**4 week old male dutch - photo property of Rabbit Wagon Farms Photography**
The Dutch rabbit is a "Fancy" breed that is bred for exhibition. In addition, Dutch are a quite versatile breed being used for meat production, pets and laboratory use just to name a few. Lots of times you can pick up this breed at your local feed store.
The personality of the Dutch rabbit is friendly and laid-back for the most part, but it is important to remember that just like us they all have their own personalities. Dutch really are a wonderful breed for everyone. They are also a hardy, adaptable, and disease resistant rabbit. Additionally, the Dutch are easy to breed and have very good mothering instincts. A Dutch doe will kindle on average 4-8 per litter; sometimes a litter of 12 and raise them all! Because they possess good mothering instincts they do a good job at fostering as well.
When it comes to housing, a Dutch rabbit can be comfortably housed in a cage measuring 24x24x18 inches with ideally a 1/2x1 inch wire floor. The wire floor provides for more sanitary conditions than a solid floor. Being a hardy, little rabbit, Dutch are quite happy living in an outside environment provided they have sufficient shelter from the elements all year long. Like any rabbit they should be kept in a cool environment in summer with ample fresh water. A location in the shade is a great choice. During the winter as long as there is a place to get out of the wind and place to stay dry, the Dutch will do just fine. Again it is important to provide amply fresh water as if the rabbit doesn't drink enough, he will not eat enough to keep himself warm.
The Dutch do not require anything special for feed as they do very well on a commercially made rabbit pellet. So basically rabbit pellets and fresh water are adequate for their diet. Dry hay can fed as a treat.
If you are interested in learning more that the "belted rabbit" called the Dutch you can visit the American Dutch Rabbit Club Website here.
**This article was adapted from a more experienced breeder's website and can be found here.**
