Breeding and History:
Nest building
The Dutch rabbit, together with the English, are the most popular of the fancy breeds. The origin of the breed is again rather obscure, but there is little doubt that they, or their immediate progenitors originated in Holland. During the1830′s there was some export to this country from Os tend and Antwerp of live rabbits, and these included what were known as “little Barbados”. These animals were almost certainly the early Dutch breed, and selection for the particular markings was started by the early English fanciers.
The popularity of both the Dutch and English should not lead one to suppose that they are ” easier ” to breed than other breeds, for this is certainly not the case. The only advantages which might be claimed in the exhibition world is that they can be examined to a certain extent for quality when in the nest and the disembarked specimens destroyed, and they can be shown at a relatively very early age. Furthermore, as wit hall marked varieties, their show life is relatively very long, some exhibits winning consistently for several years, almost an impossibility with other breeds.
The genetic constitution of the Dutch rabbit is most complicated and not as yet entirely proven. There is little doubt however, that it is controlled by several factors which are not linked together, and consequently when other breeds are crossed with Dutch, traces of the Dutch pattern are liable to be exceedingly difficult to eradicate.
The eight different colors of Dutch Rabbit:
A large Dutch litter
Black, Blue(these two being the most popular) Chocolate, Tortoiseshell,Pale Gray, Brown Gray, Steel Gray and Yellow.
Marketing:
The breed,weighing under 5 lb., was used in many crosses with larger breeds, for meat production. It has good meat properties,although on the small side. It has also been used to a fair extent for work in laboratories.
