![]() When two "true dwarfs" (both buck and doe) are bred, the genetic pattern which makes them "true dwarfs" (Dwdw) ensures that 25 percentage of their offspring will inherit the lethal genetic combination dwdw. The dwarf gene (symbol Dw) was discovered in the United States during the beginning of the 20th century. Breeding Ī one-year-old Chestnut (Agouti) Netherland Dwarf Dwarf rabbits typically weigh 2–2.5 lb (0.91–1.13 kg) according to ARBA. They have to be shorter than 2.5 in (64 mm) per ARBA rules if not, this is a disqualification from competition in the Netherland Dwarf breed. Their ears are erect and close together, reaching between one and three inches in length. Furthermore, the eyes are large and prominent. Their foreheads are broad and they have well developed muzzles. Specifically, the Netherland Dwarf body should be round, compact and equally broad from front to back.ĭwarf rabbits also have short legs and a large head in relation to the body. Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded head, large eyes or small ears of the Netherland Dwarf. ![]() Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland Dwarf, not growing larger than 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg). Most smaller breeds, like the Mini Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland Lop, are results of such breedings. Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland Dwarf (or any rabbit with a dwarf gene) are known as dwarf breeds. The expected lifespan of domesticated Netherland Dwarfs is 7-10 years. However, when the rabbit has bonded with their owner, they make affectionate pets. Time is needed to bond with the rabbit and to build trust, because dwarf breeds are often more nervous and more aloof than larger breeds. Grooming needs are minimal, but rabbits will typically enjoy a daily brushing. They thrive in a quiet, stable environment with plenty of human interaction. However, dwarf rabbits can make excellent pets for adults. Larger breeds of rabbits are instead recommended for children, because they have fewer issues with temperament. This often leads to accidents if the child drops them out of fright, which can then lead to injuries due to the fragile nature of rabbit bones. Small children, who may play with or pick up the rabbit to cuddle it, are generally not suited to the animal dwarf rabbits do not like to be picked up or held tightly, and may bite, scratch or struggle wildly if the child does so. However, through generations of selective breeding, the modern Netherland Dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still can retain a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.Ī grey Netherland Dwarf rabbit, 2 years oldĭue to their size and overall disposition, Netherlands Dwarfs often do not make good pets for children although suitability will vary between individual rabbits. The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these wild rabbits than domestic animals and were not good pets. This was a result of breeders selecting wild breeding animals for their size. Įarly dwarfs, even into the 1970s and 1980s, had fearful and sometimes aggressive temperaments. The breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1969 using a modification of the British standard. In the 1960s and 1970s the United States imported its first Netherland Dwarf rabbits. Netherland Dwarfs were first imported into the United Kingdom in 1948. Small Polish rabbits were bred with smaller wild rabbits after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. The Netherland Dwarf breed was first produced in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. An adult Netherland Dwarf rabbit in Sable Point colour.
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