The most common health problems for this breed stem from breeding itself. They don’t need as much grooming as long-haired pets, and they can learn to use the litter box and even do tricks. They’re intelligent, quiet, clean pets, and they thrive with the right kind of attention. Like other dwarf rabbits, Netherland Dwarfs have very fragile bones and can suffer serious injuries if it falls or struggles against being held.ĭwarf breed rabbits can, however, make excellent pets for adults, especially in a quiet home. They generally don’t like to be picked up or held, and they’re quick to bite and scratch when frightened. In fact, although individual personalities can vary, this breed’s general character makes it an unsuitable pet for children.īecause wild rabbits made such a large and recent contribution to the breed’s genetics, Netherland Dwarfs tend to be skittish. “False dwarfs” have longer bodies, faces, and ears.Ī Netherland Dwarf rabbit may be cute and fluffy, but it’s no toy. “True dwarfs” have the flat face, small ears, and cobby body that typifies the breed. You might hear the terms “true dwarf” and “false dwarf.” These terms refer to naturally occurring variations in the Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed. Netherland Dwarf rabbits have short, thick fur that can come in a wide variety of colours, including: Their ears are also short and set high on the back of the head. Netherland Dwarf rabbits typically have short, stubby (“cobby”) bodies and flat, brachycephalic faces. Netherland Dwarf rabbits typically weigh between two and 2.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.13 kilograms). Most dwarf breeds top out at around four to five pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kilograms). The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is small, even for a dwarf rabbit. Netherland Dwarf rabbits achieved recognition in the Netherlands in 1940, in Britain in 1950, and in the United States in 1969. The result of this attempt was a mighty mini that is not only smaller than other dwarf rabbits but which does, indeed, come in an astounding variety of colours. A group of pet rabbit breeders in the Netherlands bred the Hermelin (or “ Polish Rabbit”) with native wild rabbits, in an attempt to create a new small pet rabbit breed that came in a large number of pleasing colours. Thirty years of selective breeding went into the creation of the Netherland Dwarf. You’ll know this breed by its small size, short, high, upright ears and its flattened face. It’s the smallest of these breeds, but owners will attest that they’re among the feistiest of all pets. The Netherland Dwarf is one of a handful of dwarf breeds. They also have some special needs as far as care. These rabbits may be small in stature, but they’re big in personality. It’s a fact: the Netherland Dwarf is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the world.

Black otter netherland dwarf