Do Dutch Rabbits Like To Be Held? (Vital Facts)

Are Dutch Rabbits Cuddly

Dutch Rabbits are an interesting type of rabbit that is originally from the Netherlands. They have a long fur coat, and they can be really loving animals if you spend time interacting with them. But do Dutch rabbits like to be held? Or do they prefer to hang out on their own?

It is not uncommon for the average person who owns or has owned a pet rabbit to want to hold them at some point. However, there have been discussions about whether this behavior is appropriate or not.

Some experts say no, as rabbits are prey animals, and holding them can cause stress and anxiety, whereas others argue yes since it’s something that humans do with their pets all the time without any problems.

What Breed of Rabbit is Dutch?

The Dutch Bunny is a large, heavy-bodied breed of domestic rabbits that originated in the Netherlands.

They are known for their floppy ears, round heads with long noses, short snouts, thick fur coats, and powerful hind legs, which enable them to leap up to three feet in the air.

Dutch rabbit has been bred with care for centuries by those seeking new breeds of rabbits that could produce more meat at less cost than other breeds. A typical Dutch bunny weighs about three pounds and is approximately 16 inches in length.

A Dutch rabbit will typically come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and white. They may also have patches or spots on their fur that are usually orange or tortoiseshell in coloration.

The coat is short to medium length with the possibility for wooly undercoat during colder weather seasons.

Dutch Bunny was developed by crossing a Flemish Giant with a French Lop and has made appearances at many Worlds Rabbit Congresses as well as on television shows such as Animal Planet’s “Pet Nation,” National Geographic Channel’s “Inside Nature’s Giants” and History’s “World War II In HD.”

Do Dutch Rabbits Like To Be Held?

Do Dutch Rabbits Like To Be Held

Dutch Rabbits are a type of rabbit that can grow to be around 20 pounds or more. Dutch rabbits do not necessarily like being held, so it is vital for an owner to introduce the animal gradually and in small increments at first.

The individual should start by holding it on its back, with both hands supporting its chest area under the armpits.

This can be done by placing the rabbit on a flat surface and covering it with a towel before gradually extending one hand to pet or scratch its head, neck, back, or stomach.

Once the animal gets used to being touched in small areas, then further contact is possible such as rubbing behind its ears while holding its body firmly on the ground.

If it is still not ready, then move to a low-pressure contact, such as laying one hand on its back while petting gently with both hands from behind their ears down towards their heart and stomach area.

It may take weeks or even months before a Dutch rabbit will be comfortable enough to allow being held in any other position.

Are Dutch Bunnies Friendly?

Dutch rabbits are very sensitive animals and require a particular caretaking style that considers their fear of being touched and how humans raised them during their most formative years.

It is important not to pet a rabbit on its head or ears, as this may cause the animal to panic or jump.

Dutch rabbits are not necessarily social animals and tend to keep their distance from other rabbits for several reasons, including territoriality, fearfulness, discomfort with new people or places, and many more.

However, they can be trained to tolerate contact by very gentle petting that does not involve their head, neck, or ears.

It is best to only touch them on the back of their body and never hold a rabbit by its bony part (such as the spine).

A Dutch bunny should be given time to get comfortable with you before initiating contact with your hands or fingers. They are very sensitive creatures that require patience in order to tame.

If you would like to have a pet rabbit, it is best to get one that has been raised as an indoor-only animal because they are less likely to be fearful and more apt in tolerating contact than those who live outside in the wilds of nature.

However, if your Dutch bunny does not want any contact at all, then you must allow them to be the way they are.

It is also okay for your Dutch bunny to not want any contact with you at times, too, just like how we humans need some personal space from time to time too!

Never force a rabbit into anything it does not want and always respect their wishes. A happy bunny will come to you on its own terms.

Are Dutch Rabbits Cuddly?

Do Dutch Rabbits Like To Be Held | Are Dutch Bunnies Friendly

The Dutch Rabbit is not a breed typically known for being cuddly. The rabbit may be more prone to biting and kicking than other breeds, so it’s crucial always to let the animal come close enough that you can safely pick up its body without risking getting bit or scratched.

Once holding the rabbit in your arms, rabbits are typically calm and enjoy being held. They may also drool on your clothes or hair, so it is essential to keep a towel nearby if you need one.

The Dutch rabbits can be cuddlier than other breeds, but they tend to bite and scratch in addition to being challenging to pick up without risking getting hurt by their teeth or claws.

Once they are in your arms, the Dutch Rabbit will usually relax and enjoy being held. They may also drool on you or hair, so it is essential to have a towel nearby if this happens.

How Big Can A Dutch Bunny Get?

Dutch rabbits are known for their large size, reaching up to 20 pounds.

A Dutch rabbit is also called a “show bunny” because of its massive size that separates it from other breeds like the Flemish Giant, which tops out at about 13 pounds in weight.

Do Dutch Rabbits Shed A Lot?

Dutch rabbits do not shed a lot. They are low-maintenance animals that require little grooming.

Dutch Rabbits can be left alone for an entire day without needing any attention and will still look clean, healthy, and content when you get back to them!

The only time they might need extra care is if their fur becomes tangled or matted.

Dutch rabbits are also slower than other animals, so they need a little more time to adjust to new environments or when you pick them up for the first time in awhile.

How High Can A Dutch Bunny Jump?

It is hard to say how high a Dutch bunny can jump because they are not able to be tested on an apparatus.

If you have the opportunity and space, try tossing food or toys into their habitat from a few feet away and see if your rabbit will leap up for it.

You may also want to get down on the ground and watch your rabbit curiously to see if he or she will come and explore you.

Conclusion | Are Dutch Rabbits Calm?

Do Dutch rabbits like to be held? I bet you already know the answer. Dutch Rabbits are very sensitive creatures that require patience to tame, and if your Dutch bunny does not want any contact at all, you must allow them to be the way they are.

Never force a rabbit into anything it does not want and always respect their wishes. A happy bunny will come to you willingly, so there will be no need to force anything.

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Frank Kane

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been head-over-paws for all creatures, great and small. I’m on a mission to help other pet lovers better understand, care for, and enjoy life with their furry, scaly, or feathery friends.

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