The Netherland dwarf is the smallest pet rabbit breed on the planet. This adorable bunny is a very popular pet because of its cute appearance. It also helps that it doesn’t have very demanding care needs. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the Netherland dwarf, from its history to care tips.
1. This Breed Is 100 Years+ Old
Netherland dwarf rabbits have been a recognized species for about 100 years. Breeders in the Netherlands created them by crossbreeding Polish pet rabbits with small wild rabbits. From there, the Netherland dwarf emerged as a distinct subspecies and achieved global popularity. The American Rabbit Breeders Association officially recognized them in 1969. There are millions of them across the globe, as they’re one of the top five most popular rabbit breeds, according to PetMD.
2. There Are Dozens of Varieties
One of the benefits of keeping Netherland dwarf rabbits is that there is one for everyone. Breeder associations recognize dozens of varieties. These aren’t subspecies of Netherland dwarfs; rather, they are categorized by color scheme. Some bunnies are available in solid colors, like black or brown. There are also shaded and tan patterned Netherland dwarf rabbits, as well as many others.
Fun fact: a litter can have many different colored kits! Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh up to 2.5 pounds and have ears shorter than 2.5 inches in length. They have thick fur that requires regular grooming, and their bodies have a rounder appearance than other breeds.
3. Netherland Dwarfs Need a High-fiber Diet
Netherland dwarf rabbits are no different than other pet rabbit breeds in that they need to eat lots of hay. This is full of fiber, which is crucial for their digestion. It’s also very important for their dental health. Give them unlimited hay every day; don’t worry, they’ll get through it! A smaller percentage of their diet should include pellets and greens.
You can get the former from any decent pet store. These will provide additional nutrient boosts and variety for your rabbit. Don’t overfeed your pet because they can suffer from obesity. Also, it may take time for adolescents to get used to eating vegetables. Don’t forget to give them clean water every day and refill their bottle as necessary.
4. Grooming These Small Rabbits Is Important
Many bunny breeds require regular grooming, including the Netherland dwarf rabbit. These rabbits need weekly brushing to remove excess hair. They will also shed several times throughout the year and need even more grooming then. You can give them chew toys, so their teeth don’t grow too long. Meanwhile, occasionally trim the rabbit’s nails every couple of months, too.
5. These Bunnies Belong Indoors
Netherland dwarf rabbits aren’t the most adaptable. We advise keeping them in an indoor hutch because it is safer for them. They don’t enjoy being cold, and temperature fluctuations could lead to stress. Being inside will also keep them safe from predators. Even if foxes, cats, or dogs can’t access their hutch, they can still intimidate the rabbit by lurking outside.
Experts recommend a four-by-three-foot cage at a minimum because this gives them plenty of space to move around. Rabbits require at least four hours of exercise daily, so don’t keep them in a cage the size of a shoebox. You’ll need a bigger space if you have multiple Netherland dwarf rabbits. Situate them away from cats, dogs, or other pets. There should be plenty of hiding spaces in their cage, too.
6. Bonding with a Dwarf Rabbit Takes Time
Most new rabbit owners expect their bunny to immediately love cuddles and games. This isn’t the case with Netherland dwarf rabbits. Human socialization is essential from an early age so that these pets enjoy being around humans. They can be skittish in the beginning, and it may take time to build trust. Be patient; it will happen eventually. Usually, males have calmer temperaments than females. Both sexes are relatively intelligent. You may be able to train your rabbit to use a litterbox or play games.
7. They’re Suitable for Children
Not all rabbit breeds are suitable pets for children. For example, we wouldn’t recommend giving an Angora rabbit to a child because of its extreme grooming requirements. However, a Netherland dwarf rabbit is a good option for a considerate and responsible child. These animals don’t have particularly demanding care requirements. Still, parents should still supervise their children around rabbits and explain the importance of proper care. Also, kids shouldn’t play too roughly with their rabbit or leave it outside without supervision.
8. Dwarf Netherland Rabbits Are Social Creatures
All domesticated bunny breeds are social creatures that require interaction and companionship. They need this from a human or another bunny. They live in giant networks in the wild, and they want socialization in captivity, too. It could be an issue, though, if you know you can’t be there for your rabbit all the time. In this case, you should consider getting a second bunny because they will support each other. They will play together, groom each other, and even cuddle while sleeping.
When getting a pair, be mindful not to mix unneutered males and females. There are cases where breeders or pet shops mistakenly sell unneutered males with disastrous consequences. A female rabbit can have up to 15 babies (or kits) in a single litter. Then, she can fall pregnant again within a couple of hours of giving birth. This isn’t a situation that most pet owners want to deal with, so exercise caution.
If you buy young rabbits, double-check because it can be difficult to sex them properly until they reach maturity. Otherwise, we recommend getting a pair because they’ll be happier together.
