Facts about the Dutch Rabbit, aka The Hollander

The Dutch rabbit, although a very small breed is not a dwarf and averages around 4½ pounds at adulthood. This rabbit is one of the ten most popular breeds in the world. It was first introduced from Holland, where it is referred to as a Hollander rabbit, to England in 1864. The Dutch is one of the oldest domesticated rabbit breeds and makes an excellent pet as well as show rabbit.

The Dutch rabbit has a very easy going personality. They are a good natured, social breed that needs a lot of attention and an get bored very easily. This breed can be very jumpy and wary by nature and is best with children over 10 years old. Children under 10 should be closely supervised when around or handling these rabbits.

The Dutch need to adjust to being picked up and handled due to natural fear. New owners should receive proper training and instruction on picking up and handling their delicate bodies. Improper handling can easily cause serious injury. Their bone structure only makes up about 7 - 8 % of their total body weight and if allowed to kick or thrash about can incur lumbar vertebral fractures, resulting in paralysis. They are easily startled and can quickly flee. If handled carefully, young bunnies can easily learn to trust. They love to sit in laps, snuggle, and be affectionate. They can even be trained to recognize their home and come when called.

The Dutch rabbit is very small and have ears that stand erect. They have powerful back legs which are larger then their the front. The Dutch is always white with addition of another base color. They can live 5-8 years with longer life spans resulting from being spayed or neutered. Breeders are constantly trying to improve the breed. They are attempting to keep the perfect markings of the Dutch while expanding the varieties available.

Potential and experienced breeders consider this rabbit one of their greatest challenges. These rabbits for show have extremely high standards and expectations in appearance especially type and markings. American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) standards are available for those who wish to become breeders for show. ARBA recognizes 6 colors. These colors include black, blue, chocolate, gray, steel and tortoise. There are other colors recognized in other countries. Other standards such as BRC and UKDRC standards are also available for those who are interested.

The Dutch have sharp claws that should be periodically trimmed. Rabbits can on occasion show aggressive behavior in the form of biting. Their bites are more like pinches, but if provoked they can deliver a serious bite. Adult rabbits of the same sex can lead to overt aggression or fighting. Female rabbits show aggression towards male rabbits when territorial issues arise. Females are taken to the cage of males for breeding in order to avoid this form of aggression.

These rabbits are most active in the morning and at night and tend to sleep more during the day. Dutch love to run and jump. A proper exercise area with these activities will almost guarantee a happy rabbit.

The Dutch rabbit has an extremely short gestation [period, being only 30 - 33 days. An average litter has 5 to 6 kits. The kits are best weaned between 4 to 6 weeks old. The female can get pregnant the same day it gives birth but it is not recommended that you allow this to happen. This can be not only too stressful for the mother but also be dangerous to her health.

This breed of rabbit eats about .8 pounces of food per pound of rabbit and drinks about 50 - 100 ml per pound of rabbit depending on the temperature and humidity. They weigh between 3 ½ and 5 ½ pounds at adulthood. They reach adulthood at age 6 months.

Dutch rabbits are considered the Fancy Rabbit. Gentle and well dispositional this is a great breed for anyone from beginners to advanced handlers and breeders. Even though this rabbit is considered great for even beginners, you should still do plenty of research and learn all you can before purchasing one. This will ensure a happy healthy rabbit. You should not assume that taking care of any rabbit is easy. They require a lot of time and attention. They also require a lot of cleaning and proper care can be time consuming.