Breed profile of the Dutch rabbit. Good-natured, friendly and intelligent, popular as house rabbits and childrens pets. Dutch rabbits are one of the oldest rabbit breeds...
Origins
The Dutch rabbit is one of the oldest breeds, originating in Britain in the mid 19th century. Rabbits with dutch markings were known hundreds of years ago and can be seen in paintings from the 15th century. The Dutch is descended from the Petite Brabancon, from the Brabant region in Flanders, which was bred in large numbers for the meat trade during the 19th century. These rabbits often displayed white markings and when exported to Britain in the 1830s, English fanciers selected those with the finest markings to develop the Dutch breed as we know it today. Initially, most dutch rabbits were black, but many more colours have been introduced through cross-breeding. Dutch rabbits swiftly became the most popular breed in many countries and despite the recent rise of Dwarf breeds, the Dutch remains one of the top ten most popular rabbit breeds worldwide.
Appearance
The Dutch is a small to medium sized rabbit, weighing from 1.5kg (3½ lbs) up to about 3kg (6½ lbs), with a breed standard ideal weight of around 2-2.5kg (4-4½ lbs).
Dutch rabbits have a fairly substantial build with a compact, well-rounded body and short, sturdy legs. The head is broad with full cheeks and short, upright ears.
The Dutch rabbit has white markings with a white blaze, white front and white hind legs. A well-marked rabbit is coloured from about the middle of the back to the tail with a straight dividing line, the feet and hind legs are white. The coloured areas of the head incorporate the eyes, cheeks and ears, with an inverted vee-shaped white blaze including the nose.
The Dutch rabbit has short hair and a smooth, glossy coat.
Colour
Black, Blue, Chocolate, Yellow, Steel Grey, Brown Grey, Pale Grey, Tortoiseshell
Temperament
The Dutch rabbit is deservedly one of the most popular pet breeds with its calm, easy-going nature, robust build and manageable size. They have a very gentle disposition and are usually excellent with children, most will happily submit to lots of cuddles. Dutch rabbits are friendly and intelligent and will thrive on attention.
