Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Netherland Dwarf rabbit is one of the tiniest types of rabbits and is loved by many people worldwide as a pet, including in the United States. These bunnies are full of energy and are very lively. Because they’re so small and fun, they make great companions for many people. Dr Nadene Stapleton says,
“The Netherland Dwarf rabbit: a pint-sized bundle of joy, with ears as soft as whispers and a heart as big as the world.”
However, when you bring them home, they might feel scared and shy, especially around little kids. But with proper training and getting used to being around people, they can become pleased pets.
If you want to know more about Netherland Dwarf rabbits and find out if they’re the right pet for you, keep reading.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit History
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit has a fascinating history. They’re special because they carry a gene that makes them small, known as the dwarf gene. They’re often compared to another breed called the Holland Lop because they both have tiny bodies, but the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest rabbit.
The story of their small size goes back to the mid-1900s when a breeder in Holland discovered this dwarf gene in rabbits. They started using this gene to breed tiny rabbits.
1969 the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) officially recognized the Netherland Dwarf rabbit. Since then, several other dwarf breeds have emerged, but the Netherland Dwarf remains one of the most beloved rabbit breeds in the United States.
Breed Origin
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit came from Holland, where five people spent 30 years creating a small rabbit that could come in different colours. Before they obtained the Netherland Dwarf, they crossed white Hermelin rabbits with domestic varieties and the wild rabbits in the area.
After the war, in 1947, some English rabbit lovers got their hands on Netherland Dwarf rabbits in different colours. England said “yes” to them in 1950, and they even started a club just for these rabbits in 1949.
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit also travelled across the ocean to North America in 1965. People in the United States wanted them to make the Polish rabbits there even better. Since then, these cute little rabbits have also been loved as pets in North America.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Characteristics
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is unique because of its size. A “true dwarf” Netherland Dwarf has one copy of a gene that makes them small. When two dwarf rabbits have babies, the babies can have no copies, one copy, or two copies of this gene.
If a rabbit has one copy of the gene, they won’t be small enough to be shown as Netherland Dwarfs. But if they have two copies, they might be too small and only live briefly.
When Netherland Dwarf rabbits have babies, they usually have between two and four in a litter. These little bunnies are more expensive than other rabbit breeds, typically costing between $30 and $90 each.
Appearance Of Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is a tiny bunny, usually weighing between 2 to 2.5 pounds. They stay small and cute like a baby bunny even when they grow up.
Their body is small and compact, with a big head, short face, and short ears. Their ears might seem funny because they’re small and stand on top of their big head! Plus, their legs are short, too.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Colors
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit comes in various colours approved by the ARBA. These colours are divided into five groups: self, shaded, agouti, tan, and other varieties.
Some popular colours include black, blue, chocolate, orange, tortoiseshell, sable point, blue tan, lynx, lilac, fawn, opal, black silver marten, and chinchilla.
Coat Of Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit has a short to medium-length coat that feels soft. Luckily, they don’t need a lot of grooming because their coat doesn’t get tangled easily.
However, they shed a bit more during shedding season, which happens a few times yearly. During this time, they might need a bit more brushing to help them stay neat.
Temperament
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit has a great personality, but it takes time for them to feel comfortable. At first, they might be shy and scared, especially in a new home. Giving them space and letting them get used to you slowly is essential.
With enough socializing and spending time with them, they’ll start to trust and love you. Once they feel comfortable, they’re very affectionate and enjoy being around people.
They’re lively and playful, so they’ll happily hop around the house. Giving them toys to play with keeps them entertained and prevents boredom.
Health Issue
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit, like all rabbits, can face specific health issues, mainly because of their small size.
GI Stasis: GI Stasis is a severe condition where the digestive system slows down or stops. Symptoms include loss of appetite, reduced faecal pellets, and lethargy. Quick treatment is essential.
Malocclusion: Malocclusion occurs when their teeth don’t align properly, making chewing difficult. It’s more common in smaller rabbits. Regular dental checkups are crucial to catch and treat this issue.
Ear Mites: These are common parasites in rabbits. You may notice your rabbit shaking their head often if they have them. Your vet can provide treatment.
Uterine Cancer: This is common in female rabbits over three years old. Treatment options are available.
Additionally, due to their small mouths and short noses, Netherland Dwarfs may be prone to respiratory issues. Like all rabbits, they can suffer back problems if handled improperly or accidentally dropped because of their size.
Regular visits to the vet can help catch and treat health issues early. Buying from a reputable breeder is also essential to reduce the risk of inherited health problems.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Diet And Food
How much you feed your Netherland Dwarf rabbit depends on how big, old, and active they are. They need to eat hay, pellets, and fresh veggies every day. Assure them access to clean water at all times.
Hay is essential for your Netherland Dwarf rabbit because it keeps their tummy working and helps their teeth stay healthy. They should eat lots of hay daily, at least as much as their size.
