Dutch Rabbit-appearance, character, care


The Dutch rabbit, also known as the Dutch rabbit, Hollander or Brabander, is a pet with an adorable appearance and small size.

Do you know that Dutch rabbits have a misleading name? No, they come from the Netherlands. If you want to know this and other very curious and interesting facts about  the Dutch rabbit, keep reading this post from Petlifey.


What is the Dutch rabbit like?

The Dutch rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit. There is a different breed that is the dwarf Dutch rabbit, whose size is smaller. The Dutch rabbit weighs between 1.78 and 2.3 kilograms.

Its body is compact, small in size in proportion to its head, the hind legs are noticeably more elongated than the front ones. Its head is large and round, with almond-shaped eyes of color according to that of the fur and erect ears that are pointed at the end.


Character of the dutch rabbit or dutch rabbit

An affable and very affectionate character as well as calm. In the case of females, they are more independent, needing, at times, their own space. Males, on the contrary, are much more sociable and always seek contact with their owners.

The Dutch rabbit is one of the most popular rabbits and it is no coincidence, since it has a  kind and affectionate character. They are affectionate and very good rabbits, therefore, it is considered one of the best breeds of rabbit to have at home. They get along well with children, as well as other rabbits. It is recommended that if there are children in the home, you educate them to treat the bunny with great care, because like all rabbits, they are delicate and can suffer fractures easily. 

The Dutch rabbit has an intelligence that allows it to learn many tricks. With sweets or prizes (fruit) and, a little patience, you will be able to teach them many things, such as: lie down, go when you call them…


What colors can the Dutch rabbit be?

Its coat is short, always white as its base, with a mixture of another color .

  • Black: with a bluish base and dark brown eyes.
  • Blue: greyish blue in color and with eyes of the same blue tone.
  • Chinchilla: the last recognized variety, with an agouti colored coat (brown with black touches) and both pearl white and bluish black bands. Their eyes should preferably be brown.
  • Chocolate: with a chocolate mantle and brown eyes.
  • Gray: called gray-brown in the UK, agouti mango with caramel bands at the base of the hair. Its eyes are dark brown.
  • Steel: black in color and some parts with white hair base. His eyes are dark brown.
  • Tortoise: it has an orange coat with bluish shadows on the ears and legs, a dark cream base. His eyes are dark brown.
  • There are other varieties, only recognized in the United Kingdom, such as yellow and light grey.

Dutch rabbit health

The Dutch rabbit is NOT a particularly delicate or sickly breed, however, like all rabbits, it is very prone to bone fractures from blows or overexertion. Some of these injuries are especially serious, such as those affecting your spine, because in these cases they can become paralyzed. To avoid this, it is essential that we avoid falls and shocks 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 for any alarming signs.

If our rabbit has symptoms of discomfort such as fever, lethargy, starvation, not drinking or suddenly being aggressive, it is very important to go to the vet.


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 floor that is never mesh, as this seriously damages the legs of rabbits, producing plantar calluses.

In addition, as we discussed earlier, the state of the rabbit’s teeth must be monitored, as they continue to grow non-stop throughout their lives. Therefore, it is important that we give them a lot of hay and specific toys so that they can wear down their teeth.

As for their cleaning, it is advisable to brush them with some frequency. Remember that it is not advisable to bathe your rabbit regardless of the breed.


Dutch rabbit feeding

  • Hay must always be at your disposal. Hay is an essential food in the diet of Dutch rabbits and any other breed of rabbits as it helps them to digest and prevent hairballs.
  • Provide cool water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You must always have clean, fresh water within reach.
  • Their diet must be complemented with vegetables and quality feed. As for the fruit, we will give it to you in small quantities as a prize.

Origin of the Dutch rabbit

Despite its name, the Dutch rabbit does not come from the Netherlands. Actually, this breed of rabbits arose in 1830 in England, coming from rabbits imported from Belgium for food purposes. Those rabbits were the petits brabaçons. It was in England where the Brabançons specimens were selected, making the crosses that led to the appearance of the first Dutch rabbits.

This breed is currently one of the 10  most popular and typical rabbit breeds  among households around the world. They used to be even more popular, but today other breeds have topped the list.


Where can I adopt a Hollander?

In recent years the Dutch rabbit has become very popular as a pet, so it will not be very difficult to find one in a shelter or association dedicated to rabbits.

Many of the rabbits that we can buy in pet stores are not in the best condition. We recommend that you opt for adoption and, failing that, that you buy your bunny from a specialized rabbit farm.


How to prepare the house for a rabbit

Here are some tips to prepare the cages, pen or house for a Dutch rabbit:

  • If you are going to keep it in a cage, you must take into account its dimensions. The ideal would be to have a house or corral conditioned for rabbits, with walkways and bridges so that they can run around and play but if, due to space problems, you do not have such a possibility, keep in mind that the measures of the cage that house your small pets must be a minimum of 90 cm long by 50 wide and high.
  • You should let them out of the cage several times a day, so it can stretch and run around at will. Keep in mind that keeping an animal like this 24 hours a day and every day in a cage is totally inappropriate and will make it suffer unnecessarily.
  • In one corner of the cage, you can put a special tray to fulfil its needs.
  • Your home should also have a feeder, a drinking fountain, and a place where you can shelter and climb.
  • Keep your pet’s cage or house, always, in a place away from direct sunlight or any source of heat as well as drafts or excess humidity.
  • Clean the cage often with non-harmful products (natural soaps, vinegar,…).

how old does a Hollander rabbit live?

Dutch rabbits typically have a lifespan of between 5 and 8 years old. With a good diet, regular check-ups and good hygiene, rabbits have a good chance of living even a few years longer.


Other breeds of dwarf rabbits

In addition to the Dutch dwarf rabbit, there are  other breeds of dwarf or small rabbits, equally adorable and ideal as pets. Among the best known and desired by all are:

  • English Angora Rabbit:  Its long and bushy coat makes it the favourite of those who love furry animals. Of course, you must bear in mind that it will require greater care with respect to brushing and its diet.
  • Mini lop:  with a maximum weight of 2 kilos, the Mini lop is characterized by having funny ears that fall on both sides of the head.
  • Lionhead :  The Lionhead rabbit is one of the most peculiar breeds of dwarf rabbits. Its curious mane, around its head, makes them a funny little lion.
  • Hotot :  The Hotot is preferred by many due to its beautiful and soft white fur and that spot, around the eye, which gives it a very peculiar appearance.

As you can see, there are many breeds of dwarf rabbits that, today, can be found. Before choosing one, it is important that you take into account the time and attention that you can dedicate to it.


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