Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit – Feisty Bunny in a Tiny Body
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is another tiny, cute breed that is incredibly well loved with breeders and pet owners alike. The average Netherland Dwarf tips the scales at a diminutive two pounds, making it one of the smallest breeds in the world.
Just Like the Bunny in the Commercials
The Netherland Dwarf is usually a furry bundle of energy. They despise to be cooped up for long periods of time and like to run around and play with small toys. If their owner doesn’t give them their own, they have a habit of making them, out of mattresses, clothing and any papers they might find (lock up your vital documents!).
They do get a rather terrible rap, as many people describe them as being terrible tempered, but if they are handled properly from an early age they bite and scratch no more than other breeds. It may be a excellent thought when purchasing a Netherland Dwarf to go for a slightly older animal, around five months, so you have a surpass thought of its temperament.
Thick Ears and Chunky Bodies
The Netherland Dwarf is a stout looking creature, with small, thick ears. A show Netherland will be disqualified if its ears measure over two and a half inches. Their small ears also mean they cannot regulate heat as well as larger eared bunnies, so they need to be kept cool at all times. They come in a vast array of insignia, more than any other breed.
Harder to Breed, But Value the Effort
The Netherland Dwarf is a notoriously hard rabbit to breed successfully. From small sized litters (averaging one to four) half can be born with two dwarfing genes, which is invariably fatal. The Netherland also now and again carries the “Max Factor Gene” which causes kits to be born with mutated or missing limbs and misaligned teeth. For a breeder, finding excellent specimens to breed can be a hard task, but most who make the effort usually find its well value it.