The question I get asked the most is "What should I look for when purchasing a Dutch Rabbit?" What I look at first is the type, fur, and color. Yes, markings are important, but they will come with time. Without the correct type in your breeding stock, you will never have young with the correct type.
The next step is markings. Look for those that may help your existing stock . For example, if your stock has long stops, you may wish to introduce some stock with shorter stops. The most points are on the cheeks, saddle, and undercut, so I start with these. I feel that the most obvious marking which a judge sees the most often, is the saddle, so I start with the saddle, then cheeks, then undercut, then stops in that order.
It is very important to look at the following, although for a new breeder it can be intimidating.
The old adage is still a good one - "Buy the best quality animals you can afford. " I should add to that by including: "Make your purchases from a reputable breeder, and if possible buy a trio from that line to work with for starters."
Also remember, that first breeding does not usually produce your winners. It usually takes three generations, so you must stick with it for awhile.
When contacting breeders, write a detailed letter to several breeders as well as calling those same breeders and discussing with them what you are looking for. Find out what they have available. Be sure to stress to the breeder that you are looking for the very best quality available and don't settle for anything less.
Take your time and don't settle for less than the very best you can purchase. Remember, it takes no more time, feed, cage-space, and waterers to care for good quality Dutch than it does fo poor quality. Your foundation stock will be your building block to the future.
What can you expect fron the breeder you have chosen? You can expect, most of the time, to purchase some young breeding stock out of his best stock and maybe even some older does that he wishes to sell. Most important, buy the very best buck you can put your hands on, regardless of cost.( Remember, this will be your foundation stock and you will want to build your Dutch on strong foundation.) Always inspect rabbit your are purchasing and get the show record, if any, the pedigree and/or registration papers. If the does are bred, find out the breeding dates. You will also want to find out what they have been fed and the breeder's management practices.
Questions to ask that are helpful in getting your new rabbits settled in with as little stress as possible might include:
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Remember - this article is copied from The American Dutch Rabbit Clubs Standard and Guidebook 1996 edition. Not written by me. No infringement of rights is meant or implied.
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