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Small Pets

Complete care guides for rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other small companions. Each profile covers housing, diet, handling, health, and enrichment needs.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig photo

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are instantly recognizable by their distinctive rosette patterned coat that gives them a cute, tousled appearance. Known for their spunky, energetic personality, they are among the most active and entertaining guinea pig breeds.

Medium (8-12 inches, 1.5-3 lbs) 5-7 years
African Dormouse photo

African Dormouse

African Dormice are tiny enchanting rodents known for their incredible agility and adorable appearance with large dark eyes and soft grey fur. These energetic nocturnal climbers are fascinating to observe and provide an engaging pet experience for dedicated exotic animal enthusiasts.

Tiny (0.7-1 oz) 5-7 years
African Pygmy Hedgehog photo

African Pygmy Hedgehog

African Pygmy Hedgehogs are unique, insect-eating mammals that have captured the hearts of exotic pet enthusiasts. With their distinctive spines, curious personalities, and relatively small size, they offer a rewarding pet experience for dedicated owners willing to meet their specific care requirements.

Small (5-8 inches, 0.5-1.5 lbs) 4-6 years
Alpaca Guinea Pig photo

Alpaca Guinea Pig

The Alpaca Guinea Pig is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit photo

American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit

American Fuzzy Lop Rabbits combine the adorable lop-eared look with a soft woolly coat similar to Angora rabbits. These playful compact rabbits have charming personalities and produce harvestable wool while remaining easier to manage than full-sized Angora breeds.

Small (3.5-4 lbs) 5-8 years
American Guinea Pig photo

American Guinea Pig

American Guinea Pigs are the most recognizable and popular guinea pig breed, known for their smooth coat, gentle temperament, and vocal personality. These social rodents make excellent pets for families and first-time owners.

Medium (10-14 inches, 1.5-2.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Angora Rabbit photo

Angora Rabbit

Angora Rabbits are renowned for their incredibly soft luxurious wool that can be harvested for spinning. These gentle rabbits require dedicated grooming care but reward owners with their docile nature and stunning fluffy appearance that makes them truly unique pets.

Medium-Large (7-12 lbs) 7-12 years
Baldwin Guinea Pig photo

Baldwin Guinea Pig

The Baldwin Guinea Pig is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Black Bear Hamster photo

Black Bear Hamster

Black Bear Hamsters are a dramatic color variation of Syrian Hamsters featuring a rich solid black coat resembling a tiny bear. These handsome hamsters have the same gentle temperament as standard Syrians making them popular pets for both beginners and experienced owners.

Small (5-7 oz) 2-3 years
Californian Rabbit photo

Californian Rabbit

Californian Rabbits are distinctive large rabbits with pure white bodies and dark points on their nose, ears, feet, and tail similar to Siamese cats. These gentle giants are known for their docile friendly personality and make wonderful family companions.

Large (8-12 lbs) 5-10 years
Capybara photo

Capybara

The Capybara is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Chinchilla photo

Chinchilla

Chinchillas are adorable rodents with incredibly soft fur and playful personalities. These nocturnal creatures are known for their dust baths, acrobatic abilities, and long lifespan compared to other small pets.

Small (1-1.5 lbs) 15-20 years
Chinese Hamster photo

Chinese Hamster

Chinese Hamsters are distinctive with their mouse-like appearance, longer tails, and incredible agility. These active little creatures captivate owners with their acrobatic abilities and curious nature, though they require patient handling due to their quick movements and delicate build.

Small (3-5 inches, 1.5-2 oz) 2-3 years
Coronet Guinea Pig photo

Coronet Guinea Pig

Coronet Guinea Pigs combine the flowing long coat of a Silkie with a single rosette crown on their forehead. These gorgeous guinea pigs are show favorites with their dramatic floor-length hair and sweet gentle personalities.

Small (1.5-2.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Crested Guinea Pig photo

Crested Guinea Pig

Crested Guinea Pigs are distinguished by their single rosette or crest of fur on the top of their head creating a crown-like appearance. These sweet friendly guinea pigs combine an adorable appearance with an easygoing personality perfect for families and first-time owners.

Small (1.5-2.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Degu photo

Degu

Degus are intelligent, social rodents native to Chile that have captivated pet owners with their curious nature and vocal personalities. These diurnal creatures form strong bonds with their humans and each other, making them rewarding companions for dedicated owners who can meet their specialized care needs.

Small-medium (5-7 inches plus 6-inch tail, 6-10 oz) 5-8 years
Dumbo Rat photo

Dumbo Rat

Dumbo Rats are a popular variety of pet rats distinguished by their large round ears set lower on the sides of their head. Named after the famous cartoon elephant these endearing rats have the same high intelligence and social nature as standard fancy rats with an even cuter appearance.

