BREEDING AND CARE OP RABBIt-a 



Dutch should be disqualified for the following 

 weak points : Off colored eye, known as "wall eye," 

 and weighing over five and one-half pounds. The 

 majority of standards cut them IS to 20 points. In 

 strong competition, 20 points cuts will disqualify. 



This variety of rabbit was very slow in becoming 

 popular in America, and for years the only place you 

 could see them was at eastern shows. During the 

 last two years, however, they have become very popu- 

 lar, appearing in all of the large shows from coast 

 to coast. 



The Dutch are supposed to have originated in Hol- 

 land, where they were bred in large quantities for 

 meat. At one time they were known as the smallest 

 rabbits in the fancy. At the present time they should 

 be about the size of Tans and Himalayans. They are 

 very popular in England and it is not uncommon to 

 see $50.00 change hands for a good specimen. The 

 Dutch possesses such an attractive appearance that it 

 becomes a favorite wherever shown. Faking is some- 

 times practiced in preparing for exhibition. It is 

 quite a temptation to dye a small spot and pluck a 

 few hairs from another spot. Strict judging soon ends 

 this kind of work. 



The Dutch are very healthy and hardy and can be 

 raised under almost any conditions. They make fine 

 foster mothers and are also fine eating. Color is the 

 most important. The Black is the most popular, both 

 in America and England. It will take considerable 

 breeding to bring the black anywhere near perfection, 

 breeding blacks to blacks for any length of time the 



134 



