| General information: Dutch dwarf rabbit breed is one of the most popular breeds in the world, and as the name suggests, is native to the Netherlands. These rabbits are significantly smaller than many other breeds of rabbits. Due to their small size, these rabbits are generally kept as pets or animals for profile shows. They are not at all popular with commercial rabbit breeders. Their slightly childish appearance, close to the baby, makes them extremely sought after by pet lovers and especially by those who like small rabbits. Most other dwarf rabbit breeds are derived from the Dutch dwarf breed. The Dutch dwarf rabbit breed first appeared in the Netherlands in the early 20th century and was created by crossing Polish rabbits with small wild breeds. The rabbits obtained from these efforts were small animals that came in a wide range of colors and with an even wider range of markings. Dutch dwarf rabbit breed first arrived in England in the late 1940s and in the United States in the 1960s. Using almost the same standard as the English, the Dutch Dwarf Breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1969. These first specimens of rabbits showed some features of |
Name: Dutch dwarf Origin: Netherlands group: Small rabbits Weight: Between 0.5 – 1.6 kg Average life expectancy: up to 5-10 years Color: chocolate, Himalayan, black, blue, chincilla, lynx, orange, white, etc. Temperament: There is a possibility of a nervous, slightly wild and sometimes unpleasant attitude. This is entirely attributed to its wild roots, although selective breeding programs have created an animal that is generally gentle. Race status: It is one of the most popular small breeds in the world. Rabbits of this breed are especially appreciated as pets and for their participation in profile competitions. Distinctive features: Its face is round and quite short, a characteristic attributed to animals that suffer from dwarfism and that make them look like puppies even when they are old. |
Unwanted personality, such as excessive fear and sometimes aggression, which experts say is a direct consequence of the introduction of wild rabbits into this line of rabbits. As a result, the first specimens behaved like wild rabbits, not being suitable as pets. Generations of selective crossbreeding have made it possible to obtain a gentle, affectionate rabbit, an excellent pet, which has a much higher energy level than its relatives.
Physical description:
Dutch dwarf rabbit breed is a small breed with rabbits weighing between 0.5 and 1.6 kg. Somewhat unusual for a rabbit, the eyes and head of the Dutch Dwarf Rabbit are much larger and disproportionate to the rest of the body, while the ears are very small and worn at the top of the head. Its face is round and quite short, a characteristic attributed to animals that suffer from dwarfism and that make them look like puppies even when they are old. Dwarf rabbit breeds often have some of these characteristics, depending on the breed with which the rabbit was mated. However, of all the dwarf rabbit breeds, it seems that the Dutch Dwarf has the most childish appearance of all, and is also the youngest. Pure Dutch come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including chocolate, Himalayan, black, blue, chincilla, lynx, orange, white, and more. There are other colors, but they are generally present on rabbits that are not involved in profile competitions.
Personality:
Dutch dwarf rabbits has the same behavioral traits as dogs or cats, which means that this rabbit can even be trained to respond to a few simple commands or to do chores in a certain place. However, the success of any training activity depends entirely on the dedication of the trainer. There is a possibility of a nervous, slightly wild and sometimes unpleasant attitude. This is entirely attributed to its wild roots. Although selective breeding programs have created an animal that is generally gentle, any owner should be aware that the wild part can come to the surface at any time. In general, the Dutch dwarf rabbit breed is a curious and gentle one, and those who are taught from an early age with human company are much calmer and have a balanced temperament. There are rabbits that really look for human affection and that in turn show affection. They are much more robust rabbits than their size suggests, being able to play for a long time. When they are kept in the same cage, there is a risk of injury as a result of occasional fights or disputes. The activity level of these rabbits increases during the sunrise and sunset. Because rabbits are generally very fast-growing animals with a fragile psyche, they are not recommended as pets for children who have not been able to understand this.
Food and cage
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of raising a rabbit is diet. Most domestic rabbits have a very delicate digestive system, which is why many vegetables and green leaves such as cabbage or lettuce are vital to them. Young rabbits should not be fed green leaves until around the age of eight weeks, because their stomachs and bellies did not have enough time to develop properly. Pallets for purchase from the store are an essential source of food for rabbits, provided you fully comply with the recommendations on the package regarding the amount of food you need to provide. This will help you avoid fattening or weakening your rabbit. The pellets should not be older than eight weeks and should not be contaminated in any way. They will start losing nutrients once they have been released, which is not a good thing for rabbits. If the pellets have been kept open for more than two months, then you should throw them away and pick up new ones. A pellet that is high in fiber and low in protein and fat is exactly what you need for the Dutch Dwarf Rabbit. It is also important to remember that any changes in the rabbit’s diet should be made gradually so as not to cause digestive problems. An adult rabbit should have enough hay, as well as fresh, clean water to drink. Before bringing the rabbit home, you need to decide whether to keep it outside or indoors. A dwarf rabbit will live happily outside, but it must have a cage in which the wind does not blow and it is not placed in the sun. The roof should be protected in such a way that water does not get inside. The front of the cage should be covered with a net that does not allow the rabbit to pull its legs or head out. Also, outside the cage, it must have a large enough surface to run a little and to hide from the sun’s rays. The bottom of the cage should be covered with an absorbent material that can be easily changed daily so that the rabbit can live in a clean environment. If the rabbit will live indoors, you can choose a plastic cage, similar to hamsters. It is also advisable to provide him with a tray in which to defecate, and you must keep away anything that may be bitten or chewed.
Toilet:
Dutch dwarf rabbits requires a simple weekly brushing to remove excess fur and to prevent tangles from the hair. However, when it comes to changing fur, it is a good idea to help them get rid of their fur faster. Use a soft brush or comb and pull in the direction of fur growth. On this occasion you can also check if it has parasites. The nails of these rabbits should be cut regularly. You can do this by using nail clippers to cut the tips, or you can go to a vet to do this activity. Rabbits usually take care of each other, which is why it is advisable to have at least two specimens. When they take care of each other, the rabbits lick their ears, nose, tip of their head and around their eyes.
Purpose and status of the breed:
According to the American Livestock Breeds Conervancy, Dutch dwarf rabbit breed is one of the most popular small breeds in the world. Rabbits of this breed are especially appreciated as pets and for their participation in profile competitions. For commercial breeders, these rabbits are not appreciated at all, being good neither for fur nor for meat.
Health problems:
Like other small animals, the Dutch dwarf rabbit can be prone to colds and viral infections. One of the most common complaints is excessive molar growth. As the rabbit’s teeth grow, food should be provided to keep the rabbit in good condition. Vaccines are also important for rabbit health, the best known being those against Myxomatosis and Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (HDV). Both of these conditions are generally fatal and cause pain and suffering to the rabbit. Rabbits should also be treated for intestinal worms and lice. Exposure to dust, sudden changes in temperature, and low ability to withstand stress can predispose you to various diseases. These include:
– conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection of the eyelids caused by smoke and dust;
– ear problems;
– coccidiosis is an intestinal problem, a parasite caused by poor hygiene;
– bloating and obstruction of the airways due to hairballs.