Small (0.5-1.1 lbs) 2-3 years
Duprasi photo

Duprasi

Duprasi also known as Fat-Tailed Gerbils are adorable round rodents from North Africa with distinctive thick club-shaped tails that store fat and water. These docile gentle gerbils are slower and calmer than common gerbils making them excellent handling pets.

Small (1.5-2.5 oz) 5-7 years
Dutch Rabbit photo

Dutch Rabbit

Dutch Rabbits are instantly recognizable by their distinctive white blaze and saddle markings against a colored body. These intelligent friendly rabbits combine striking good looks with an active playful personality perfect for families.

Medium (4-5.5 lbs) 5-8 years
Dwarf Campbell Hamster photo

Dwarf Campbell Hamster

Dwarf Campbell Hamsters are small, social hamsters native to the steppes of Central Asia. At just 3-4 inches, these tiny creatures can live in pairs or groups and offer endless entertainment with their curious and active nature.

Tiny (3-4 inches, 1-2 oz) 1.5-2 years
Egyptian Spiny Mouse photo

Egyptian Spiny Mouse

The Egyptian Spiny Mouse is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
English Lop Rabbit photo

English Lop Rabbit

English Lop Rabbits hold the record for the longest ears of any rabbit breed, with ears measuring over 21 inches. These gentle giants are surprisingly docile and make wonderful pets for those with space to accommodate their unique needs.

Large (9-14 lbs) 5-8 years
English Spot Rabbit photo

English Spot Rabbit

English Spot Rabbits are graceful energetic rabbits recognized by their distinctive herringbone stripe down the spine and butterfly marking on the nose. These athletic rabbits are among the most active breeds and need plenty of space to run and play.

Medium (5-8 lbs) 5-9 years
European Hamster photo

European Hamster

The European Hamster is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Fancy Mouse photo

Fancy Mouse

Fancy Mice are remarkable small pets that surprise owners with their intelligence, curiosity, and engaging personalities. These tiny companions form strong bonds with their owners, learn tricks, and thrive in pairs or small groups, making them ideal for those seeking interactive and low-maintenance pets.

Tiny (2-4 inches body, 0.5-1 oz) 1.5-2.5 years
Fancy Rat photo

Fancy Rat

Fancy Rats are domesticated versions of the brown rat, selectively bred for temperament and appearance. Despite their undeserved reputation, these remarkably intelligent, clean, and affectionate rodents make exceptional pets for first-time owners seeking a social and interactive companion.

Medium (9-11 inches plus tail, 0.5-1.25 lbs) 2-3 years
Fat-Tailed Gerbil photo

Fat-Tailed Gerbil

The Fat-Tailed Gerbil is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Ferret photo

Ferret

Ferrets are highly intelligent, curious, and endlessly entertaining pets known for their playful nature and acrobatic abilities. These domesticated members of the weasel family form strong bonds with their owners and provide endless amusement.

Long (1.5-4 lbs, 18-24 inches) 6-10 years
Flemish Giant Rabbit photo

Flemish Giant Rabbit

Flemish Giant rabbits are the largest rabbit breed, weighing up to 20 pounds or more. Despite their imposing size, these docile, affectionate creatures are known as the gentle giants of the pet world and make wonderful house rabbits.

Giant (12-20+ lbs) 5-10 years
Flying Squirrel photo

Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels are enchanting small mammals capable of gliding through the air using membrane flaps between their legs. These nocturnal social animals form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and can become remarkably affectionate pocket pets when hand-raised.

Small (2-5 oz) 10-15 years
French Lop Rabbit photo

French Lop Rabbit

French Lop Rabbits are large loveable rabbits with distinctive lop ears and a stocky muscular build. These affectionate gentle giants are known for their laid-back personalities and make wonderful companions for families with space for a larger rabbit breed.

Large (10-15 lbs) 5-8 years
Gambian Pouched Rat photo

Gambian Pouched Rat

The Gambian Pouched Rat is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Gerbil photo

Gerbil

Gerbils are small, burrowing rodents native to desert regions. Their natural curiosity, energetic personality, and entertaining digging behaviors make them delightful pets. More active than hamsters and less prone to biting, gerbils are excellent choices for families and first-time small pet owners.

Small (4-5 inches plus tail, 2-4 oz) 3-5 years
Hairless Rat photo

Hairless Rat

Hairless Rats are a striking variety of pet rats born with little to no fur revealing their warm pink or pigmented skin. Despite their unusual appearance these intelligent social rats have the same wonderful personality as their furred cousins and are popular among allergy-conscious pet lovers.

