A commonly accepted version of the dwarfs orgin is the result of the accidental crossing of the polish rabbit with a small wild rabbit in the Netherlands. The dwarf had been popular for som years before the British fanciers brought them to England about 1948. The breed was accpeted, using an Adaption of Britian's Standard, by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Assoication) in 1969. They reached an almost instant popularity here and have, as result, let to the greatest flurry of inportations since Belgian Hare days.
General Description:
The general aspect is of a short, compact animal with shoulders equal in width to the midsection and hindquarters. The animal should round nicely over the body with well filled hindquarters. The head should be round in all directions, set on a neck as short as possible. Ears are well fureed, short, errect, and of good substance. They eyes should be bold, bright and round. Fur on the Netherland Dwarf should be of roll back nature, and not posses fly back characteristics.
There are 5 groups of the Netherland Dwarf:
*Self
*Shaded
*Agouti
*Tan
*AOV (Any Other Variety)
Information from the "Offical Guide Book: Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies." By The American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.
