Netherland Dwarf Rabbits

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

22 Jul 2007 02:23 PM

Also known as the Dutch dwarf, Netherland dwarf rabbits are a popular choice for pet rabbits. The Netherland dwarf is smaller than most rabbit breeds, weighing in between one and three pounds. In fact, many of the rabbits you encounter in a pet store are Netherland dwarfs or breeds derived from Netherland dwarfs.

The breed was first produced in the Netherlands in the early twentieth century. Smaller wild rabbits were bred with small Polish rabbits in an attempt to produce very small bunnies available in a wide range of colors and patterns. By 1948, the Netherland dwarf had crossed the Atlantic and made its first appearance in the United States. The breed joined the American Rabbit Breeders' Association in 1969. Today, there are twenty-four recognized varieties of Netherland dwarf rabbit in the ARBA!

These rabbits come in a wide range of colors and markings, including: black, blue (grey), chocolate, lilac (light grey), sable point, tortoiseshell, chestnut, chinchilla (grey tipped with black), tan, orange, fawn, blue-eyed white, and ruby-eyed white. Want to learn more about the colors and patterns? Visit the American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club to see pictures of some amazing little rabbits.

Netherland dwarf rabbits are more energetic than larger breeds; this is an echo of the fearful and sometimes aggressive temperaments seen in wild rabbits and early generations of the crossbreeds. Generations of selective breeding have made the Netherland dwarf rabbit friendly and gentle, but very active. They are very curious and tend to nibble on anything and everything.

Keep in mind that this breed of rabbit is very fragile -- be careful when handling a Netherland dwarf rabbit! They can become stressed very easily, leading to health and mental problems. This is not necessarily a good pet choice for a family with young children, who may accidentally hurt or frighten a two pound rabbit.

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