Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Breed Guide

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are very small rabbits with, round bodies and faces, short ears and big, round, bright eyes. Their heads are large in proportion to their small size. Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are short haired and their coat comes in a variety of colours, including, black, white, blue, siamese sable, smoke pearl, seal point, opal, tan and chinchilla.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits were originally known to be quite a bad natured, wild and skittish breed, this however has been changed through selective breeding and now most Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are calm and docile. Those that are handled often learn to seek out human contact and enjoy companionship. Though there are exceptions to this rule, so try and gauge the temperament of a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit before you buy it, maybe even enquire about its parents’ behaviour where possible.

Despite their small size Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are quite active and need to have plenty of exercise, they should wither have space in their house to allow for this or a separate run. Items like boxes and tubes will allow your Netherland Dwarf Rabbit to burrow and climb, keeping them amused and exercised.

When feeding a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, it is important to remember that they do not need a high level of sugar or protein or a large bowl full of food. Netherland Dwarf Rabbits need dry rabbit mix and lots of fresh hay to feed on, supplemented by fresh fruit and vegetables, in an earthenware bowl and regular supply of fresh water in a bottle feeder. Too much leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give Netherland Dwarf Rabbits diarrhoea.

You can house your Netherland Dwarf Rabbit indoors or outdoors in a cage or hutch that is suitable to their size. Ideally their house should have a separate sleeping area and plenty of space for them to exercise, if not they may need an additional run to allow for this.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits suffer from health problems common in most rabbits such as overgrown teeth, flystrike, mites, lice, fleas, diarrhoea and infections. Always keep an eye on your rabbit’s vital signs and make sure you keep them in a clean environment with a good diet.

7+ years

Holland