Small (0.5-1.1 lbs) 1.5-2.5 years
Harlequin Rabbit photo

Harlequin Rabbit

Harlequin Rabbits are famous for their unique color pattern featuring alternating bands of two colors split perfectly down their body. This striking checkered pattern makes them one of the most visually distinctive rabbit breeds and a favorite at rabbit shows.

Medium (6.5-9.5 lbs) 5-8 years
Harvest Mouse photo

Harvest Mouse

The Harvest Mouse is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Havana Rabbit photo

Havana Rabbit

The Havana Rabbit is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Himalayan Rabbit photo

Himalayan Rabbit

The Himalayan Rabbit is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Holland Lop Rabbit photo

Holland Lop Rabbit

Holland Lop Rabbits are one of the most popular small rabbit breeds, cherished for their distinctive floppy ears and compact size. These gentle, affectionate rabbits form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human interaction.

Small (2-4 lbs) 7-12 years
Kinkajou photo

Kinkajou

The Kinkajou is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Lionhead Rabbit photo

Lionhead Rabbit

Lionhead Rabbits are a distinctive small breed named for their luxurious mane of fur around their head, resembling a lion. These adorable rabbits combine a compact size with a stunning appearance and affectionate, playful personality.

Small (2.5-3.75 lbs) 7-10 years
Long-Haired Syrian Hamster photo

Long-Haired Syrian Hamster

Long-Haired Syrian Hamsters are a stunning variation of the popular Syrian Hamster featuring a luxurious flowing coat that can grow several inches long. These fluffy hamsters have the same friendly personality as their short-haired cousins but with added visual appeal.

Small (5-7 oz) 2-3 years
Lunkarya Guinea Pig photo

Lunkarya Guinea Pig

The Lunkarya Guinea Pig is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Mini Lop Rabbit photo

Mini Lop Rabbit

Mini Lop Rabbits are beloved for their adorable floppy ears and friendly personalities. These compact rabbits combine the charm of lop-eared breeds with a manageable size, making them wonderful companions for families and first-time rabbit owners.

Small (4.5-6.5 lbs, 14-17 inches) 8-12 years
Mini Rex Rabbit photo

Mini Rex Rabbit

Mini Rex Rabbits are beloved for their incredibly soft, velvet-like fur and compact size. These gentle rabbits combine the luxurious coat of the full-sized Rex with a smaller frame, making them perfect house rabbits for first-time owners.

Small (3-4.5 lbs) 8-10 years
Mongolian Gerbil photo

Mongolian Gerbil

The Mongolian Gerbil is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Multimammate Mouse photo

Multimammate Mouse

The Multimammate Mouse is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Naked Mole-Rat photo

Naked Mole-Rat

The Naked Mole-Rat is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit photo

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are one of the smallest rabbit breeds, weighing just 2-2.5 pounds. Despite their diminutive size, they are known for their energetic, playful personalities and distinctive round faces with short, perky ears.

Tiny (1.5-2.5 lbs) 10-12 years
New Zealand Rabbit photo

New Zealand Rabbit

New Zealand Rabbits are large versatile rabbits originally developed in California despite their name. Known for their calm temperament and robust constitution, these hardy rabbits make excellent pets for families and are among the most popular rabbit breeds worldwide.

Large (9-12 lbs) 5-8 years
Panda Bear Hamster photo

Panda Bear Hamster

The Panda Bear Hamster is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Patagonian Mara photo

Patagonian Mara

The Patagonian Mara is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Peruvian Guinea Pig photo

Peruvian Guinea Pig

Peruvian guinea pigs are known for their stunning, floor-length coats that sweep the ground like elegant dresses. With their gentle demeanor and affectionate nature, these long-haired beauties are perfect for owners who enjoy regular grooming.

Medium (2-3 lbs) 5-8 years
Polish Rabbit photo

Polish Rabbit

Polish Rabbits are one of the smallest rabbit breeds, weighing just 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. Despite their tiny size, these charming rabbits have big personalities and have been beloved show rabbits for over a century thanks to their compact elegant appearance.

Small (2.5-3.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Prairie Vole photo

Prairie Vole

The Prairie Vole is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Rex Rabbit photo

Rex Rabbit

Rex Rabbits are a medium-sized breed distinguished by their exceptionally soft, velvety fur that stands upright rather than lying flat. With their gentle temperament, curious personality, and unique coat texture, these rabbits have become popular pets for families seeking an affectionate and interactive companion.

Medium (7-10 pounds) 8-12 years
Roborovski Hamster photo

Roborovski Hamster

Roborovski hamsters are the smallest and fastest of all hamster species. These tiny desert dwellers are fascinating to watch as they zoom around their enclosure, making them popular for hamster enthusiasts who enjoy observing rather than handling.

