Do you know that Dutch rabbits have a tricky name? Where do you think these adorable bunnies come from? No, they do not come from the Netherlands. If you want to know this and other very curious and interesting facts about the Dutch rabbit, stay with us.
Dutch rabbits have been, for many decades, one of the most common pet rabbit breeds, as well as one of the most famous worldwide. With the arrival and development of other breeds, especially those known as toy rabbit breeds, they have lost some popularity, although they are still one of the favorite breeds for rabbit lovers. Keep reading this file on our site and find out everything about the Dutch rabbit or dutch rabbit.
Origin of the dutch rabbit
Despite its name, the Dutch rabbit does not come from Holland. In fact, this breed of rabbit emerged in 1830 in England, coming from rabbits imported from Belgium for food purposes. Those rabbits were the petits brabaçons It was in England that the brabançons specimens were selected, making the crosses that gave rise to the appearance of the first Dutch rabbits, which they are also called dutch rabbits.
This breed is currently one of the 10 most popular and typical rabbit breeds among households around the world. Before they were even more popular, but today other breeds have occupied the top positions of the list, leaving the Dutch at the bottom of the ranking, although it still remains among the most famous and favorite rabbits.
Characteristics of the dutch rabbit
The Dutch rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit, and there is a distinct breed that is the Dwarf Dutch Rabbit, which is toy-sized. The dutch weighs between 1.78 and 2.3 kilograms With an average life expectancy of between 5 and 8 years
Its body is compact, small in proportion to its head, the hind legs are notably longer than the front ones. Its head is large and round, with almond-shaped eyes the color of its fur and erect ears that end in points.
Colors of the dutch rabbit
Its fur is short, always colored white as a base of the same, with a mixture of another color. Depending on this colour, the following types of Dutch rabbits are distinguished:
- Black: with a bluish base and dark brown eyes.
- Azul: greyish-blue in color with eyes of the same shade of blue.
- Chinchilla: the last recognized variety, with an agouti (brown with black touches) coat and both pearl white and bluish black bands. His eyes should preferably be brown.
- Chocolate: chocolate coat and brown eyes.
- Grey: Called grey-brown in UK, mango agouti with caramel bands at base of hair. His eyes are dark brown.
- Acero: black in color with some parts with white hair base. His eyes are dark brown.
- Tortoise: has an orange coat with bluish shadows on the ears and legs, dark cream base. His eyes are dark brown.
There are other varieties, only recognized in the United Kingdom, such as yellow and light gray.
Dutch rabbit character
That the Dutchman is one of the most popular rabbits is no coincidence, as it is mainly due to the kind and affectionate character he has. They are affectionate and very good rabbits, which is why many consider them one of the best rabbit breeds to have at home.
There are slight differences in the temperament of the Dutch rabbits, depending on whether they are males or females, since they tend to have a calmer character and meek than they, who are more independent.
They get along well with children, as well as other rabbits. What is recommended if there are children in the home is to educate them to treat the bunny very carefully, because like all rabbits, they are delicate and can easily suffer fractures. For this reason, you also have to be careful with scares, because a bad jump can injure you.
Dutch rabbit care
We have to provide our rabbit with a space to live. If the cage is considered necessary, it must be limited to when it is strictly necessary, being in addition to a large size and a floor that is never made of mesh, since it seriously damages rabbits' feet, producing calluses.
In addition, you have to monitor the condition of the rabbit's teeth, as they continue to grow non-stop throughout their lives. For this reason, it is important that we give them specific toys so that they can gnaw so they can wear down their teeth, although if their diet is adequate, much more is not necessary, as they will wear out naturally, except in exceptional cases.
As for their grooming, it is advisable to brush them with some frequencyNot so bathing them, as this removes the oily layer that protects them and isolates them from temperatures and external agents that may be irritating to their skin. Also, in winter or when there are drafts, if they are humid, they often get seriously ill.
Feeding the dutch rabbit
Rabbits should receive a diet entirely of plant origin, as they are herbivorous animals. Therefore, their diet must be composed mainly of hay, as well as fresh vegetables, some more occasional fruits. Here we explain more about What do rabbits eat?
Some of the most beneficial foods for your he alth are, in moderation in all cases: parsley, carrot tops, lettuce or spinach. It is important to supply them with green leafy vegetables, as they contain calcium and vitamin C, which are very important for their he alth. On the other hand, here we detail what are the Prohibited Foods for rabbits.
This diet must always be accompanied by good hydration, so it is vital that they have access to fresh and clean water in at all times.
Dutch Rabbit He alth
The Dutch rabbit is not a particularly delicate or sickly breed, however, like all rabbits, it is very prone to bone fracturesbefore blows or overexertion. Some of these injuries are particularly serious, such as those affecting their spine, as in these cases they can be paralyzed. To avoid this, it is essential that we avoid falls and bumps at all costs.
It is also important to bear in mind that if our rabbit does not wear its teeth correctly, they can suffer serious pain, malformations that cause infections and oral malocclusions, as well as great discomfort. We have to check their mouths frequently, going to the vet at any alarming sign.
If our rabbit shows illness symptoms such as fever, lethargy, starvation, not drinking or suddenly becoming aggressive, it is very important to go to the vet, as it may be a condition that even puts his life at risk. In addition, we must keep them vaccinated and dewormed to avoid viral and bacterial infections, some of them fatal, such as myxomatosis.
Dutch rabbit adoption
Before adopting any type of pet, it is important that we assess their needs, being critical of ourselves and seeing if we will be able to care for them correctly.
If you decide to adopt a rabbit, you have to keep in mind that they are very special animals, because although they are very loving and affectionate, they also adorable, they can be elusive and fearful, especially if they are not used to contact with people.
Currently, there are multiple animal associations, most of them specialized in exotic animals, that have rabbits for adoption. We recommend going to the closest ones, as they may have a Dutch rabbit that is looking for a new home.
