normal fur with pearled guard hairs on a compact body
A small, square-built rabbit with a very short, muscular neck. Its coat is a blue agouti with dark-tipped guard hairs that give a pearly, shimmering effect; the belly and eye circles are paler. Dark, medium and light shades are allowed, with medium preferred.123
A gentle, friendly and lively rabbit, often recommended as a good pet for beginners.13
Needs daily time out of any hutch or cage to run, hop, stretch and dig, plus toys, forage trays or puzzle feeders to keep it busy.5
A short normal coat needs only a weekly brush, a little more often while moulting. Keep plenty of hay available so the constantly growing teeth wear down naturally.5
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can move, play, hide and stand up fully; a hutch alone is not enough and works only as a base joined to a large run or free-roam space.5
Unlimited fresh hay as the main food, a daily portion of leafy greens, a small measured amount of rabbit pellets, carrots and fruit only as occasional treats, and constant fresh water.5
Rabbits are social animals and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion, plus calm daily contact with people. Lift them with the back and bottom supported.5
Between the two World Wars several German breeders were chasing the same goal, a pelt like Siberian squirrel. Karl Hoffmanns in Düsseldorf, Deiniger in Augsburg and Röhmeier in Pinneberg each produced matching blue agouti rabbits, and the strains were combined under the name Perlfeh.23
Separate breeders in different German cities arrived at the same rabbit independently, an unusual story in breed history.2
Its pearly shimmer comes from dark guard hairs, similar to the ticking of Chinchilla rabbits.2
It was bred to copy Siberian squirrel fur, which was in high demand in the early 1900s.3
It is kept in modest numbers in Germany, France and the UK.3
A typical home-care rhythm for a Perlfee. 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
Provide unlimited fresh hay every day, a daily portion of safe leafy greens, and a small measured amount of rabbit pellets. Carrots and fruit are only occasional treats. Always have fresh water available.57 Pet Wiki plan
The main diet is unlimited hay and fresh leafy greens, with a small portion of pellets daily. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, lawnmower clippings, and any muesli mixes. Never give processed human food, dairy, or meat.578
Rabbits are very clean and usually do not need baths. If your Perlfee gets unusually dirty, ask an exotic-pet vet for the safest way to clean them.
Yes, a weekly brushing keeps the short coat in good condition. During moulting season, brush daily to help remove loose fur.5 Pet Wiki plan
Unlimited hay naturally wears down the teeth, so check them weekly. Trim nails about every six weeks, or as needed. Your vet can show you the proper technique.5 Pet Wiki plan
Your Perlfee needs a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high to move freely, plus at least 4 hours of daily free-roam time outside the hutch. Provide toys and digging opportunities for enrichment.5 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social animals, so it is best to keep your Perlfee with at least one neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy gentle daily interaction with their human family.5
The lifespan varies by individual care; ask a reliable breeder or your vet for specific guidance.
Yes, the Perlfee is known for its gentle and friendly temperament, making it a wonderful pet for families. Always supervise children and teach them to handle the rabbit calmly and gently.13
Always lift your Perlfee with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters. Hold them securely against your body so they feel safe. Never lift by the ears or scruff.5
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.
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