The Polish Rabbit is a small breed of domestic rabbit. It is also known as the "Britannia Petite".
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Despite the name, the Polish rabbit is thought to have originated in England from the common white hutch rabbit, but the exact origins of the breed are unknown. They were first exhibited in England in 1884. The original imports to America were small ruby-eyed white rabbits which did not carry the dwarfing gene. English breeders selected for a leaner, more upright body type and active temperament. The British version of the Polish rabbit is equivalent to the American "Britannia Petite".
Today, the American Polish rabbit is used as a fancy exhibition breed and pets. They are small rabbits with short ears that touch each other all the way to the tips. They should have a short head with full cheeks and bold eyes. Due to their small size, the Polish rabbit is often confused with the Netherland dwarf, although the Polish is a little larger and the head is not rounded. There are many other differences between the two breeds, such as coat structure, body type and colors. The accepted weights of the American Polish rabbit 6 months or older are 2½ to 3½ pounds. The ideal weight is 2½ pounds.[1]
Until the 1950s, most American Polish rabbits were white with either red eyes or blue eyes. The ruby-eyed white is a true albino. The blue-eyed white has the Vienna white gene and is not a true albino. Since the 1950s, colored Polish breeds have been recognized by rabbit clubs. In 1957, the American Rabbit Breeders' Association approved the black and chocolate Polish. In 1982, the blue variety was approved and in 1998 the broken variety was allowed.
In the UK, the National Polish Rabbit Club accepts any color of Polish rabbit as long as it is accepted by another breed in its standard. REWs are the most popular and the most successful at shows, while in the Coloreds, sables tend to dominate.
Due to their small size, Polish rabbits need less space in cage and barn facilities and take up less space in apartments than some of the larger breeds. Cage bottoms should not be slippery, as this can cause hip injuries and splay leg.
The American Polish rabbit is generally calm and friendly, especially the bucks. Does can be territorial if not spayed. Children should always be supervised when handling rabbits, to ensure that the rabbit is not inadvertently injured.
Rabbits can be easily trained to use a litter box and to accept a harness with leash when out of their cage. Rabbit-proofing a room where a rabbit is roaming freely is critical. Rabbits will chew on carpets, baseboard and especially electrical cords.
Polish rabbits should be fed about 1/4 cup of pelleted feed every day. A rabbit should be given only the amount of pellets they will consume in 22 hours. They can be fed unlimited grass hay which helps with dental health, regulates the gut flora, and helps prevent fur blockage of the intestine. Treats such as fruits, vegetables and herbs should be fed sparingly; typically a portion no larger than the tip of the thumb. Fresh young dandelion leaves, parsley and carrot greens are nutritious choices for treats. Vegetables in the cabbage family and high-sugar foods such as corn should be avoided, as these can cause gastroenteritis and death. For a rabbit off its feed, a tablespoon of rolled oats can help stimulate appetite.
A healthy rabbit should be well fleshed but not flabby. This 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 undernutrition and is corrected by increasing the feed. Inability to feel the spine indicates overnutrition and likewise, the amount of feed is decreased.
As with other rabbits, Polish rabbits do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, Pasteurella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately.
The average life span of a breeding Polish rabbit is 5 to 6 years.[2]