Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Laura Thompson
Are you looking for a new bunny and you’ve narrowed your search down to these two amazing dwarf breeds: Lionhead Rabbit and Netherland Dwarf?
Well, there are many rabbit breeds around the world. In fact, there are more than 30. The small rabbit breeds especially, quickly became very popular pets in the US.
Many families keep small rabbits as pets because they are inquisitive, highly intelligent, and have a unique personality.
Both the Lionhead Rabbit and the Netherland Dwarf are very popular domestic rabbits in most homes in the US and worldwide due to their lovely appearance, and demeanor.
Therefore, the article will provide you with in-depth information about the differences between these two amazing breeds.
Well, let’s take a look Lionhead Rabbit vs Netherland Dwarf.
Contents
Comparison chart: Lionhead vs Netherland Dwarf
Lionhead Rabbit
Origin of breed: Have been produced by breeders by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Netherland dwarf.
Breed: Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 2013.
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years.
Weight : 2.5 to 3.75 pounds (1.13 -1.7 kg)
Size: Small or Dwarf Rabbit
Colors: Cinnamon, Chocolate Otter, Black, Agouti.
Netherland Dwarf
Origin of breed: Small Polish rabbits were bred with smaller wild rabbits.
Breed: Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1969.
Lifespan: 7 – 9 years.
Weight : 1.1 – 2.5 pounds (0.5 -1.13 kg)
Size: One of the smallest rabbit
Colors: wide variety of colors: Ruby Eyed White, Blue Eyed White, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Siamese Sable, Siamese Smoke, Sealpoint, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Tortoiseshell, Agouti, Red Agouti, Opal, Cinnamon, Lynx, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Tan ….
Apearance
Netherlands have a large head with big eyes. Their faces are round and short which, combined with their small ears, gives them a rather “baby-ish” look. Their heads are rather disproportionate in comparison to their round and short bodies.
Lionheads have a small, compact body, with bold head, yet not quite round from all sides, with well-developed muzzle. Their legs are of medium length and they are of medium bone. Their ears do not exceed 3 inches.
Behavior and Temperament: Lionhead vs Netherland Dwarf
In general the Lionhead temperament is friendly and this is a well mannered pet. They are very intelligent and it is possible to train them. They can comprehend certain orders like come, play, and eat. Lionhead rabbits are good with children, but sometimes they can be aggressive and territorial.
Netherlands have loads of personality and there’s something about the tiny ears and grumpy faces of the Netherland Dwarf that is melting your heart. What they lack in size they make up with attitude!
At the end, it’s the rabbit’s personality that you’ll fall in love with, not their appearance.
Netherlands quickly became a very popular pets and exhibitions breed, however, they do not actually make good pets for children. They can be quite skittish and even aggressive in some cases. This was a larger problem in the past, but careful breeding has reduced the risk of obtaining a rabbit with these qualities.
In general, both breads are extremely social and some of the bunnies may be more social even than cats. This answers the question of why you MUST NOT keep them in their cage all the time.
Both, the Netherland Dwarf and Lionhead are more likely to contract nasal or dental issues as they get older, because of the shape of their heads.
Care & Diet: Lionhead vs Netherland Dwarf
Of course, like every pet, taking care of a Lionhead or Netherland Dwarf is still a big responsibility. Both breeds need a safe environment where they can run around and explore while at the same time not get agitated.
Although the rabbits may spend their time outside the cage, chasing around the apartment, you still need to provide them with their own private space.
As for their diet, hay is generally considered a staple for any rabbit breed, therefore no differences in the daily Lionhead and Netherland Dwarf diet.
Typically, their diet will consist of hay, pellets, vegetables, and fruits. These can include the stereotypical carrot, but also parsley, spinach, broccoli, kale, dandelion leaves, lettuce, and a wide variety of seeds.
Be sure to keep a rotating supply of water to ensure their water supply is always clean and fresh.
Conclusion
There is no easy answer to the Lionhead vs Netherland Dwarf debate.
But what you can be confident in is, as long as you choose your bunny carefully, train and socialize them well, either bunny will be a great family pet.
Laura is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator and conservationist residing in Madison, Wisconsin. Her love for rabbits was sparked during her early career when she nursed an injured wild rabbit back to health. Today, she runs “Hoppy Haven”, a rehabilitation center dedicated to the care and release of injured wild rabbits.