What should we look for in a Dutch rabbit ?

[HOWsMom]

Since neither Bug4H nor myself have any experience with rabbits, and we are still a ways off from acquiring our first, I think it's a good time to ask what to look for.

How do we tell, just by looking, if it's a good rabbit ?

Bug4H has settled on Dutch being a good breed for what she most wants out of her bunny.

We've even found 2 breeders that are not too far away from us who breed Dutch.

Now, since it seems that many / most breeders have closed colonies, we will be looking at photos I imagine.
What should we look for ?
What are certain things that should send off red flags that tell us to avoid a particular rabbit ?

 

[ottersatin]

Hello Hows Mom,
My Daughter in the passed has shown many Dutch
and always placed well with them.
You DO NOT want to base your selection on any Picture!
If you can bring another breeder who is experienced in Dutch or at least
judging Rabbit type/quality. It must be a hands on experience!
feel the Rabbits body and coat texture, You want a Rabbit showing
good type: Look at photos of a properly posed Dutch, look at the top line,
you are looking for a proper rise and drop off. Run your hand over the Rabbit
with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. You do not
want to feel your hand stop abruptly when you come to the hip bones.
The rise should start right behind the Ears and com to a gently curve
flowing smoothly to the table at the rump.
I hope this helps!
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[akane]

This is for mini rex but dutch is similar, not sure if they have ear requirements, and it's easiest to find mini rex info. http://cottonwoodfarms.tripod.com/pencil.html Pattern is a big part of dutch rabbits. The dutch club has pictures of the colors and some descriptions. http://www.dutchrabbit.com/aboutthebree ... breed.html

I think I failed to put in one of the links. :lol:

 

[HOWsMom]

Have I told you guys how great you are ?
Thank you !

 

[ZachsRabbits]

The first thing you should start looking for is roundness and depth and and body type don't worry about having the greatest markings. Look for a balanced dutch. I'd start off with a buck and take it from there does can be testy. Buy from a reputable breeder and focus on colors that interest you. They are seven different colors Black, Blue, Chocolate, Gray, Steel, Tort and Chinchilla. As a dutch breeder myself ''I always remember this saying You must build the house before you paint it''. Dutch are challenging and frustrating but they will reward you when you win BOB with a homegrown dutch. To learn more about dutch rabbits go to: http://www.dutchrabbit.com/

 

[HOWsMom]

We are not planning on breeding - I'm pretty sure the condo board in my townhouse complex would have a conniption fit if we tried that !

Just wanting one or two pet house-bunnies as pets.

Bug4H wants a rabbit with nice enough markings and body to show at local shows / 4H stuff, and she wants to do rabbit hopping too.

She has researched several breeds and settled on Dutch as being the best for her