Netherland Dwarf breeder question?

[CiaraPatricia]

I was wondering with Netherland Dwarfs, how do you tell if they're true dwarfs or false dwarfs? Will false dwarfs be only slightly bigger than show standard, or will they be the size of a normal rabbit? Is there face, ears, etc, different? If they're only young then how is it that you tell?

Hopefully somebody can explain it to me, because I'd love to get a Netherland Dwarf sometime, thanks

 

[pamnock]

The false dwarfs are generally slightly larger than show weight and have narrower faces and longer ears. The true dwarfs generally have the classic characteristics of the small size, rounded head, and short ears.

 

[CiaraPatricia]

Thanks

 

[elrohwen]

Not to thread-jack, but Pam, do those same characteristics apply to other dwarf breeds, like holland lops? My boy is 4.3lbs, so I'm assuming he's a false dwarf. He does have longish ears and a thinner face, but I had always assumed those were related to his genetics and being neutered at a young age.

Just curious!

 

[pamnock]

Yes, it applies to all breeds.

Early neutering can contribute to a more "feminine" appearance and longer bone growth as well as being a false dwarf.

 

[Blaze_Amita]

well i'll try to not completely hijack the thread either, but I'm getting a blue otter dwarf and someone told me not to breed an otter to another otter, but someone else told me a black to a blue otter should be fine. . .

 

[pamnock]

Otter to otter is fine. You can also breed black to blue otter.