The Pet Atlas

Breed Rabbits Small

Dutch

Small, sturdy rabbit with classic patterning and a balanced body type

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Handling comfort
Low
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Small
Lifespan
8–12 years
Body weight
4–6 lb
Coat type
Normal
Coat length
Short
Ear type
Upright

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a sturdy small rabbit that fits well into consistent, predictable routines

Not ideal

  • Prefer very athletic types where daily run time dominates the care plan

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Commonly balanced and people-aware—curious, but not usually chaotic.

Handling & social style

Many become comfortable with regular petting and light handling when it stays gentle and consistent.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Dutch rabbit care is generally straightforward; the breed is defined more by markings than by specialized needs. Many are people-aware and curious, but not automatically “lap rabbits.”

Environment & space

They do well with a simple indoor setup that provides room to hop, stretch, and do short exploration loops.

Daily routine

“Normal” often looks like steady evening movement, quick check-ins around favorite spots, and a reliable return to a home-base rest area.

Health sensitivities

No widely consistent breed-specific sensitivities are reported; typical small-breed considerations apply.

Grooming / coat

Short coat with low grooming demands.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Europe

Background

The Dutch rabbit was developed mainly for its clean, repeatable color pattern. Breeders focused on clear markings paired with a manageable size, making appearance the foundation of the breed.