Creature feature | PETS
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can help keep its nails short, although nails may
need trimming twice per year, and Susie says
these fabulous fur-kids also keep a very clean
cage and like to have one place for a toilet.
“A healthy diet is 80 per cent hay and fresh
grass, 10 per cent vegetables and 10 per cent
rabbit food mix. The hay is not only essential for a
healthy diet; rabbits also need to chew constantly
to keep their teeth worn down. You can also
provide a branch from fruit trees or hibiscus,”
Susie explains.
As for health problems, Cherie warns to keep
an eye out for malocclusion, which is where the
top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly so
they don’t wear down as they should. However,
she says this problem can be prevented with good
breeding. “Buy from an experienced, reputable
breeder to minimise health risks,” she says.
So who would make the perfect Netherland
Dwarf owner? “Rabbits are very gentle souls (ours
certainly are) and they need a peaceful, social
environment to thrive in and their own retreat
for personal space,” Cherie says. “A loud party
household with predator pets is what we avoid,
as well as people who think they can just cage
their rabbit and throw scraps at them. Domestic
rabbits need a constant, responsible carer.”
Susie says the Netherland Dwarf is the ideal
rabbit for adults and older children, perhaps
over the age of 12. For children younger than
12 years of age, a Netherland would make
an excellent pet if they have had experience
with a rabbit before. However, Susie wouldn’t
recommend the breed for children younger
than six years of age.
“Always buy from a reputable source where
you can see the parents and make sure they
are true-type Netherlands of the correct
weight. And have those teeth checked in front
of you before you take bunny home,” she says.
“Remember: they may be intelligent and full of
fun, cheekiness and character, but you do need
to be careful not to let them become the boss
of the household, especially if the household
has young children in it.”
Think the Netherland Dwarf might be the
right pet for you? Let’s see what a couple
of owners have to say about keeping these
adorable little creatures.
Ask an ownerAsk an owner
Shannon Hocking is the proud owner
of two Netherland Dwarfs, Elsa and
Hugo, from NethieLand Sydney. PETS
asked Shannon for the low-down on her
gorgeous bunnies.
Q: What do you love about the breed?
A: Their size and temperament. Being small
makes them great for living in an apartment and
they have such a lovely nature. I also like giving
them Dutch names to fi t in with their breed.
Q: Could you describe their personalities?
A: Elsa is full of sass, curiosity and confi dence,
with a very sweet side. She loves to snuggle
and give kisses on your nose but also has a very
adventurous nature. Hugo is a bit more reserved
and chilled, with a very cheeky nature. He likes
to sit and watch the world go by and the next
moment he is jumping on your lap surprising
you, looking for a pat and some attention.
Q: What sort of owner would be most
suited to a Netherland Dwarf?
A: They are social bunnies, so they need
someone who has time to spend with them.
They are also independent so if you do work
long hours, this works, too, though having
two bunnies in this situation works better as
they can keep each other company. Hugo and
Elsa are a bonded pair and go everywhere
together and look after one another.
Alice, another Netherland Dwarf owner
who found her beautiful bunny through
NethieLand Sydney, describes this breed as
“mischievous, fun, playful, active and clean.
They are very cute; I love their small features.
The more attention you give them, the more
you get back in return,” she says.
Alice adds that the perfect Netherland
Dwarf owner is someone who has enough
time to devote to their pet and who is also
understanding and caring. “If you’ve had a
Netherland Dwarf before, you would know
they are great pets; however, if you’ve never
had one, I would do research fi rst and speak
to someone who knows them well for advice
before getting one.”