Pet Rabbit Breed Question????

Question

I am getting my first pet rabbit and I want to get a Netherland Dwarf. I have heard some people say that they are cranky and bite a lot, but some say that they are the sweetest pets. I am going to spay/neuter it so are does or bucks better? Should I get one? If not, which breed should I get? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

The personality of a rabbit depends on many different factors. Netherlands are known for being very fiesty, but that doesn't mean they are all cranky! Firstly you should visit a few breeders and see which ones rabbits have the nicest temperaments. Ask to see the parents and grandparents if possble.

The way they are handled can also affect the personality so again look for a well respected breeder.

There are nasty and nice members of every breed of rabbit so don't let anyone tell you a certain breed is mean, it depends on the rabbit itself so if you want a Nethie just spend time looking for the perfect one!

I recommend you find a rabbit show in your area and go along. You will get to see and meet many different breeds and it will easier to decide which breed is right for you. Good luck!

Answer 2

It all depends on how you treat your rabbit as to it's disposition. Netherland dwarfs are particularly known to never forget their experiences, and they will not forget it if you harm them. Does are naturally more docile with the breed than bucks. I would say if you want one, get it. But make sure you know what you are doing first! I would say that any breed is as good as another, but I know there are those who do not share my opinion. You could always get one and sell it then get another one if it is not to your liking...

Answer 3

Rabbits of any breed have different dispositions, I have a netherland dwarf and he has the best personality and has never even tried to bite, he is a very good rabbit.  It all depends on how they are treated.  Good Luck

Answer 4

As someone who has fostered and owned a large number of rabbits over the years, all of different breeds, I can confirm that there are tendencies in some breeds toward behaviours that aren't so common in other breeds.

For example, my own personal experience has been that in general, the smaller the breed, the more likely it is to nip. I've found netherland dwarves and dwarf lops to be the most likely to bite, followed by the rex. Having said that though, rabbits, like any animal, are individuals. There's no hard and fast rule about which breed to buy, as the chances are always there that you'll get one that doesn't live up to the breed "norm". I've known many "exceptions to the rule".

I would generally say that males once neutered, tend to be more outgoing than females, and when puberty hits, a female can change quite dramatically - being friendly and cute one day, and becoming extremely aggressive the next. Spaying often fixes this, but not always.

I currently have a very bold, spritely little dwarf male who is great fun, a very docile and placid female New Zealand (great breed!), a dwarf lop who hates all of humanity but who has never been mistreated - she just changed at puberty and spaying didn't change her back to her former, lovable self, and some english angoras who are, as always, calm, placid and very loving.

So, really, there's no guarantees. You can follow advice and still end up with a biter, or just pick the rabbit that appeals most, and take your chances.

Best of luck - go with your heart. I think that even if you pick one that ends up being less than you had hoped, it'll still have a special place in your heart because it's the one you chose.