Trying to decide on the perfect bunny for your family can be overwhelming, and you may worry about choosing the wrong breed. So, you’re looking at a Dutch rabbit and there are a lot of things to consider, such as do they have good temperaments, and the most popular question of all:
How big do Dutch rabbits get?
A standard, fully-grown Dutch rabbit weighs between 4 to 5.5 pounds. They can grow between 11 and 14 inches in length. Dutch rabbits are small to medium-sized rabbits that reach their full size in 7 months. Mini Dutch rabbits weigh around 1.75 to 2.5 pounds with a length of 7.5 to 9 inches.
This detailed guide will provide you with all the information you need if you are considering adopting a Dutch rabbit.
Are Dutch Rabbits Big?
Dutch rabbits (also known as Hollander or Brabander rabbits) are small to medium-sized bunnies. They have small, round bodies that are very compact, short ears that are stocky and point upwards, and longer hind legs than their front legs.
A Dutch rabbit has a two-toned color body and is easily identified by a stripe of white fur that runs up the front of its face, known as a “white blaze.”
Let’s take a look at some of the color varieties of the Dutch rabbits:
- Gray
- Steel
- Tortoise (yellow and brown mottled spots)
- Black
- Blue
- Chinchilla (dark blue-gray)
- Pale gray
These rabbits are often mistaken for dwarfs, but they’re capable of growing just as big as medium-sized breeds (such as the Rex rabbit) once they’re fully grown.
Dutch Rabbit Sizes
Let’s take a look at the difference between a standard Dutch rabbit size and a Mini Dutch rabbit size:
Standard Dutch Rabbit
Standard Dutch rabbits are fondly referred to as little rabbits. However, even though they’re a small breed, they’re not dwarf rabbits.
The standard Dutch bunny weighs around 4 to 5.5 pounds with a length between 11 and 14 inches.
These rabbits have a great personality and temperament. They’re energetic, curious, and friendly.
Mini Dutch Rabbit
The Mini Dutch rabbit is a mini or tiny version of the standard Dutch bunnies. Generally, a fully grown Mini Dutch rabbit weighs around 1.75 to 2.5 pounds, but each rabbit is different.
Here’s a look at two different breeds of small rabbits to compare the Mini Dutch:
- The Netherland Dwarf rabbit only weighs between 1.75 and 2.5 pounds with a length of approximately 7.5 to 9 inches and has an average shoulder height of around 5 to 6 inches.
Netherland Dwarf rabbits were developed by crossbreeding small wild rabbits with domestic rabbit breeds.
- The Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbit is the smallest rabbit and is an endangered species (they are not pets). They have a petite body, and a fully grown rabbit weighs just under 1 pound with a length of between 9 and 11 inches.
This is a very skittish and nervous breed of rabbit.
At What Age Do Dutch Rabbits Stop Growing?
Each rabbit breed reaches maturity at different ages, and they stop growing. In general, baby rabbits (kits) are taken away from the doe (mother) at around 8 weeks old. From this point, the bunnies need a balanced diet that includes protein and fat to help them grow up healthy.
The rabbits grow quickly and reach sexual maturity between 6 and 7 months. Your floppy-eared friend should stop putting on weight at this point.
Rabbits grow quickly because they’re prey animals and need to reach sexual maturity to ensure their species’ survival.
Let’s take a look at what age a Dutch rabbit stops growing:
- A standard Dutch rabbit stops growing at around 7 months, and the ideal weight should be between 4 to 5.5 pounds.
- A Mini-Dutch rabbit stops growing between 4 and 5 months when they reach an ideal weight of between 1.75 and 2.5 pounds.
A few factors that affect how fast a Dutch rabbit grows are:
- The breed of the rabbit
- Their genetics
- General care and diet
How Long Do Dutch Rabbits Live?
Dutch rabbits generally live between 5 and 10 years, depending on their overall health and well-being. Here is a list of the expected lifespan of the different breeds of rabbits for comparison purposes:
- A Netherland Dwarf rabbit has a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years.
- A Columbia Basin Pygmy rabbit only has an average lifespan of between 3 to 5 years (their skittish and nervous temperament plays a significant role in their short lifespan).
Follow these simple steps to make sure your bun has a long and happy life:
1. Neuter or spay your bun
2. Take them for regular checkups at the vet
3. Spend time with your bun
4. Provide a balanced diet and a good amount of exercise
Tips to Help Your Dutch Rabbits Reach Full Size
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Dutch rabbit reaches their full size:
A Good Habitat
Ensure your bun has enough space to move around. They must be able to comfortably sit upright on their hind legs.
The habitat or living area must be clean and protected from dangerous objects such as broken wire or items your bun shouldn’t be chewing on.
Well-Balanced Diet
Provide your bun with a diet that’s balanced and contains fiber. Ensure your bun has Timothy grass hay, fresh fruit and vegetables, pellets, and access to clean water.
Keep Them Entertained
Prevent your bun from becoming bored by giving them some bunny-safe toys and puzzles to play with.
Another way to keep them entertained is by putting them in a safe enclosure on the grass so they can run and binky (a jump and twist that shows excitement).
My Last Bunny Thoughts
These cuties (Dutch rabbits) are perfect for people or families looking to add a bunny to the household. They are small and loving and have great personalities.
You can pick between a standard or mini-Dutch rabbit. A smaller rabbit is better if you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space for your bun.
Regardless of which type of Dutch rabbit you choose, they still require the same things to live a happy life. Ensure your floppy-eared friend has a balanced and healthy diet and a clean living environment. Above all, make sure you shower them with love and affection.
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