Dutch Rabbit
Dutch Rabbit Pet Profile
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 6-7 pounds (2-3 kg) |
| Fur | Short |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Personality | Friendly, good-natured |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Suitable for | Beginners and experienced owners |
| Origin | England |
| Indoor | Yes |
| Outdoor | Yes |
| Special characteristics | Unique fur markings, learns tricks |
| Similar breeds | Havanna, American Rabbit |
Characteristics
The little Dutch Rabbit has colored fur all over, with white markings on its face, shoulders and paws. Its fur markings are so unique and characteristic that this breed is unmistakable. They need a really large run and have a passion for playing with toys.
Personality
Dutch Rabbits are great for beginners as they’re very sociable. They rarely take things the wrong way, and they’re friendly and docile. As long as they’re treated well. Dutch Rabbits really suffer when left in a cage. Simply put, they have a lot of energy and want to move around, run and jump. They should spend as many hours outdoors as possible, every day. They want to discover everything, and get really excited about rabbit-safe toys. Dutch Rabbits are also very intelligent and enjoy learning simple tricks.
Health and Care
Dutch Rabbits shed a lot. It’s best to give them a helping hand when they change their coat in spring and autumn, just by regularly giving them a gentle brush. This means that the hair ends up in the pet hairbrush instead of the floor or even in the rabbit’s belly.
Appearance
Size
Adorable Dutch Rabbits may be small but they’re not dwarf rabbits.
Head
Their heads are round and their foreheads broad.
Eyes
The eyes are dark brown to blue-gray.
Ears
Their ears are upright and short but wide.
Legs
Their front and hind legs are the same length.
Fur Color
The Dutch Rabbit has short, colored fur with white markings. On its face, it has a white marking in the shape of an inverted “V”. It’s very wide at the bottom, covering the whole mouth, and runs up between the eyes to between the ears. This rabbit is also white at the shoulders. It looks like this bunny is wearing a white belt. Its front and back paws are also white. The more symmetrical and even these markings are, the better. The colored fur can be black, blue, gray, chocolate or even tortoiseshell.
History and Origin
Dutch rabbits are just about as Dutch as the the New Zealand red rabbit is from New Zealand. Why are these breeders always trying to confuse us?! Well, at least the Californian rabbit is actually from California. But back to the Dutch Rabbits: this breed first appered around the year 1803 in England, although there must have been animals with similar markings in the Middle Ages. This is known beacuse there are old oil paintings showing them.