Tiny (1-2 oz) 2-4 years
Satin Guinea Pig photo

Satin Guinea Pig

The Satin Guinea Pig is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Satin Rabbit photo

Satin Rabbit

The Satin Rabbit is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Sheltie Guinea Pig photo

Sheltie Guinea Pig

Sheltie Guinea Pigs also known as Silkies have magnificent long flowing coats that sweep back from their face like a tiny lion mane. These beautiful guinea pigs require dedicated grooming but reward owners with their gentle affectionate personalities.

Small (1.5-2.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Short-Tailed Opossum photo

Short-Tailed Opossum

Short-Tailed Opossums are fascinating small marsupials from South America that have gained popularity as exotic pets. These nocturnal insectivores are surprisingly docile when handled regularly and offer a unique pet experience unlike any rodent or traditional small pet.

Small (2-5 oz) 4-8 years
Silkie Guinea Pig photo

Silkie Guinea Pig

Silkie Guinea Pigs are a long-haired breed known for their exceptionally soft, flowing coats that sweep backwards from their head. With their distinctive appearance, gentle personalities, and engaging vocalizations, these affectionate rodents have become beloved companions for families and pet enthusiasts worldwide.

Medium (8-10 inches, 1.5-2.5 lbs) 5-7 years
Silver Fox Rabbit photo

Silver Fox Rabbit

The Silver Fox Rabbit is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Skinny Guinea Pig photo

Skinny Guinea Pig

Skinny Guinea Pigs are nearly hairless guinea pigs with smooth warm skin and just a tuft of fur on their noses and feet. These unique looking cavies have the same friendly social personality as their furry cousins but require special temperature and skin care considerations.

Small (1-2 lbs) 5-7 years
Spiny Mouse photo

Spiny Mouse

Spiny Mice are unique small rodents from North Africa and the Middle East featuring distinctive bristly spiny fur along their backs. These hardy social mice are fascinating pets known for their remarkable ability to regenerate skin tissue and their engaging communal social behavior.

Tiny (1-2 oz) 3-5 years
Striped Hamster photo

Striped Hamster

The Striped Hamster is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Sugar Glider photo

Sugar Glider

Sugar Gliders are fascinating marsupials known for their ability to glide through the air and their strong social bonds. These unique pets form deep attachments to their owners and require significant time and attention, making them rewarding but demanding companions for dedicated exotic pet enthusiasts.

Small (5-6 inches body plus 6-inch tail, 3-5 oz) 10-15 years
Syrian Hamster photo

Syrian Hamster

Syrian Hamsters, also known as Golden Hamsters, are the largest and most popular hamster species for pets. Their solitary nature, manageable size, and adorable appearance make them ideal companions for first-time small pet owners.

Medium (5-7 inches, 5-7 oz) 2-3 years
Tan Rabbit photo

Tan Rabbit

The Tan Rabbit is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Teddy Bear Hamster photo

Teddy Bear Hamster

Teddy Bear Hamsters are a beloved variation of Syrian Hamsters named for their plush round appearance that resembles a tiny stuffed animal. Known for being among the friendliest hamster varieties they make excellent first pets for older children learning about animal care.

Small (5-7 oz) 2-3 years
Teddy Guinea Pig photo

Teddy Guinea Pig

Teddy Guinea Pigs get their name from their unique dense wiry coat that resembles a stuffed teddy bear. These friendly guinea pigs have a distinctive plush appearance and a cheerful social personality that makes them wonderful companions for families and first-time pet owners.

Small (1.5-3 lbs) 5-7 years
Texel Guinea Pig photo

Texel Guinea Pig

Texel Guinea Pigs are prized for their luxurious, long curly coats that resemble soft wool. Beyond their striking appearance, these gentle pigs have sweet personalities and enjoy being handled, making them rewarding companions for dedicated pet owners willing to maintain their grooming needs.

Medium (1.5-2.5 lbs, 10-14 inches) 5-7 years
White Guinea Pig photo

White Guinea Pig

The White Guinea Pig is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years
Winter White Hamster photo

Winter White Hamster

Winter White Hamsters, also known as Djungarian Hamsters, are one of the five dwarf hamster species. Named for their remarkable ability to change coat color in winter, these small, social hamsters have captured hearts worldwide with their adorable appearance and engaging personalities.

Small (3-4 inches, 1-2 oz) 2-3 years
Winter White Russian Hamster photo

Winter White Russian Hamster

The Winter White Russian Hamster is a charming small pet that brings joy and companionship to households seeking an alternative to traditional cats and dogs. Their unique characteristics and manageable care requirements make them increasingly popular among pet enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Small 2-8 years