Hulstlander Rabbit Breed History/Origin
The Hulstlander Rabbit, which are also known as “Hussies,” was named after the district of Hulstlander, which is located in the Province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. That was where Mr. J. de Graaf created the breed when he started crossbreeding rabbits in 1977. This was done in an effort to get a blue-eyed, white rabbit.
It was not until 1984 that the Hulstlander Rabbit was accepted to the Dutch National Rabbit Organization, and it was later accepted by the British Rabbit Council (BRC) in 2002 in the Rare Breeds category.
The Hulstlander Rabbit features a medium length coat that’s lustrous and dense.
Overall Description
The body of the Hulstlander Rabbit will be compact and short. There will be well developed hindquarters and front legs, and the front legs will also be sturdy and short. Overall, the whole body is covered with muscles that are firm.
The head should be broad, short, and strongly formed. The eyes should be lively, bright, and clear. The ears should be thick and large, and they should be held wide apart in a “v” shape. The ears should also be held upright, be covered well with fur, and feature rounded tips. The ear length should be anywhere from 3-4 inches.
Coat
The Hulstlander Rabbit features a medium length coat that is lustrous and dense. It will also feature short guard hairs and a thick undercoat.
Overall, the coat seems to have a sheen, and the surface will appear glossy and smooth. There should not be matting or molt, and there should not be any guard hairs excessively protruding from the coat.
Colors
A Hulstlander Rabbit’s fur will be white and free from any traces of yellow or ivory anywhere on the body. The eyes will also be a beautiful blue shade instead of pink, but the nails will be colorless.
A Hulstlander Rabbit’s fur will be white, and his eyes will be blue.
Care Requirements
You can house your Hulstlander Rabbit indoors, but be prepared to thoroughly rabbit-proof your home, as these curious animals enjoy exploring all of the nooks and crannies that they can find. You can also let your rabbit spend time in the great outdoors, provided that you have a safe garden area where your pet can get some fresh air and sunshine.
If you are planning on housing your Hulstlander Rabbit outside, be sure to provide him with a safe and secure outdoor hutch that has plenty of room, is always kept clean, and is weatherproof.
Feed your rabbit a high-fiber diet that consists of a diverse range of high quality hays, as well as pellets designed for rabbits. You should also provide your pet with a variety of fibrous vegetables. You can even feed your rabbit some fruit as a treat. Finally, always make sure that your rabbit has access to clean, fresh water.
Health
Because the Hulstlander is a hybrid rabbit breed, it is considered generally healthy. However, these rabbits can still be vulnerable to the conditions that most commonly affect all rabbits. For example, if your rabbit spends any time outside, you should treat him regularly for worms, ticks, and fleas. You can also talk to your vet about having your rabbit vaccinated against diseases like myxomatosis and VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease).
Also be sure to check your rabbit’s teeth regularly to be certain that they are not growing too long. Providing your pet with gnaw toys designed for rabbits will help keep the teeth at an appropriate length, as will providing him with the right diet of fibrous veggies.
Keep in mind, too, that overweight rabbits will find it difficult to groom themselves, and that could lead to flystrike, so feeding your pet the right diet will also ensure that he does not become overweight.
Hulstlander Rabbits enjoy getting plenty of attention.
Temperament/Behavior
Hulstlander Rabbits have been described as a friendly breed, particularly when they are able to spend a lot of time with their human family. These rabbits can be a bit cheeky, and they are inquisitive, loving, smart, and playful. They enjoy having their heads stroked, and they prefer being the center of attention.
These rabbits can also be fun to watch, as they have a habit of standing up on their hind legs to look around, but they also have a tendency of falling over. When handled from a young age, they are confident and calm, and they learn quickly. They grow up to be outgoing and friendly, and they are eager to explore.
Just be aware that this breed can also be a bit aggressive or territorial at times, particularly when not handled correctly or not handled often enough. These animals need companionship, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time.
Photo credit: Everyday Escapism
