Dwarf

Question
How are dwarfs different than small breeds?

Answer
Dwarfs carry a dwarfing gene but so do most small breeds.  The only difference is size.

According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association there are only 2 dwarf breeds and they are Netherland Dwarf and Dwarf Hotot.  However the Britiannia Petite is actually the smallest breed there is weighing between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds.  Brits are not extremely popular in the pet population as they can be aggressive and high strung.

Depending what you are considering dwarfs to be the biggest difference is size.  Small breeds generally weigh right around 4-5 pounds.  Most of the small breeds were derived by mixing larger breeds with true dwarfs thus giving them the dwarf gene.  A true dwarf will carry on dwarfing gene and one non dwarfing gene.  If a rabbit inherits 2 dwarfing genes it will not live more than a few days.

I am not sure if this is what you were looking for but if you need further assistance please let me know.

Pam