Netherland dwarf rabbit

The Netherland dwarf rabbit with the scientific name of Oryctolagus cuniculus was first originated in the Netherlands. Both the British Rabbit Council (BRC) and the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) have recognized them. Besides this, these Netherland dwarf rabbit breeds have a distinct look and compact body with large eyes, short face, short ears, and a large head. These new kinds of rabbit breeds are also known as the pure dwarf breeds because they carry the dwarf gene. They are very famous as pets or show rabbits because of their neotenic appearance. Here, we are going to discuss some exciting facts and information about these breeds.

Netherland dwarf rabbit colors

The Netherland dwarf rabbit breeds have been classified into five groups by ARBA. These groups have different colors including Sable, Martin, Squirrel, Tan, Chinchilla, Lynx, Cinnamon, Agouti, Red Agouti, Tortoiseshell, Chocolate point, Seal point, Bluepoint, Siamese Smoke, Siamese Sable, Lilac, Red, Chocolate, Blue Eyed White, Black, Blue, Ruby Eyed White, Chestnut, Opal, Silver Martin, Fawn, etc.

Netherland dwarf rabbit lifespan

If we talk about Netherland dwarf rabbit size, they are the smallest rabbit breeds and weigh between 1.1 to 2.5 pounds only. They have very soft and short fur, which requires regular grooming. These breeds have an average lifespan of about ten to twelve years, but this can be increased by providing proper diet and care.

Netherland dwarf rabbit breeders

The male ones appear to be larger than females, but both the buck and doe have an average weight of 2.5lbs. Many present breeders breed these rabbits and sell them at different price ranges. These breeders prefer large-sized doe than a mating buck for breeding; hence baby Netherland dwarf rabbit breeds are produced. Those rabbits who are bred appear to have a longer lifespan than the wild ones.

Netherland dwarf rabbit diet

Like all other animals, these breeds also require a proper diet to survive. For example, according to the House Rabbit Society, their diet includes clean water, fresh vegetables, fresh hay, and pellets. Researches have shown that this diet is age-dependent, which means that their diet varies significantly by age. So, the breeders and different people feed these Netherland dwarf rabbit breeds with age-appropriate foods to make their digestive systems work well. 

Netherland dwarf rabbit personality

Although these rabbits are very caring, loving, and gentle, they do have a low temperament. For example, they sometimes become aggressive, wild, skittish, and grumpy. Furthermore, these animal species have a very courageous attitude and are very lively and playful. They like to play in large cages, even having a small size. These rabbit breeds being very energetic and active need the same amount of exercise like the other breeds require.

Netherland dwarf rabbit facts

There are present many fascinating Netherland dwarf rabbit fun facts, some of which are as given below:

1. They are considered the third most intelligent pets in the world and can be trained very quickly
2. These small pets require a significant amount of time and toys to play with so that their minds remain active 
3. It is quite inexpensive to feed these rabbits because they only need half of a cup of food per day
4. They can undergo breeding process after reaching the age of about five to six months
5. These house pets like to live both outside and inside but also require more space and exercise to remain energetic
6. Some of these rabbits come with a low and poor temperament; hence are quite nervous and aggressive
7. They are good housing pets for both adults and young children

Netherland dwarf rabbit as pets

The dwarf rabbits, like wild ones, were not considered an excellent option to be kept as pets. But those that have originated from the Netherlands can be made good pets. The Netherland dwarf rabbits for sale are present in many pet shops and can also be bought from breeders. They are very loving, gentle, and sometimes become aggressive. Their beautiful colors attract people a lot, and they use them for different purposes, i.e., as a pet or show rabbits. 

Netherland dwarf rabbit care

These rabbit breeds require proper care for keeping them as pets. Some of the care tips for these rabbits are as mentioned below:

1. A quick brushing is required once a week to keep their coat fresh and clean.
2. It would help if you kept bucks, dry does, and youngsters in cages of about 18×24 inches, while the does with litters, can be kept in cages of up to 24×24 inches.
3. You can use a solid bottom cage to keep these rabbits and hay, aspen shavings, or straws as bedding.
4. As these breeds are messy eaters, you should use a feeder attached to the side of the cage so that they cannot produce mess while eating.
5. You can use fresh vegetables, apples, bananas, and organic products, i.e., carrots, endive, kale, mint for feeding them.
6. It would help if you used a waterer instead of using a bowl for their drinking purposes or to avoid any spills.
7. There must be proper vaccination of your rabbits so that they cannot suffer from any severe disease.

FAQ’s 

Sometimes, the people get confused even after reading the exciting facts and information about these rabbit breeds and raising questions to make their minds clear. So, the answers to some of those raised questions are as given below:

Are Netherland dwarf bunnies friendly?

Although these rabbit breeds are skittish and aggressive, they are also very friendly, lively, and playful. People keep them as their pets and take good care of them. These animal species are also more energetic and active than the other rabbit breeds.

How long do Netherland dwarf rabbits live for?

It has been estimated that these rabbits can live only for five to six years in the wild. But this lifespan can be increased for about ten to twelve years by taking good care of them. However, people also love to keep them as housing pets, and many breeders can also make their lives longer by providing them with a proper diet.

Do Netherland dwarf rabbits bite?

As these breeds sometimes become aggressive, they can also bite. For example, they sometimes start biting during cuddling or handling and cause pain. So, it would be shocking to know that they do bite.

What does a Netherland dwarf rabbit need?

It would help if you fed these rabbits with fresh vegetables, namely dark, leafy greens at about two cups or more per six pounds of body weight. In addition to this, the Netherland Dwarfs at young ages must be fed with unlimited alfalfa pellets and hay quantities.

Do Netherland dwarf rabbits like to be held?

Although these rabbits are very friendly, lovely, and gentle, they are still not considered good pets for children. The children love to see them when they jump or cuddle around, but sometimes they become aggressive and bite. So, these animal species do not like to be held.

Can Netherland dwarf rabbits live together?

No, these dwarf rabbits do not live together. They do not like the company of other breeds and prefer to be alone. But the females and neutered males can live happily together. But it will be better to keep only one rabbit in a cage rather than more.

Conclusion

As we have discussed many exciting facts and information about these rabbit breeds, they are also very aggressive and have a poor temperament. For example, they do not like too much handling and sometimes start biting. People love to keep them as pets because of their distinct colors and unique characters. But there is the requirement of a proper diet and care for keeping them as pets. You must keep them in separate cages and feed them with fresh vegetables and organic products. They must be vaccinated properly to avoid any disease. Instead of this, these Netherland dwarf rabbit breeds are not considered suitable for children because they can bite. So, if you are considering keeping them as your pets, you must be aware of everything required for their survival.