06/01/2026
Baby-Faced Bunnies: The Welfare Concerns Behind “Cute” Rabbit Breeding
Recently we asked about which extreme conformation is normalised; a common theme was brachycephalic and lop eared rabbits - so let us investigate.
As awareness grows around the health problems faced by brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and cats, rabbits are often forgotten — yet they may suffer many of the same, welfare issues as a result of extreme breeding for appearance.
Just like in dogs and cats, breeding rabbits for shorter, flatter faces may have consequences.
➡️ Brachycephalic rabbits are now among the most popular, likely driven by human preference for “baby-like” or "cute" faces.
Rabbit welfare expert Richard Saunders (RWAF) explains:
“Breeds like the Netherland dwarf and the popular Lionhead breed have become more and more brachycephalic. The short face means the bottom jaw is longer than the top one, just the same as in bulldogs and pugs and the teeth do not line up. Teeth soon overgrow causing chronic pain, lacerated mouths, abscesses and in many cases death. The tear duct is also distorted (as it is in brachycephalic cats) and the rabbits often have tears and even pus overflowing onto their faces”
Studies have shown that facial shape and ear type can strongly influence dental and aural health.
Key findings from rabbit dental studies:
Lop-eared rabbits, in particular, have been shown to have:
✔ Increased incisor abnormalities
✔ Molar overgrowth
✔ Molar sharpness and spurs
✔ Higher rates of previous dental treatment
✔ Greater risk of chronic ear disease
These findings raise concerns around the continued unregulated breeding and sale of lop-eared rabbits.
But science must remain balanced…
One study examining 435 pedigree rabbits at British Rabbit Council shows and studs found:
⬜ Lop ears were not a significant risk factor for dental abnormalities in this population
⬜ Flatter head shapes were also not significantly associated with dental disease
⬜ Husbandry may play a larger role than previously thought
However, the authors note the results may not apply to pet rabbits due to major differences in breeding lines and husbandry.
The most recent evidence tells us:
"Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has verified that lop-eared rabbits are more prone to hidden and potentially painful ear disease. The findings address evidence gaps from previous research and highlight the importance of routine veterinary otoscopic ear checks to help owners protect the health and wellbeing of pet rabbits. Although previous research has suggested that lop-eared rabbits may be more susceptible, these studies relied on small samples, retrospective clinical records or owner reports. By conducting a large, systematic assessment of how ear shape and head shape relate to ear abnormalities, this study provides veterinarians and owners with a more robust and nuanced understanding of the condition."
What this means for rabbit owners and prospective owners
• Extreme physical traits — short faces, lop ears — may look cute, but they often come with consequences that we should be mindful of.
• Prospective owners should be fully informed before choosing any rabbit breed.
• Welfare-focused breeding remains essential for improving long-term rabbit health.
As with any animal, rabbits deserve to be bred for health, not looks.
By raising awareness of the real welfare consequences of brachycephaly and extreme ear conformation, we can help more rabbits live lives with better quality of life (see our other posts on rabbit husbandry and how they are often not fed correctly or housed appropriately).
If you’re considering getting a rabbit, please research thoroughly — and choose health over appearance. 💚
📚 Study: Harvey ND, Oxley JA, Miguel-Pacheco G, Gosling EM, Farnworth M. What Makes a Rabbit Cute? Preference for Rabbit Faces Differs according to Skull Morphology and Demographic Factors. Animals (Basel). 2019 Sep 26;9(10):728. doi: 10.3390/ani9100728. PMID: 31561562; PMCID: PMC6826725
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31561562/
📚 RWAF campaign: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/charities-unite-to-highlight-brachy-health-issues/
📚 Rescue population study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31575760/
📚 RVC aural health study summary: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/facilities-and-resources/animal-welfare-science-and-ethics/news/lop-eared-rabbits-confirmed-at-highest-risk-of-hidden-ear-disease
📚 Conformation and dental disease (pedigree rabbits):
https://share.google/mEslqd8QPgAebtPPy
📚 Study: Lop-eared rabbits confirmed at highest risk of hidden ear disease in new RVC study https://share.google/1XdZy8MF8DkKsWAPQ
