The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is amongst the smallest domestic rabbit breeds that exist. They result from crossing polish to small, wild rabbits that produce offspring in a wide variety of colors. They were initially imported into the UK in 1948, then brought to the USA in the 60s to 70s. Because of the modified BRC standards, they were accepted as a recognized breed by the ARBA in 1969.
What is a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit?
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Due to their small size, Netherlands was never proposed as meat rabbits, but have become one of the most popular pets and exhibition breeds to be found, and they come in a very wide variety of colors. Breeders are extra careful when it comes to their rabbit breeding as they are highly aggressive animals. These features make them not well-suited as the good-natured pets we have come to know in today’s rabbit circuits.
However, it is still a factor that this breed requires big exercise space. These rabbits have high energy levels, and they need to use them. Some are skittish, wild-acting, of a disagreeable or stubborn nature, and extremely active.
These reasons make them not well-suited as a pet for children; however, if they are handled a lot, regularly, from birth, they tend to be calmer and have a more gentle nature. Regarding appearance, Netherland Dwarfs have very large, bald heads and eyes, faces that are round, short.
What is the Physical Description of a Netherland Dwarf Bunny?
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It is a domesticated rabbit breed that is from the Netherlands. These rabbits are small and weigh only 1.1-2.5 pounds. It is amongst the smallest rabbit breeds and is popular in pet shows and contests.
The British Rabbit Council or BRC and The American Rabbit Breeders Association or ARBA recognized this breed. Most people mistake this breed with the Polish rabbit, but the Netherland dwarf has longer ears and is leaner.
The most appealing feature of this rabbit is its eyes. It is large concerning its compact and small body. The ears of this rabbit are very short and on its head with its face round. According to the experts, these features may result from dwarfism because this rabbit can retain its infant-like appearance until adulthood.
What are the Colors and Coats of this Netherland Dwarf Bunny?
The fur of the Netherland dwarf is not too hard to maintain. It is short-medium in length, soft, and does not need too much fuss when grooming. Its fur will shed excessively. The shedding time for this rabbit comes once a year.
These rabbits come with various things. The ARBA accepts the colors, such as the chinchilla, sable point, black silver marten, tortoiseshell orange, blue tan, chocolate Himalayan, etc.
What is the History of Netherland Dwarf Breed?
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The Netherland dwarf is from the Netherlands during the early 20th century. The breeding for these rabbits is using small Polish rabbits and smaller wild rabbits. And after several breeding generations, the result was a rabbit with a very small body structure that comes in various colors.
The first Netherland dwarf rabbits presented in the 1970s to the 1980s were quite fearful and sometimes aggressive. It was because breeders select wild dwarf rabbits for breeding with the Polish rabbit. The aggressive behavior of these rabbits makes them unfit for pets. Due to their selective breeding, the modern Netherland dwarf was created, and this had a gentle, docile, and friendly nature. It still retained the energy.
How does Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Reproduce?
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The breeding process of these rabbits is similar, just like other rabbit breeds. Captive rabbits like the Netherlands dwarf breed all year round due to forced breeding. It begins by placing a female and a male together in a cage. The male and the female will chase one another in the cage till the females give in and surrender.
The female rabbit will show that she is interested in the male by laying down on her side and allowing the male rabbit to smell or sniff her. The male rabbit will mount her, and they will mate quickly. The male will become the female after a while, indicating that it was a successful mate.
The breeder transfers the female rabbit into another cage after a few days and creates a nesting area. This rabbit separation period is for up to 38 days and before the female delivers her kids. The female rabbit will lose interest in eating and drinking and act a bit restless or agitated. It is the time when she begins to look for a good place to deliver her baby.
The female rabbit will use hay, fur, and other accessible materials to build her nest, and soon, the baby rabbit will be born with at least 3-5 babies in one litter. The bunnies are naked, deaf, blind when born, and vulnerable to predators like pets or cats.
The mother will live in the nest for a short time at night to nurse the babies and then leave. She will return each night to nurse her young and then wean them on days 10-13. The babies will open their eyes on the 5th day and will leave the nest on day 10.
How to Take Care of Netherland Dwarf Rabbits?
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Despite taking care of a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is like caring for other rabbit breeds. The correct diet, the right housing, companionship, frequent medical check-up, and instant treatment for any illness.
Hay is amongst the bulk of a rabbit’s diet because it has many advantages. You can also feed these rabbits pellets or commercially prepared food because of their vitamins and minerals. Moreover, you can also give your rabbits small pieces of vegetables and fruits.
You should provide fresh water and hay inside their cages. Do not forget about the hay, as it comprises 70 to 80% of its meals because it’s rough and will keep its digestive tracts regular.
You should keep the water in a heavy bowl so that the rabbit can drink from it. Keep the water in a heavy bowl or dish as your rabbit won’t knock it off. An upside-down water bottle with a spout at the end is also a good container for your pet to drink from.
The correct type of food is essential for this rabbit as it helps protect it from pesticides and herbicide toxins by feeding it only organic vegetables and fruits. These rabbits will consume legume hay due to its nutritiousness and are best for senior rabbits.
These are lovable pets, but this temperament can only be developed if you train it well. You should interact with these rabbits by playing with them. Rabbits are social animals. They need rabbit companions other than their owner. Rabbits with constant companions and regular interactions with their carers are healthier and happier and may lives longer than other rabbits.
The grooming for these rabbits is like other rabbits. These are very meticulous and will groom themselves. Rabbits groom each other, which is a sign that they are happy with their companions. A mother rabbit also grooms her kits when she is still in her nest, but this behavior does not last as mother rabbits leave the nest early and come during the night to their hungry babies.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are extremely active during the day as they forage, eat, breed, and socialize. They tend to sleep during the evenings at around eight hours a day. Feeding the dwarf bunny must be done in the morning when they are very active.
Dental Care for Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
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The teeth of a dwarf bunny tend to grow continuously. Their teeth can grow very long, pierce the gums and mouth, causing pain, discomfort, and loss of appetite. You should ensure that the rabbit’s teeth do not overgrow.
Moreover, you can assist this breed of rabbit by providing hay because this files down teeth naturally as they chew. You can also put some small chunks of wood or other accessories that can file the teeth of the rabbit. Ensure you check the rabbit’s dental health to save on expensive dental bills.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Different Varieties Of Pet Rabbit Breeds
Grooming for Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit
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Netherland Dwarf Rabbits have moderately short furs depending, but you have to groom this regularly no matter what. Brushing their fur will assist you in cleaning, shiny, and free from pests—Groom this using a small brush at least twice a week.
During the molting season, you should frequently groom the rabbit. If you ignore it, it will cause wool blocks and keep the rabbit from ingesting fur. It can accumulate in the digestive tract leading to the digestive tract and cause more health complications.
If your rabbit comes home muddy or dirty, do not bathe it. It can cause a lot of stress. The best and easiest method to clean your rabbits is to use a damp towel. Wipe the rabbit down with the dry towel.
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Conclusion
Dwarf Bunny is an adorable pet. You have to take extra care of these rabbits. If you notice that something is wrong with your dwarf bunny, you should immediately take it to the vet.
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