Ear thickness/shape, fullness of hindquarter, topline and other traits are the same. False dwarfs are easily judged for quality as the traits are generally the same, only bigger. Their litters will be 50% false dwarfs and 50% true dwarfs if they are bred to a true dwarf buck. Also, False Dwarfs are unable to produce peanuts. 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. While false dwarfs (referred to as BUD's by breeders, BUD meaning big ugly doe) do not make good show rabbits, BUDs from a good background are vital to a breeder's program. "False Dwarfs" tend to have longer bodies, longer/larger ears, longer faces, and are mostly heavier than the 2.5 pound maximum weight for showing. The actual numbers of true/false/peanuts in a real litter varies. If two true dwarfs are bred, the statistical result will be 25% fatal, 25% false, and 50% true. 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). Many ethical breeders humanely euthanize peanuts upon finding them soon after birth. The condition is 100% fatal, although if fed by hand every hour and kept warm it is possible for a peanut to survive, even though it will be handicapped for its entire life. Reasons behind the death are unknown, but it is believed that peanuts have underdeveloped digestive tracts. These offspring, often called "peanuts" by rabbit breeders, are destined to struggle with life for up to three weeks and then to die. 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. ![]() The gene (symbol Dw) responsible for the common appearance of the dwarf was discovered in the United States during the beginning of the 20th century. The current ARBA Standard of Perfection has evolved from this original document. The breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1969 using a modification of the British standard. They were first imported into the United Kingdom in 1948 and brought to United States during the 60’s and 70’s. Whitman’s book “Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories,” the Netherland Dwarf breed has its roots in the Polish and Hermelin rabbit breeds and was first produced in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. I love that they are all different, getting to know them is half the fun.Īccording to Bob D. They prefer to snuggle up in bunny beds with friends or cuddle with us on the couch. ![]() We have some rabbits that are very active and constantly entertaining my family with acrobatic shows, and others that are lazy and mild. It’s normal for a rabbit to be shy when first going to a new environment, but they are social creatures and will quickly start to form a bond with you. Both nature and nurture are important in raising pets with a fantastic temperament. Exposing them to many activities as young rabbits gives them a more easy going attitude. The disposition is really unique to each rabbit. I’ve heard it said that boy rabbits have “better” personalities because they are generally more outgoing and relaxed, but I have seen many sweet girls too. The Netherland Dwarf personality is generally quirky and active but every rabbit is different, just as with other pets and humans. I would strongly suggest joining the club to anyone who has been considering breeding. They also publish a quarterly magazine called Dwarf Digest which includes news and education for Netherland Dwarf breeders. All new members to the club receive a comprehensive guide book to the Netherland Dwarf breed with full color photos and invaluable breeding tips. Fingers crossed for her that all the hard work will pay off!īesides the ARBA Standard of Perfection book, the best Netherland Dwarf information (in the United States) can be found through American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club, or ANDRC. My mentor, Tamie File, has been working on having a Netherland “tortoiseshell fox” coloration added to the Standard of Perfection for years. It takes a massive amount of work to create a new color standard and ARBA’s approval process is not light work. ![]() ![]() The list of recognized colors has grown throughout the years and I know a few breeders working on getting new color standards approved. Netherlands come in 20+ color varieties that are recognized in ARBA’s Standard of Perfection. Their nickname in the show circuit is “the Gem of the Fancy” and it is easy to see why.
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