View source for Netherland Dwarf rabbit

{{Short description|Breed of rabbit}}
{{for|the 2008 short film|Netherland Dwarf (film)}}
{{Infobox animal breed|name=Netherland Dwarf rabbit|image=Rabbit-with-grass.jpg|country={{flag|Netherlands}}|distribution=Worldwide|weight={{convert|1.1|–|2.5|lb|kg}}|coat=Short, Fine|life_span= 7-10 years}}
[[File:Ro pool gilberte.jpg|thumb|right|A Netherland Dwarf rabbit; note the short ears, [[brachycephalic]] head and cobby body. Ruby-eyed white colour variety|240px]]
The '''Netherland Dwarf''' is a [[breed]] of [[domestic rabbit]] that originated in the [[Netherlands]]. Weighing {{convert|1.1|–|2.5|lb|kg}},<ref name="ARBA website">{{cite web|title=ARBA Recognized Breeds|url=https://arba.net/recognized-breeds/|website=American Rabbit Breeders Association|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref><ref name=BRC>{{cite web|title=Breed Standards 2021-2025|url=https://thebritishrabbitcouncil.org/Breed%20Standards%20Book%202021.pdf|website=British Rabbit Council|accessdate=21 November 2022}}</ref> the Netherland Dwarf is one of the [[Dwarf rabbit#Smallest rabbit breeds|smallest rabbit breeds]]. Its popularity as a [[pet]] or show rabbit may stem from its [[neotenic]] appearance. The Netherland Dwarf is recognised by both the [[American Rabbit Breeders Association]] (ARBA)<ref name="ARBA website"/> and the [[British Rabbit Council]] (BRC).<ref name=BRC/> The Netherland Dwarf is often confused with the [[Polish rabbit|Polish]] breed of rabbit, but the latter has longer ears, a non-brachycephalic head and less cobbiness. There are also different groups within the breed, such as: true dwarfs, false dwarfs and a group with a nickname "Peanuts". True dwarfs have one [[allele]] for dwarfism out of the two which makes it smaller than a false dwarf, true dwarfs are the ideal Netherland dwarf. False dwarfs have zero alleles for dwarfism out of the two which makes them larger than usual. Peanuts have two alleles for dwarfism ( which can only happen if you breed two true dwarfs together) this causes the rabbit to be abnormally small and will die as in nearly all cases they can not drink their mother's milk.

==History==
[[File:Netherland Dwarf - Sable Point.jpg|thumb|An adult Netherland Dwarf rabbit in Sable Point colour.]]
The Netherland Dwarf breed was first produced in the [[Netherlands]] in the early 20th century.  Small [[List of rabbit breeds#Polish|Polish rabbits]] were bred with smaller wild [[European rabbit|rabbit]]s;<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf">{{cite book|publisher=[[American Rabbit Breeders Association]]|title=Official Guide Book: Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies|year=2000|location=Bloomington, IL|pages=65}}</ref> after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Netherland Dwarfs were first imported into the [[United Kingdom]] in 1948.<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" /> In the 1960s and 1970s the [[United States]] imported its first Netherland Dwarf rabbits. The breed was accepted by the [[American Rabbit Breeders Association]] in 1969 using a modification of the British standard.<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf"/>

Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and 1980s, had fearful and sometimes aggressive [[temperaments]]. This was a result of [[breeders]] selecting wild [[breeder (animal)|breeding animals]] for their size. The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these [[Wildness|wild]] rabbits than domestic animals and were not good [[pets]]. However, through generations of [[selective breeding]], the modern Netherland Dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still can retain a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.
[[Image:ljsilasbaby.jpg|thumbnail|11-week-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit. (Vienna Marked Black Otter)]]

==Appearance==
[[Image:Blue-Eyed White Netherland Dwarf.jpg|thumb|right|Young blue-eyed-white Netherland Dwarf eating timothy hay.]]
The Netherland Dwarf's head and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to its short-coupled and stout ("cobby")<ref name="Baskett">{{cite book|editor1-last=Baskett|editor1-first=Nancy K.|editor2-last=Newman|editor2-first=Jerry A.|title=4-H Rabbit Project Leader Guide: Introduction, Glossary, and References|date=1 July 2014|publisher=[[Washington State University]]|pages=19, 25|edition=WSU Extension Bulletin EM075E|url=http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/EM075E/EM075E.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406040818/http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/EM075E/EM075E.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2018|access-date=5 April 2018|quote=Cobby — Short and stocky, close-coupled; very compact. Stocky — Compact, stout, and cobby.}}</ref> body. Its ears are notably short and carried high on the head and its face is rounded and [[brachycephaly|brachycephalic]]. These [[Neoteny|neotenic]] features, a result of [[dwarfism]], cause the Netherland Dwarf to retain an infantile appearance even into adulthood.
[[Image:Kostya2.jpg|thumb|1½ year old red-eyed-white (REW) Netherland Dwarf.]]

