About the early 1800s in England, there appeared in the litters of Dutch rabbits a white sport [mutation] with red eyes, of a similar body type to the Dutch of that time, weighing about 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 lbs., cobby in build and soft in coat. Although not strong or robust in character, a few were kept and interbred, and were found to reproduce their own kind. Through selected line-breeding, several more white rabbits with red eyes were obtained. This new creation was shown at an exhibition in Hull in 1884, and at about that time these Polish were exported from England to the Hanover district of Germany.
It was not until after the Second World War that the Netherland Dwarf came to Britain, as a result of a visit to Holland in 1947 by some English Rex fanciers. In 1949 Mrs. Naylor went to London with other fanciers to collect 9 of these rabbits, one blue-eyed white, two red-eyed whites, two blues, two blacks, one sable, and one agouti. On October 13th, 1949, four of these fanciers formed the Netherland Dwarf Club. The Club grew quickly, members patiently waiting for stock. Early in 1950 the British Rabbit Council gave them official recognition. In 1950 they held their first Dwarf Club show, at New Malden in Surrey, with a total of 18 rabbits entered.
The club has continued to go from strength to strength, in the 80s and 90s many local clubs in the UK having a separate dwarf section regularly entertaining an entry approaching 100. In 1981 the adult stock show at Oldham had a massive entry of 312 adults, 444 dwarfs in total, and a social evening where 114 fanciers were wined and dined. BIS was a stunning REW shown by Brian and Kay Rideout.
In 1999 the club had it’s 50 th anniversary culminating in the ASS at Uttoxeter racecourse, a two day event, again drawing a brilliant entry. This show marked the start of the two day ASS weekend which continues today, in 2024 saw the club celebrated its 75 th anniversary.
We look forward to your continued support for the premier club catering for the gem of the fancy.
Deb and Gary Hodson
