Netherland Dwarf
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit – Feisty Bunny in a Tiny Body
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is another tiny, cute breed that is incredibly popular 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 hate to be cooped up for long periods of time and love 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 important documents!).
They do get a rather bad rap, as many people describe them as being bad tempered, but if they are handled properly from an early age they bite and scratch no more than other breeds. It may be a good idea when purchasing a Netherland Dwarf to go for a slightly older animal, around five months, so you have a better idea of its temperament.
Stubby Ears and Chunky Bodies
The Netherland Dwarf is a stout looking creature, with short, stubby 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 bigger eared bunnies, so they need to be kept cool at all times. They come in a vast array of colors, more than any other breed.
Harder to Breed, But Worth the Effort
The Netherland Dwarf is a notoriously difficult 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 sometimes carries the “Max Factor Gene” which causes kits to be born with mutated or missing limbs and misaligned teeth. For a breeder, finding good specimens to breed can be a hard task, but most who make the effort usually find its well worth it.