Pellets are like extra vitamins for your rabbit. They help keep them strong and healthy. Make sure to choose good-quality pellets for your pet. That’s all about keeping your Netherland Dwarf rabbit well-fed and happy.
Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food
For Netherland Dwarf rabbits, we suggest Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food. This food is great because it helps improve your rabbit’s digestion by supporting the growth of healthy microflora. It doesn’t contain any grain or soy, which makes it perfect for promoting urinary health. Plus, all the ingredients are natural, so your Netherland Dwarf won’t be eating anything harmful.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Size
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits typically have a shoulder height ranging from 5 to 6 inches (12.7-15.2 cm), a body length of 7.5 to 9 inches (19-23 cm), and netherland dwarf rabbit weight approximately 2 to 2.5 pounds (0.9-1.1 kg).
Exercise
Regular exercise is vital for pet rabbits to maintain their health and happiness. In their natural habitat, rabbits typically cover about three miles daily, highlighting the importance of providing ample opportunities for physical activity.
To ensure your pet stays active and engaged, allowing them at least three hours of free-range time daily, indoors or in a safe outdoor space, is recommended.
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed, known for its spirited and lively nature, mainly thrives once acclimated to a home environment. Once bonded with their owner, these rabbits enjoy companionship and interactive play. Providing stimulating toys is essential to keep them mentally engaged.
Exercise is crucial in preserving a rabbit’s well-being by promoting joint mobility, preventing boredom, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Setting up an outdoor enclosure can offer additional space for your Netherland Dwarf to frolic, but supervision is crucial due to their small size, which makes them vulnerable to predators.
Family Compatibility And Trainability
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit makes an excellent addition to various households, including couples, individuals, and the elderly living in homes or apartments. However, they may not be suitable for families with very young children due to their shy nature.
Young children may inadvertently handle rabbits roughly, potentially causing harm or instilling fear in the rabbit.Training a Netherland Dwarf rabbit can pose some challenges compared to other breeds, particularly in teaching them to use a litter tray.
Providing multiple litter trays throughout the house and offering convenient options for the rabbit is recommended to facilitate litter training.
For safety reasons, it’s advisable to keep Netherland Dwarf rabbits indoors as house pets rather than housing them in outdoor hutches. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predators, and keeping them indoors helps ensure their safety.
Although Netherland Dwarf rabbits don’t require extensive space due to their size, providing them with a spacious cabinet to move around comfortably is essential. Hutches with wire floors should be avoided to prevent the development of sore hocks in rabbits.
Best Hutch For The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
Petsfit Wood Rabbit Cage
Petsfit Wood Rabbit Cage is recommended if you have a Netherland Dwarf rabbit.It’s big enough for one or two bunnies, measuring 36 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 30 inches high. While it doesn’t have multiple levels, there’s plenty of space for your rabbits to move around. The hutch has a cozy enclosed area for sleeping or using the bathroom, and the bottom tray is easy to remove for cleaning.
This hutch is great for indoor use. It’s strong and simple to put together. There are two ways to access it: from the side and from the roof. You can also buy an extra ramp so your Netherland Dwarf rabbit can come and go as they please.
Grooming
Maintaining the grooming needs of a Netherland Dwarf rabbit is relatively simple. Brushing their fur once to twice a week helps keep their coat in optimal condition and prevents matting. More frequent brushing may be necessary during shedding seasons, occurring twice a year.
It’s best to use a bristled brush and stroke toward their fur’s natural growth when grooming. Bathing should be reserved for rare occasions, such as when the rabbit is exceptionally dirty, as it can be a stressful experience for them. Trimming their nails as needed is also essential for their overall care and comfort.
Conclusion
Netherland Dwarf rabbit is one of the most beloved breeds despite its diminutive size. Renowned for its adorable appearance and manageable care requirements, this compact bunny is a popular choice for many households. Perfect pet companion, this Netherland Dwarf Rabbit for sale brings charm and delight to any family.
While initially shy and cautious in new surroundings, with patient socialization and ample human interaction, they quickly adapt and become lively companions.
Their boundless energy and affectionate nature make them delightful pets, ready to charm their way into the hearts of their owners with their playful antics and endearing personalities.
Frequently Asked Question
Do Bunnies Of The Netherland Dwarf Breed Enjoy Cuddling?
A Netherland Dwarf rabbit will bond with its human family members and take pleasure in calm cuddles and interactive play and being handled once they feel at ease in their surroundings.
Can You Smell A Netherland Dwarf Rabbit?
The creatures themselves, rabbits, are immaculate, have odourless fur, and are meticulously groomed throughout the day.
What Is Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club?
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club is a community of enthusiasts dedicated to the care, breeding, and promotion of this adorable breed.
What Is Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Lifespan?
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit typically lives, on average, for about 10 to 12 years.
What Is Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Price?
The price range for Netherland Dwarf rabbits varies, starting from as low as $25 and going up to over $100.
Source
Common Netherland Dwarf Health Conditions
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