Caring for Netherland Dwarf Rabbits: Everything that You Need to Know

They’re small, furry, quiet, domesticated, low-maintenance and come in a variety of colors – what else can you ask for from a pet? All these descriptions apply to one of the most popular breeds of rabbit in the world: the Netherland Dwarf  Rabbits.

Here, we will learn everything that there is to know about this animal breed which is also dubbed as the gem of the rabbit world.

Physical Traits of Netherland Dwarf Rabbits

First, what exactly does a Netherland Dwarf rabbit look like? As the name implies, this breed originated from the Netherlands and they are a lot smaller than other rabbit breeds.

According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are more than 45 different rabbit breeds today and the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest from the lot.  Ideally, an animal of this breed weighs a mere two pounds.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits are the most variedly-colored breed of rabbits, with almost 24 different color varieties available. Unlike their larger counterparts, Netherland Dwarf rabbits have a very unique look. Their eyes are small and bold; they have furry ears; a small and compact body; and the fur is soft yet dense to the touch.

Caring for the Gem of the Rabbit World

Basically, the first thing that you need to determine as a pet owner is whether the animal that you are caring for is domesticated enough to live in a typical home. In the case of Netherland Dwarf rabbits, they are happy, friendly little animals which make for an ideal pet.

Another good thing about choosing to care for Netherland Dwarf rabbits is the fact that due to their size – they only take up a very small amount of cage space. Their distinctive look appeals to most pet lovers and they are not at all difficult to look after.

Perhaps the only problem that you will have as far as the behavior of the Netherland Dwarf rabbit is concerned is a change in their habits when breeding age comes.  During this stage, they might become less agreeable and protective of their cage.  After the breeding age, however, things should quickly go back to normal between you and your pet.

To feed Netherland Dwarf rabbits, you can use the rabbit pellets which are available in pet feeds stores.  You can also use freshly rinsed green veggies and fruits to supplement their diet.  Regular grooming to remove loose hairs is advised and you need to make sure that the temperature in the room where they are kept is neither too high nor too low. On average, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit’s life span is 5 to 6 years – and about 10 years if they are neutered early.