Understanding the Dwarf Gene
Holland Lops are dwarf rabbits. This means that most carry the dwarfing gene, which is what makes them small. These are called 'true dwarfs.' However, some Holland Lops do NOT carry the dwarfing gene. These are called 'false dwarfs.' The dwarfing gene can also produce a type of rabbit that is called a peanut.
A true dwarf (DwDw) has one dwarf gene (Dw) and one normal gene (dw). True dwarfs usually do not exceed 4 lb. in weight when fullgrown, and tend to have shorter bodies and ears, which are desirable traits for show.
A false dwarf (dwdw) does not carry the dwarfing gene at all. It has two normal (dw) genes. False dwarfs usually reach 4 - 5 lb. in weight, and are longer in body and ears. Because the weight limit for showing Holland Lops is 4 lb., most false dwarfs can't be show unless they're juniors. Even if weight weren't an issue, these large and long rabbits wouldn't be competitive simply because the Holland Lop breed standard calls for short body, bone, and ears. In fact, false dwarfs are often called BUDs (big ugly doe) and BUBs (big ugly buck)! Why do breeders even use false dwarfs? They can make wonderful brood animals! BUDs are commonly used in breeding programs. They can have larger litters and usually have an easier time giving birth than small does, which makes them worth their weight in gold.
A false dwarf (dwdw) does not carry the dwarfing gene at all. It has two normal (dw) genes. False dwarfs usually reach 4 - 5 lb. in weight, and are longer in body and ears. Because the weight limit for showing Holland Lops is 4 lb., most false dwarfs can't be show unless they're juniors. Even if weight weren't an issue, these large and long rabbits wouldn't be competitive simply because the Holland Lop breed standard calls for short body, bone, and ears. In fact, false dwarfs are often called BUDs (big ugly doe) and BUBs (big ugly buck)! Why do breeders even use false dwarfs? They can make wonderful brood animals! BUDs are commonly used in breeding programs. They can have larger litters and usually have an easier time giving birth than small does, which makes them worth their weight in gold.
A peanut (DwDw) can occur in any litter when two true dwarfs are bred together. These rabbits are born smaller than their littermates, with tiny ears, bulging skulls, and often underdeveloped hindquarters. Peanuts lack some kind of growth hormone, and unfortunately, their condition is fatal. Most peanuts die within their first few days of life, though I have heard of a few making it for over a week.
To understand how true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and peanuts are produced, take a look at these three possible breeding combinations:
True Dwarf (Dwdw) x True Dwarf (Dwdw) = 50% True Dwarf, 25% False Dwarf, 25% Peanut
True Dwarf (Dwdw) x False Dwarf (dwdw) = 50% True Dwarf, 50% False Dwarf
False Dwarf (dwdw) x False Dwarf (dwdw) = 100% False Dwarf
To understand how true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and peanuts are produced, take a look at these three possible breeding combinations:
True Dwarf (Dwdw) x True Dwarf (Dwdw) = 50% True Dwarf, 25% False Dwarf, 25% Peanut
True Dwarf (Dwdw) x False Dwarf (dwdw) = 50% True Dwarf, 50% False Dwarf
False Dwarf (dwdw) x False Dwarf (dwdw) = 100% False Dwarf
The first combination can produce true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and peanuts. This is the most popular breeding combination. The second combination can produce only true and false dwarfs. Perhaps now you can understand why some show breeders keep false dwarfs in their breeding programs; bred with true dwarfs, they produce the same percentage of true dwarfs in a litter (50%) as do two true dwarfs bred together, AND they cannot produce peanuts. The third combination can only produce false dwarfs, and is never recommended as it will produce only brood quality rabbits at best.
Note to Pet Owners: Often, rabbits labeled as 'pet quality' are false dwarfs. In my experience, false dwarfs tend to be a bit more laid back with a puppy-like personality... though I've had true dwarfs behave the same way!
Note to Pet Owners: Often, rabbits labeled as 'pet quality' are false dwarfs. In my experience, false dwarfs tend to be a bit more laid back with a puppy-like personality... though I've had true dwarfs behave the same way!