In most cases, the answer is simple: what you’re seeing is probably a dewlap.

For most rabbits, this is completely normal and not a sign of illness or poor health. A dewlap is a natural fold of skin and fatty tissue located beneath the chin. It’s most commonly seen in adult female rabbits, though its size can vary quite a bit between individuals and breeds.

In some rabbits, it’s barely noticeable. In others, it can be quite prominent.

A dewlap consists of loose skin, fat tissue and fur – which can give the impression that the rabbit has a small double chin. Just like people come in all shapes and sizes, rabbits can develop different-sized dewlaps and that’s perfectly normal.

Dewlaps are most commonly found in mature female rabbits, but males can have them too.

Some breeds are also genetically predisposed to developing larger dewlaps than others. That means two rabbits of the same age and in equally good condition may look very different under the chin without anything being wrong.

The most widely accepted explanation is linked to reproduction.

When a female rabbit is preparing a nest for a litter, she’ll often pull fur from her chest and dewlap area to line the nest. This soft fur helps keep the kits warm during their first delicate weeks of life.

That’s one reason dewlaps are much more common in females than in males.

This is probably the question that worries rabbit owners the most.

A large dewlap does not automatically mean a rabbit is overweight. Many perfectly healthy rabbits at an ideal body weight have well developed dewlaps. However, excess weight can make a dewlap appear larger and more noticeable.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to evaluate your rabbit’s overall body condition rather than judging their weight based solely on the area beneath the chin.

Most of the time, a dewlap causes no problems at all.

However if it becomes very large, it can sometimes get damp when the rabbit drinks water. Constant moisture may eventually lead to skin irritation, matted fur or minor skin issues.

That’s why it’s a good idea to occasionally check the skin beneath the fur, especially in rabbits with particularly large dewlaps.

A normal dewlap usually develops gradually over time.

However, if you notice:

Sudden swelling
A hard lump
Warmth or redness
Sores or weeping skin
Signs of pain or discomfort

it’s wise to have the area examined by a veterinarian.

Changes like these aren’t necessarily related to the dewlap itself and may have other underlying causes that should be investigated.

Most folks that discover that soft flap beneath the chin and immediately assume something was wrong. But just like floppy ears, oversized paws or unusual coat patterns – a dewlap is often just another reminder of how different rabbits can be.

What looks a little strange at first often turns out to be a perfectly natural part of who that rabbit is. In most cases, that little double chin isn’t something to worry about at all. It’s simply one more of the quirks that make rabbits so darn charming.

Fredrik 🐇