Need Help With Some Bunny Infromation

[NetherlandDwarfLover83]

Ok, so I don't have a bunny i'm researching about them to see if I can have one, and all that stuff. :bunny5
And, i wanted to know if anybody here has a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit? I hear they are very good, I've done some research but I'm wondering what their health problems are. I looked it up and the two things it showed were things that you can treat to prevent it. Thanks :headflick:

 

[pani]

I've got a Nethie, around 9-10 months old. He's a bit jumpy and nervous, not too affectionate but very cute. He's not had a single real health problem as long as I've had him, from when he was 8 weeks old. What health problems were you concerned about?

 

[Liung]

If you're getting a dwarf, don't go getting it from a pet store. A) because of the reasons you should never get any pet from a pet store, and B) they often lie. Rarely is a dwarf at a pet store really a dwarf. I got Picca and Lahi from a pet store (7 years ago, I was ignorant) and they were supposed to be dwarves.

I didn't know that they were, as babies, already nearly as big as a full grown dwarf, and as adults it's very clear that at the very most they're half dwarf.



Otherwise, neither of them had any health problems at all for the first six years of their lives. Picca passed away last year, but based on the hard mass the vet felt in her abdomen it's likely that was cancer (we never got her spayed, and unspayed females are at VERY high risk of cancer the older they get). Lahi has had a new and wonderful health problem every month this year from January to May, but the causes were normal teeth problems, a bacterial infection, an abscess (also caused by bacteria), bad flooring, and natural aging. Neither ever had problems I would put down to their breed. Lahi was completely healthy for 7 years and he's been healthy again since May.

One thing to note, however: unlike dogs, on average rabbits have higher life expectancy in the bigger breeds over the smaller breeds. Kept properly and lucky in health, a large rabbit will live well into their teens. Smaller rabbits have life expectancies closer to preteens, I believe.

 

[NetherlandDwarfLover83]

If you're getting a dwarf, don't go getting it from a pet store. A) because of the reasons you should never get any pet from a pet store, and B) they often lie. Rarely is a dwarf at a pet store really a dwarf. I got Picca and Lahi from a pet store (7 years ago, I was ignorant) and they were supposed to be dwarves.
View attachment 11748
I didn't know that they were, as babies, already nearly as big as a full grown dwarf, and as adults it's very clear that at the very most they're half dwarf.
View attachment 11749
View attachment 11750

Otherwise, neither of them had any health problems at all for the first six years of their lives. Picca passed away last year, but based on the hard mass the vet felt in her abdomen it's likely that was cancer (we never got her spayed, and unspayed females are at VERY high risk of cancer the older they get). Lahi has had a new and wonderful health problem every month this year from January to May, but the causes were normal teeth problems, a bacterial infection, an abscess (also caused by bacteria), bad flooring, and natural aging. Neither ever had problems I would put down to their breed. Lahi was completely healthy for 7 years and he's been healthy again since May.

One thing to note, however: unlike dogs, on average rabbits have higher life expectancy in the bigger breeds over the smaller breeds. Kept properly and lucky in health, a large rabbit will live well into their teens. Smaller rabbits have life expectancies closer to preteens, I believe.

Yeah, I would never get a bunny from a PetStore because there are other bunnies out there that need help from people who are looking to adopt. And also, about the health. What's a website that I could look at Netherland Dwarf health? Or is that something I can ask here?

 

[NetherlandDwarfLover83]

I've got a Nethie, around 9-10 months old. He's a bit jumpy and nervous, not too affectionate but very cute. He's not had a single real health problem as long as I've had him, from when he was 8 weeks old. What health problems were you concerned about?

Well, I'm not concerned about any health problems, I just want to know what they are, as I've researched but haven't found the information I want. Do you recommend any websites?

 

[JBun]

Sometimes they can be prone to developing dental problems because of their head shape. Certain dwarf breeds have a more sensitive digestive system.

 

[NetherlandDwarfLover83]

Sometimes they can be prone to developing dental problems because of their head shape. Certain dwarf breeds have a more sensitive digestive system.

Ok! Thank you so much!!

 

[squidpop]

I have 4 netherland dwarfs, they all came from different breeders and they all have different personalities. My favorite is the best rabbit ever, he is really affectionate and loves to sit next to me or in my lap to have his head rubbed. He also licks me a lot to groom me. Two of my others are sweet rabbits too and make good pets. But one of mine is really hyper and I don't think he will ever be really tame, so not that great as a pet. So... out of the four I have, three make really nice pets and one is a bit too wild and jumpy, my friends can't pet him.

Mini lops and Holland lops are supposed to be a lot more laid back than Netherland dwarfs, but I like the Nethies best. I like the way they are small and easy to clean up after, and can live in my bedroom and not make much a stink.

I don't think Netherland dwarfs have any more illnesses than any other breed of rabbit. Mine are very healthy.

However, there is lots to learn about Netherland dwarfs and their genetics, and mainly the dwarf gene itself. The dwarf gene is what makes them super tiny, with tiny ears and bulging eyes and a flatter face. You can get a Netherland dwarf that does not have the dwarf gene, it will be larger and have larger ears. Or you can get one with the dwarf gene, smaller with small ears and a pushed in face. The ones with the dwarf gene and the pushed in faces, are the ones that are more cute, but prone to malocclusions, teeth problems because of the pushed in face.

If you search on the internet you might be able to find breeders of Netherland dwarfs and ask them if their Netherland dwarfs make good pets, tell them you want a good temperament, a sweet snuggly one.

The other thing you could do is see if there is a rabbit rescue near you with a Netherland dwarf - that way you could meet the rabbit first and see what its temperament is like.

Also, you could do some google searching and see if there are any rabbit clubs or even Netherland dwarf rabbit clubs around where you live. You could talk to people in the rabbit clubs and tell them what you are looking for in a rabbit and maybe they can help you find a perfect one.