Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed

Your Netherland Dwarf’s diet should consist of fresh hay, supplementary pellets and veggies like kale, spinach and lettuce. This keeps their digestive system healthy and wears down their teeth, helping to avoid dental issues. 

Hay should make up at least 70% of your bunny’s diet. Only give them treats like carrots and fruits sparingly, as Netherland Dwarf rabbits are prone to weight gain. Always provide fresh water in a heavy ceramic bowl or sipper bottle.

Netherland Dwarf bunnies have a short and sleek coat that is a dream to groom. A weekly brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting should do the job. Rabbits generally moult twice a year, and their coat will need regular grooming. 

During shedding season, use a bristled brush and stroke in the general direction of their fur. Don’t forget to clean inside their tiny ears weekly and check for signs of ear mites. You should also trim their nails every month and avoid bathing your bunny as this can be traumatic for them.

Netherland Dwarfs need daily exercise to stay healthy. Give them at least two hours of time to roam outside their cage a day, whether it’s around the house or in a secure outdoor space.

This breed can easily get into mischief. Keep them enriched and entertained with safe chew toys, tubes, cardboard boxes and wicker balls. This will get your bunny moving and give you the chance to bond.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits are thought to behave similarly to cats and dogs. This, and the fact they’re very intelligent, makes them easier to train than other bunnies. 

With enough time, patience and positive reinforcement, they can be trained to use the litter box and tricks. You can train Netherland rabbits to stand on hind legs, hop over low obstacles, spin in a circle and more.

Dental malocclusion occurs when the top and bottom jaws don’t align properly. This condition is inherited in Netherland Dwarfs and other brachycephalic breeds with a short, flat face. 

Their facial structure can cause crowded teeth and malocclusion of the upper and lower jaws. The teeth can overgrow and form sharp points that damage the gums and inside the cheeks. 

Rabbits with malocclusion may have a decreased appetite, paw at the face or have swelling along their cheeks. Surgical removal of the teeth and regular trimming are common treatment options.

GI stasis is when the rabbit’s digestive system slows or stops functioning completely. This causes a build-up of bacteria which creates excessive gas, or bloating. Rabbits with GI stasis will experience severe pain and may not eat or drink.

The condition is serious and potentially life-threatening, caused by dehydration, stress and a lack of exercise. Treatment ranges from fluid therapy and pain relief to antibiotics and mobility medication. A high-fibre diet with plenty of hay can help to prevent GI stasis.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits are also susceptible to a number of parasites, including E. cuniculi. This parasitic infection affects the nervous system, kidneys and eyes. It is transmitted by inhaling or ingesting spores in an infected rabbit’s urine.

Symptoms of E. cuniculi include head tilt, weight loss, eye twitching or rolling, and sometimes paralysis. If you notice any signs, take your bunny to the vet right away. They will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and dewormers.

Rabbits generally have sensitive respiratory systems. Their teeth constantly grow, and sometimes their roots grow upward into their nasal passages. This can cause inflammation and bacterial infections.

With their shortened airways, Netherland Dwarf rabbits are more prone to URIs than other breeds. They may show signs such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, weepy eyes and sneezing or snuffles. Keeping your bunny in a clean and spacious enclosure can help to reduce their chance of developing a URI.

The average Netherland Dwarf rabbit lifespan is around 10-12 years on average. Protecting your bunny with rabbit insurance can be the first step to helping them lead happy and healthy lives.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits don’t mind the odd cuddle, but they generally don’t like to be picked up or held. They’re a skittish and nervous breed, so sudden handling can frighten them. Early socialisation can help them get used to being held.

Netherland Dwarf rabbits prefer to live with others. Rabbits are social creatures that evolved to live in groups. Without company, your bunny can become bored and unhappy, leading to physical and behavioural issues.