The Netherland Dwarf has been bred in a wide variety of colours{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} including: Ruby Eyed White, Blue Eyed White, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Siamese Sable, Siamese Smoke, Sealpoint, Sable Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Tortoiseshell, Agouti, Red Agouti, Opal, Cinnamon, Lynx, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Tan, Marten Sable, Marten Smoke, Black Otter, Blue Otter, Chocolate Otter, Lilac Otter, Fox, Orange, Fawn, Hotot, Himalayan, Harlequin, Magpie, Broken, Butterfly and Mantle {{clarify span|text=EMD|explain=acronym? meaning?|date=April 2018}}.
[[File:Rabbit-with-flower.jpg|thumb|A 7 year old Netherland Dwarf.]]

==As pets==
{{main article|Domestic rabbit#As pets}}
{{sources|section|date=June 2018}}
[[File:GreyNetherlandsDwarf.jpg|thumb|A grey Netherland Dwarf rabbit, 2 years old]]

Due to their size and overall disposition, Netherlands Dwarfs often do not make good pets for children although suitability will vary between individual rabbits. Small children, who may play with or pick up the rabbit to cuddle it, are generally not suited to the animal; dwarf rabbits do not like to be picked up or held tightly, and may bite, scratch or struggle wildly if the child does so. This often leads to accidents if the child drops them out of fright, which can then lead to injuries due to the fragile nature of rabbit bones. Larger breeds of rabbits are instead recommended for children, because they have fewer issues with temperament. However, it's possible for dwarf rabbits to learn to enjoy being held and cuddled, if properly trained as a baby with patience and care.

Dwarf rabbits can make excellent pets for adults. They thrive in a quiet, stable environment with plenty of human interaction. They are trainable, quiet and clean. Grooming needs are minimal, but rabbits will typically enjoy a daily brushing. Time is needed to bond with the rabbit and to build trust, because dwarf breeds are often more nervous and more aloof than larger breeds. However, when the rabbit has bonded with their owner, they make affectionate pets.

The expected lifespan of domesticated Netherland Dwarfs is 7–10 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Health Facts by Petplan|url=https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/rabbit/breed/netherland-dwarf/|website=www.petplan.co.uk|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref>

==Behaviour==
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2016}}
Netherland Dwarf rabbits can be litter-trained, as they have a natural tendency to choose the same spot for their droppings, and a much higher intelligence than most rabbits,{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} making it easier to litter train them.

Netherland Dwarfs can be skittish, wild and/or of a disagreeable nature. This is a leftover stereotype from the beginnings of the breed. This has changed through selective breeding; however, they are skittish and aloof. They are extremely active and energetic, requiring the same amount of exercise as other breeds of rabbit. They also have a higher tendency towards nervousness and stress. As with any species, disposition will vary from individual to individual.
[[File:Pet-rebbit-on-Swing (seat)-in-beijing.jpg|thumb|A Netherland Dwarf rabbit on swing]]

==Diet==
[[File:4-Week-Old Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit.JPG|thumb|A 4-week-old Netherlands Dwarf rabbit.]]
The diet of a Netherlands Dwarf consists of an unlimited supply of hay, vegetables and good quality pellets. Root vegetables and fruit, which are high in sugar, are not considered suitable for forming a major part of the rabbit's diet, and should be given sparingly in small quantities.

