The Netherland Dwarf

SNOWSHOEBUNNIES RABBITRY ~ Quality Orange & Fawn Netherland Dwarfs ~ Bred by Barbara Downing BACK TO SYRACUSE-RABBIT.COM
The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest breed of rabbit recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Maximum weight for show is 2 1/2 lbs. Up until the 1930's there were only red-eyed and blue-eyed white varieties found in Germany. It has only been since the mid-60's that Dwarfs were imported to the U.S. and developed for show. Through the years breeders have worked toward new varieties and bringing existing varieties closer to the Standard than ever before. Currently there are 25 recognized colors making this a spectacular fancy breed. The latest accepted variety was the broken color. Netherland Dwarfs are hardy animals and can tolerate outdoor living in most climates of the U.S.. Pet owners also enjoy their small size, great personalities and ease of care indoors. With its unique qualities, this small rabbit is truly the "Gem of the Fancy"! Consider joining the A.R.B.A. affiliated National Club in the U.S. representing the Netherland Dwarf The American Netherland Rabbit Club (ANDRC)
Schedule of Points for Show GENERAL TYPE . . . . . . . . . . . 70 POINTS BODY. . . . 35 HEAD. . . . 15 EARS. . . . 15 EYES. . . . . 5 TAIL . . . . 0 FUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 COLOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 CONDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 TOTAL POINTS = 100
What is a Peanut? The Dwarf gene is designated by a Capital D as the Dominant gene and the Recessive gene is designated by a lower case d. All rabbits will inherit one dwarf gene (either D or d) from each parent. Possible pairings can therefore be DD, Dd or dd: Dd = True Dwarf / dd = Normal / DD = Peanut Dd = True Dwarf - Those Dwarfs born with a Dd pair of genes are desirable with small ear, cobby body and a smaller size - - usually 2 1/2 lbs. or less. These are "True Dwarfs". dd = Normal - Those Dwarfs born with a dd pair of genes are still a Netherland Dwarf Breed, but are slightly larger in size - - usually over 3 lbs. These are called "Normals" or "Big Ugly Does" (BUD's) or "Brood Does" or "Big Ugly Bucks" (BUB's). DD = Peanut - Those Dwarfs born with a DD pair of genes are smaller than the normal and are referred to as "Peanuts". The double dwarfing gene is lethal in a kit. Although born alive, the kits will not thrive due to a comprimised digestive system. The rear end appears withered and the kit is unable to digest food and flourish. The head has an unusual cone shape to it. Within two to three days, the kit fades away. Statistically the calculations look like this: True Dwarf x True Dwarf on average will produce 25% peanuts, 50% true dwarf's and 25% normals. True Dwarf x Normal on average will produce 50% true dwarfs and 50% normals. Based on the above statistics, a true dwarf to normal dwarf pairing will never produce peanut offspring. This is why Normal Does are good for breeding because peanuts can be avoided if a True Dwarf Buck is used. Breeders typically keep Normal dwarf does while the Normal dwarf bucks (BUB's) are sold for pets. I most often use True Dwarfs for breeding as I like to show my does a while before breeding them. If I use a Normal (brood) doe, she must be balanced and have good dwarf type even though she is bigger in size.
Pictures of a Peanut

What is a Peanut?

The Dwarf gene is designated by a Capital D as the Dominant gene and the Recessive gene is designated by a lower case d. All rabbits will inherit one dwarf gene (either D or d) from each parent. Possible pairings can therefore be DD, Dd or dd:
Dd = True Dwarf / dd = Normal / DD = Peanut

Dd = True Dwarf - Those Dwarfs born with a Dd pair of genes are desirable with small ear, cobby body and a smaller size - - usually 2 1/2 lbs. or less. These are "True Dwarfs".
dd = Normal - Those Dwarfs born with a dd pair of genes are still a Netherland Dwarf Breed, but are slightly larger in size - - usually over 3 lbs. These are called "Normals" or "Big Ugly Does" (BUD's) or "Brood Does" or "Big Ugly Bucks" (BUB's).
DD = Peanut - Those Dwarfs born with a DD pair of genes are smaller than the normal and are referred to as "Peanuts". The double dwarfing gene is lethal in a kit. Although born alive, the kits will not thrive due to a comprimised digestive system. The rear end appears withered and the kit is unable to digest food and flourish. The head has an unusual cone shape to it. Within two to three days, the kit fades away.

Statistically the calculations look like this:
True Dwarf x True Dwarf on average will produce 25% peanuts, 50% true dwarf's and 25% normals.
True Dwarf x Normal on average will produce 50% true dwarfs and 50% normals.

Based on the above statistics, a true dwarf to normal dwarf pairing will never produce peanut offspring. This is why Normal Does are good for breeding because peanuts can be avoided if a True Dwarf Buck is used. Breeders typically keep Normal dwarf does while the Normal dwarf bucks (BUB's) are sold for pets. I most often use True Dwarfs for breeding as I like to show my does a while before breeding them. If I use a Normal (brood) doe, she must be balanced and have good dwarf type even though she is bigger in size.