland Dwarfs added around 1981, while several breed guides summarise it simply as a French Angora and Netherland Dwarf cross. Seeley presented the new breed at the 1984 ARBA Convention in Orlando, Florida, and it was formally accepted at the 1988 Convention in Madison, Wisconsin. Broken colours followed in 2004. The breed has since become a favourite on the show table in the US and abroad, and its national club counts members as far afield as Malaysia and Japan.31246
Its square, bold head earned it the nickname 'Mug Head'.2
It is also called the 'No-Kick Bunny' because it is usually so calm when handled.4
The breed is named after its home state, New Jersey, where Bonnie Seeley developed it.3
It made its public debut at the 1984 ARBA Convention in Orlando and was recognised four years later in Madison, Wisconsin.1
Its wool was bred to be low-fuss: unlike an Angora, it does not need clipping.4
The national breed club has more than 700 members, including breeders in Malaysia and Japan.1
Its ears are tiny, around 2.5 inches, and show rabbits must keep them to 3 inches or less.3
Breeders in New Zealand were working on their own separate version of the breed as of 2004.3
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
Provide unlimited timothy or orchard grass hay every day, plus a small measured portion of pellets and daily fresh leafy greens. Treats like fruit should be occasional. Always have fresh water available. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes refilling hay daily.6457 Pet Wiki plan
Your Jersey Wooly's diet should be mostly unlimited hay, with a small amount of pellets and daily leafy greens. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.64578
Bathing is not recommended for Jersey Woolies. Instead, spot-clean any dirty areas with a damp cloth. Their wool coat is not meant to be fully wet.462
Brush your Jersey Wooly's wool about once a week with a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb, and two or three times a week during moults. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing because the long wool mats quickly.462 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your Jersey Wooly's nails roughly every 4 to 6 weeks. Their teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. Pet Wiki's plan includes weekly teeth checks and nail trims every 42 days.462 Pet Wiki plan
Keep your Jersey Wooly indoors in a spacious cage or exercise pen with a solid floor. Aim for at least one square foot of enclosure per pound of rabbit, plus a separate play area. Plan for a few hours of supervised exercise every day; Pet Wiki suggests at least 4 hours of running space daily.645 Pet Wiki plan
Jersey Woolies are sociable and enjoy regular daily interaction with their owners. They can also get along well with other rabbits if properly introduced. They do best with companionship, whether human or rabbit.65
A Jersey Wooly typically lives between 7 and 10 years with good care.345
With their sweet and easy-going nature, Jersey Woolies can be good pets for children who are gentle and respectful. They rarely kick when picked up and enjoy affection. Always supervise interactions to ensure the rabbit feels safe.34561
Jersey Woolies are known to rarely kick when picked up, making them easier to handle. Support their hindquarters and hold them securely but gently. For detailed handling tips, ask a good breeder or your vet.34561
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.
Netherland Dwarf
French Angora
American Fuzzy Lop
Lionhead