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Photo Credit:
Use: The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed, when fully grown, resembles a kit with its small body, short ears and large eyes. Photo Courtesy Marylou Zarbock
History: The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed originates from England. The breed was developed from mutations of the Dutch rabbit breed. Courtesy Marylou Zarbock
Conformation: The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed has a small, compact body with short ears and large eyes. When fully grown, an adult resembles a kit. The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed’s size is less than 2½ pounds. The recognized color varieties are self (ruby-eyed white, blue-eyed white, black, blue, chocolate, lilac), shaded (Siamese sable, Siamese smoke pearl, sable point), agouti (chinchilla, lynx, opal, squirrel, chestnut), and tan pattern (sable marten, silver marten, smoke pearl marten, otter, tan). All other color varieties are recognized as well (fawn, Himalayan, orange, steel, tortoiseshell).
Special Considerations/Notes: The Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed is known to have a gentle temperament. Its life expectancy is about 5 to 8 years. Because it has a small head and jaw, the Netherland Dwarf is more susceptible to dental disease than other rabbit breeds.