Pellets should be fed in proportion to the adult rabbit's body weight, with 1/8 cup per pound of body weight recommended; juvenile rabbits, in contrast, are recommended to be fed an unlimited quantity of pellets. Vegetables, in particular dark, leafy greens, are also recommended in proportion to the rabbit's body weight, at 2 cups or more per 6 pounds of body weight.<ref name="bio.miami.edu">[https://rabbit.org/care/food-diet/ Proper Rabbit Maintenance Diet] Retrieved 21 November 2022.</ref> Alfalfa pellets are recommended for juvenile animals, with pellets gradually replaced with other hays and pellets as the rabbit ages, and food curtailed in proportion to the rabbit's weight.<ref>[https://rabbit.org/care/food-diet/ Rabbit Food - House Rabbit Society] Retrieved 21 November 2022.</ref>

==Dwarf breeds==
[[File:Pure-black Netherland Dwarf rabbit.jpg|thumb|An adult female Netherland Dwarf, Black Self.]]
{{Main|Dwarf rabbit}}

Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland Dwarf (or any rabbit with a dwarf gene) are known as ''dwarf breeds''. Most smaller breeds, like the Mini Rex, the [[Jersey Wooly]], and the Holland Lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland Dwarf, not growing larger than {{cvt|4–5|lb}}. Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded head, large eyes or small ears of the Netherland Dwarf. These features make them look little. Specifically, the Netherland Dwarf body should be round, compact and equally broad from front to back.

Dwarf rabbits also have short legs and a large head in relation to the body. Their foreheads are broad and they have well-developed muzzles. Furthermore, the eyes are large and prominent. Their ears are erect and close together, reaching between one and three inches in length. They have to be shorter than {{cvt|2.5|in}} per ARBA rules; if not, this is a disqualification from competition in the Netherland Dwarf breed. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh {{cvt|2–2.5|lb}} according to ARBA.<ref>Wegler, Monika. "The Dwarf Breeds." My Dwarf Rabbit. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 2008. 26-31. Print.</ref>

==Breeding==
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2018}}
[[Image:netherland dwarf rabbit chibi.JPG|thumb|right|A one-year-old Chestnut (Agouti) Netherland Dwarf]]
The dwarf gene (symbol Dw) was discovered in the United States during the beginning of the 20th century. When two "true dwarfs" (both buck and doe) are bred, the genetic pattern which makes them "true dwarfs" (Dwdw) ensures that 25 percentage of their offspring will inherit the lethal genetic combination dwdw. These offspring, often called "peanuts" by rabbit breeders, fail to thrive and most die within 1–3 days of birth. The reasons behind the lethal nature of the dwdw combination is unknown, but it is believed to cause underdeveloped digestive tracts in rabbits. The condition is 100% fatal, although if fed by hand every hour and kept warm, it is possible for a peanut to survive for up to three weeks, even though it will be handicapped for its entire short life.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} Many ethical breeders humanely euthanise peanuts upon finding them soon after birth. Peanuts are easily distinguished from non-peanuts; they have extremely pinched hindquarters, a bulbous head and their ears are often set further back than normal (sometimes almost onto the neck).

If two true dwarfs are bred, the statistical result will be 25% fatal 25% false, and 50% true. The actual numbers of true/false/peanuts in a real litter varies. "False Dwarfs" tend to have longer bodies, longer/larger ears, longer faces, and are mostly heavier than the {{cvt|2.5|lb}} maximum weight for showing. While false dwarfs (referred to as BUDs by breeders, meaning "big ugly doe") do not make good show rabbits, does from a good background are vital to a breeder's programme. They have the same "good genes" as a true dwarf and are capable mothers, possibly even having larger and more successful litters than true dwarfs. False Dwarfs are also unable to produce peanuts. Their litters will be 50% false dwarfs and 50% true dwarfs if they are bred to a true dwarf buck. False dwarfs are easily judged for quality as the traits are generally the same, only bigger. Ear thickness/shape, fullness of hindquarter, topline and other traits are the same.

It is common practice among Netherland Dwarf breeders to breed a proven show quality true dwarf buck to a quality false dwarf doe. This eliminates the chance of peanuts and yields quality offspring. The chances of false dwarfs is higher, but those offspring generally go toward breeding (some false dwarf bucks have proven themselves valuable to a breeding programme) or are sold as pets. Usually false dwarf bucks are not kept by breeders.

==See also==
*[[Dwarf rabbit]]
*[[List of rabbit breeds]]

==References==
{{Anchor|Notes|reason="Notes" is the old section name, which was changed to "References" on 5 April 2018}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.andrc.com American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150103223107/http://mylovelybunny.com/ Dwarf Rabbits Articles]
*[https://rabbitbreeders.us/netherland-dwarf-rabbits Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Breed History]
*[https://rabbitbreeders.us/rabbit-breeds Breeds of Rabbits Chart]


[[Category:Rabbit breeds]]
[[Category:Rabbits as pets]]
[[Category:Rabbit breeds originating in the Netherlands]]

[[fi:Hermeliinikani]]