Learn more about the Dutch Rabbit Breed. Discover cool facts, pictures, resources and find information about caring for Dutch Rabbits.
This rabbit breed information page is part of our rabbit breeds article series.
Dutch Rabbit Resource Links: Free Rabbit Breeders Newsletter | Dutch Rabbit Breed Info | Dutch Rabbit Information and History | Dutch Rabbit Care | Dutch Rabbit Resources
Dutch Rabbit Breed Info
Recognized colors: black, blue, chocolate, tortoise, steel, gray
Size: 4-5 ½ pounds
National Specialty Club:
dutchrabbit.com
Dutch Rabbit Breed Photo Credit:
123exoticpet.com
Dutch Rabbit Information and History
If there’s one breed that you can describe as “sporty,” I think it’s the Dutch. “You can’t beat the Dutch” as the saying goes, and if you like a very friendly rabbit, not too large but not a dwarf, that’s a fairly easy breeder yet offers a challenge to get correct show animals, and that is dressed in a flashy color pattern — the ADRC’s slogan is certainly applies.
The Dutch is one of the easiest breeds to identify. It’s hard to say whether it appears to be a colored rabbit with white markings, or a white rabbit with colored markings, but either way, you can’t miss that wedge-shaped blaze on the nose and the two-toned body color. When judging Dutch markings, remember to “think in thirds and circles.” The cheek markings should be round circles of color on either side of the head, and the saddle/undercut (the dividing line of the body color) should be an even belt encircling the rabbit’s middle. The front 1/3 of the rabbit’s body should be white, and the front 1/3 of the hind feet should be white as well. There are multiple marking faults and disqualifications. Faults include any unevenness of markings, rough edges of markings, or drags from one color on to the other. Dutch should be disqualified from the show table if they have “tied front legs” meaning the color of the belly extending past the elbows. Split stops (foot markings) and isolated spots of color in a normally white area are also cause for disqualification. The Dutch is the only breed to list a bare spot in the coat as a DQ. This is to discourage plucking of colored spots in white sections, which is unacceptable by ARBA show rules. The body type of the Dutch is compact, and bone is fine enough that although weighing only about five pounds, the dress out percentage is fairly high. Coat is a flyback. In the ARBA standard, general type is worth only 25 points out of 100, compared to the 50 that are allotted to markings. Color, coat, and condition share the remaining 25 points.
Some breeds, such as the Polish, can’t actually claim origin from their namesake country, but the Dutch is indeed from the Netherlands. The Dutch color originated in a breed called the Petite Brabicon, that by the time it appeared in England around 1850, was called the Hollander. In the early stages of the breed’s history, there were two marking patterns: one was the Dutch we know today, the other was similar, but more of the rabbit was colored and it had just a white blaze and white collar.
Today Dutch remain one of the most popular rabbits, both as pets and show animals – not to mention as stars of rabbit product advertisements. The Dutch is one of the very best breeds for a child to start with due to its small size, general hardiness, and gentle disposition. In America, the breed is supported by a close-knit body of fanciers called the American Dutch Rabbit Club.
Dutch Rabbit Care
Here is a list of resources to help you care for your dutch rabbits…
- How to Raise Rabbits – information and resources on the subject of raising rabbits
- Breeding Rabbits – learn more about how to breed rabbits for show, meat or profit
- Rabbit Supplies for Sale – find rabbit supplies for sale
- Feeding Rabbits – information and resources on the topic of feeding your rabbits
- Rabbit Health – learn more about rabbit health and care
Dutch Rabbit Resources
Here is a listing of dutch rabbit resources to help you out with your rabbit project…
- Rabbit Breeders Newsletter – be sure to claim your free subscription to our rabbit breeders newsletter in order to start receiving free rabbit information and resources via email
- Dutch Rabbits for Sale – use our rabbit classifieds to find dutch rabbits for sale
- Dutch Rabbit Breeders – locate dutch rabbit breeders using our huge rabbit breeders directory
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