Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key"
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| − | + | :''This article concerns a particular breed of rabbit, the Netherland dwarf. For information on domestic rabbits in general, see [[Domestic rabbit]].'' | |
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| − | The ''' | + | [[Image:Netherlanddwarfbunny.jpg|right|thumb|A pet Netherland Dwarf]] |
| + | The '''Netherland Dwarf''' is a popular [[breed]] of [[domestic rabbit]] (''Oryctolagus cuniculus''). Smaller than most [[List of rabbit breeds|rabbit breeds]], Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh 1 to 3 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (0.5 to 1.4 kg) and are usually kept as [[pet]]s or [[exhibition]] animals. They are not typically used as sources of [[meat]] or [[fur]] because their small size makes them inefficient for these purposes. | ||
| − | + | Most rabbits sold in [[pet store]]s are Netherland dwarfs, Netherland dwarf-[[selective breeding|derived breeds]] (often referred to simply as ''[[#Dwarf breeds|dwarf breeds]]''), or dwarf [[hybrid|crosses]]. Their popularity as pets stems from their [[baby]]ish appearance and their [[cage]] space requirement, which is smaller than that of larger rabbit breeds. | |
| − | + | ==History== | |
| + | The Netherland dwarf was first bred in the [[Netherlands]], as its name implies, in the early [[20th century]]. Medium-sized rabbits of various breeds were bred with wild [[European rabbit]]s of unusually small size; after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Netherland dwarfs were first imported into the [[United Kingdom]] in the [[1950s]]. In the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]] the [[United States]] imported its first Netherland dwarf rabbits. | ||
| − | [[ | + | Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and [[1980s]], had fearful and sometimes aggressive [[temperament]]s as a result of [[breeder]]s selecting [[breeder (animal)|breeding animals]] for size, not [[personality]]. These rabbits behaved more like [[wild]] rabbits than domestic animals and did not make good pets. However, through generations of [[selective breeding]], the modern Netherland dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds. |
| − | + | ==Appearance== | |
| + | [[Image:Netherlanddwarf-loki.jpg|thumb|right|Young Netherland dwarf in a mismarked Himalayan pattern]] | ||
| + | [[Purebred]] Netherland dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including [[List of rabbit breeds#Himalayan|Himalayan]], Red, Siamese, [[List of rabbit breeds#Chinchilla|Chinchilla]], Blue, and White-tipped Black. Other colors (called ''mismarks'') exist in non-show-quality Netherland dwarfs and in dwarf [[mongrel]] rabbits. | ||
| − | + | Netherland dwarfs' [[head]]s and [[eye]]s are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the head. Additionally, their faces are rounded and shortened. These features, a part of the animals' [[dwarfism]], cause them to look [[infant]]ile even into [[adulthood]]. | |
| − | + | Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with. However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the [[purebred]] dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger. | |
| − | == | + | ==Netherland dwarfs as pets== |
| + | :''Main article: [[Domestic rabbit#Rabbits as Pets|Domestic rabbit]]'' | ||
| − | + | ===Behavior=== | |
| − | + | Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be litter-trained and socialized with [[dog]]s and [[cat]]s. | |
| − | + | They tend to have [[wikt:spunky|spunkier]] and more energetic [[temperament]]s than larger breeds of rabbit and are rarely content to sit still when outside of the cage. They are curious animals and have a tendency to nibble on nearby objects and even human beings. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and as such they do not make good pets for young children. | |
| + | |||
| + | ===Diet=== | ||
| + | Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume [[grasses]], [[cereal|grains]], and other succulent [[Leaf vegetable|greens]]. Their [[digestive system]] is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems. Generally [[hay]] and a [[pellet]]ed feed should make up the largest portion of their diet. | ||
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| + | ==Dwarf breeds== | ||
| + | Dwarf rabbits only eat for a healthy diet is lettice,carrots,grass,greenleafs,hay, and mostly cabbage | ||
| + | if you want to know more about these wonderful creatures go to google.com and type my web site dwarf rabbits.com and you will learn more!!!!! seriously! | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[List of rabbit breeds]] |
| − | + | *[[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]] | |
| − | + | *[[Cuteness]] | |
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| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Rabbits as pets]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Leporids]] |
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Revision as of 00:53, 25 March 2006
- This article concerns a particular breed of rabbit, the Netherland dwarf. For information on domestic rabbits in general, see Domestic rabbit.
The Netherland Dwarf is a popular breed of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Smaller than most rabbit breeds, Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh 1 to 3 lb (0.5 to 1.4 kg) and are usually kept as pets or exhibition animals. They are not typically used as sources of meat or fur because their small size makes them inefficient for these purposes.
Most rabbits sold in pet stores are Netherland dwarfs, Netherland dwarf-derived breeds (often referred to simply as dwarf breeds), or dwarf crosses. Their popularity as pets stems from their babyish appearance and their cage space requirement, which is smaller than that of larger rabbit breeds.
History
The Netherland dwarf was first bred in the Netherlands, as its name implies, in the early 20th century. Medium-sized rabbits of various breeds were bred with wild European rabbits of unusually small size; after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Netherland dwarfs were first imported into the United Kingdom in the 1950s. In the 1960s and 1970s the United States imported its first Netherland dwarf rabbits.
Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and 1980s, had fearful and sometimes aggressive temperaments as a result of breeders selecting breeding animals for size, not personality. These rabbits behaved more like wild rabbits than domestic animals and did not make good pets. However, through generations of selective breeding, the modern Netherland dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.
Appearance
Purebred Netherland dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including Himalayan, Red, Siamese, Chinchilla, Blue, and White-tipped Black. Other colors (called mismarks) exist in non-show-quality Netherland dwarfs and in dwarf mongrel rabbits.
Netherland dwarfs' heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the head. Additionally, their faces are rounded and shortened. These features, a part of the animals' dwarfism, cause them to look infantile even into adulthood.
Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with. However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the purebred dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger.
Netherland dwarfs as pets
- Main article: Domestic rabbit
Behavior
Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be litter-trained and socialized with dogs and cats.
They tend to have spunkier and more energetic temperaments than larger breeds of rabbit and are rarely content to sit still when outside of the cage. They are curious animals and have a tendency to nibble on nearby objects and even human beings. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and as such they do not make good pets for young children.
Diet
Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume grasses, grains, and other succulent greens. Their digestive system is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems. Generally hay and a pelleted feed should make up the largest portion of their diet.
Dwarf breeds
Dwarf rabbits only eat for a healthy diet is lettice,carrots,grass,greenleafs,hay, and mostly cabbage if you want to know more about these wonderful creatures go to google.com and type my web site dwarf rabbits.com and you will learn more!!!!! seriously!
