Known worldwide as the Netherland Dwarf, the Colored Dwarf Rabbit is an adorable little creature that has won the affection and admiration of the vast majority of rabbit lovers. It's no wonder he has captured so many hearts, as his soft and cuddly appearance has arguably made him the most popular dwarf rabbit in the world. It is also the smallest breed of rabbit, since an adult specimen barely weighs a kilo! Want to know everything about these adorable dwarf rabbits? That's good because in this breed sheet from PlanèteAnimal, we give you all the details on the characteristics of the colored dwarf rabbit!
Origin
- Europe
- Netherlands
Origin of the colored dwarf rabbit
This is one of the most famous and established rabbit breeds, but it has a long history behind it. As early as the 18th century, colored dwarf rabbits were exported throughout Europe from the ports of Holland.
The breed as we know it today was born at the beginning of the 20th century from crosses between Polish rabbits and small wild rabbits. One of the peculiarities of the breed is the wide range of varieties that exist in terms of color and weight, since in each country different crosses have been made. At first, the rabbits were not distinguished according to their color and were all classified as colored dwarf rabbits. It was only later that different names began to be used depending on the coat, such as Hermine or Polonaise for completely white rabbits with blue eyes.
This rabbit was introduced to more and more corners of the world, in the United Kingdom in 1948 and in the United States in the 1960s. The breed was officially recognized in 1969 by the German Kennel Club and in 1969 by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. However, it was in 1910 that the French Federation of Rabbit Breeders established the standard, which has evolved over the years and has been continually updated.
Physical characteristics of the colored dwarf rabbit
The main characteristic of the colored dwarf rabbit breed is undoubtedly its lightness. An adult specimen of these lagomorphs weighs a maximum of 1.13 kilograms. This makes them one of the smallest breeds of rabbits, with an average weight of 500 to 900 grams. Also, its life expectancy is between 7 and 10 years.
His body is solid and he gives the impression of being more robust and heavier than he really is. Its structure is, despite what it may seem, light and with a light and flexible musculature, although quite developed.
Its head is large compared to the size of the rest of the body and it has a rounded shape and a short, flattened, brachycephalic snout. Her eyes are round, shiny and brightly colored. Its ears are short, about 5 centimeters in size, set high, erect and rounded.
Its coat should be short and of immense chromatic variety, some of the existing colors are: opal, blue, chocolate, agouti, reddish agouti, cinnamon, lynx, blue otter, lilac otter, fox, butterfly, orange , Himalayan, sable or harlequin.
Color Dwarf Rabbit Character
Colored dwarf rabbits have always been famous for their boundless energy. This can sometimes make them overly cautious and easily spooked, as they have strong survival instincts inherited from their wild ancestors.
But don't get me wrong, this bunny is only shy around those he doesn't trust much, especially strangers. However, he is extremely caring and affectionate with those he considers family.
Many consider him one of the most family-friendly rabbit breeds because he is affectionate and very patient. However, in the case of families with young children, care should be taken, because due to their small size and fragility, fatal accidents can occur very quickly. If you decide to adopt one, you will have to teach your children to interact with it.
Caring for a colored dwarf rabbit
Colored dwarf rabbits are toy or dwarf rabbits, so we must provide them with food in accordance with their characteristics. By going to a good veterinarian, you can make sure to give him quality kibble. It is also important to vary the rabbit's diet. Indeed, it is necessary to provide them with fresh vegetables daily, especially those with green leaves, as they are ideal for providing them with vitamins. Fruits and some high-sugar vegetables should be limited to 2 or 3 times a week.In addition, we must provide our rabbit with fresh hay and water at will.
One of the characteristics of rabbits is that their claws and teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, so it is important to trim their claws regularly. In the case of the teeth, this is a rodent, so the best way to ensure that the teeth are well worn down and not overgrown is to give your pet something to gnaw on. We can give them special toys, although it's usually best to give them logs or branches, making sure they haven't been fumigated or our little one could be poisoned by the chemicals.
He alth of the colored dwarf rabbit
Although colored dwarf rabbits are not animals that are really prone to getting sick, you should know that, in general, rabbits are very fragile and vulnerable. This is why extreme precautions must be taken in the event of falls or blows, because the bones of rabbits are very fragile and are very difficult to weld together.
To ensure that our rabbit is he althy, the best thing to do is to frequently assess and check the condition of his fur, eyes, nose, mouth and mouth. his ears. It is recommended to carry out these controls masked by hugs and caresses, so that they are not unpleasant for our animal. This will allow us to detect abnormalities, such as bumps, sores or infections early, which will facilitate subsequent treatment.
It is also recommended not to neglect visits to the veterinarian, and it is advisable to find out about the different vaccines available for rabbits, since some, such as the vaccine against myxomatosis, are absolutely necessary , especially in some regions.
In addition, the veterinarian may perform different tests to check general he alth, such as blood, urine or feces tests.Thus, we can be sure that our little companion is in perfect he alth and that he will be able to lead a happy life by our side.
Pictures of Colored Dwarf Rabbit
