Netherland Dwarf Rabbit: Breed Information

The Netherland dwarf is one of the most popular breeds of domestic rabbit. As the name implies, this tiny breed originates in the Netherlands and is significantly smaller than most other rabbit breeds. In general, a true Netherland dwarf will weigh between 1 and 3.5 pounds, making it roughly half the size of an average domestic rabbit. The breed's small stature makes it an ideal pet; it can live comfortably in relatively confined spaces.

Netherland dwarf rabbbits have plush, silky fur coats and adorably baby-like appearances. Their ears are small and erect, and their faces have a round, shortened face. Additionally, Netherland dwarf rabbits have large eyes compared to other breeds, giving them facial expressions similar to young kits. These adorably babyish features often cause people to mistake adult Netherland dwarf rabbits for young kits of other breeds.

The American Rabbit Breeder's Association, or ARBA, allows many different colors and patterns in show-quality, purebred Netherland dwarf rabbits. Allowed colors include black, blue, chocolate, lilac, smoke pearl, tortoiseshell, sable point, Himalayan, chestnut, Siamese sable, opal, lynx, steel, fawn, orange, broken, chinchilla, otter, squirrel, tan, silver marten, sable marten, smoke pearl marten, blue-eyed white and ruby-eyed white.

Netherland dwarf rabbits are sometimes more neurotic or aggressive than other breeds. They may have a tendency to love-bite, dig or chew more than other breeds. Many, however, are extremely docile. By nature, the Netherland dwarf is curious, bright, and social. It will bond strongly with its human guardians and will intentionally seek human interaction. Their sociability and manageable size make them good choices for homes with children.

Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as dogs or cats. They can be litter-trained, but success varies amongst trainers of any breed.

The Netherland dwarf is the ancestor of most dwarf and "mini" rabbit breeds. The Holland lop, mini-rex and Jersey wooly are all ARBA-approved breeds derived from the Netherland dwarf. In general, these dwarf breeds run slightly larger than Netherland dwarf rabbits, and retain the temperaments and coat types of their other parent breeds.

Netherland dwarf rabbits are difficult to breed. Conception is a challenge, and kit mortality is high. When two "true dwarf" rabbits-- purebred Netherland dwarfs weighing less than 2.5 pounds-- are bred, approximately 25% of the kits will inherit the "peanut" trait, which causes extreme dwarfism. The peanut trait is 100% fatal. For this reason, many breeders will mate true dwarf rabbits with slightly larger "false dwarf" rabbits, to prevent this fatal defect.

If you decide to adopt or purchase a Netherland dwarf rabbit, click here to learn how to care for these beautiful, lovable pets.

The American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club offers further information about the breed.