<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The gene (symbol Dw) responsible for the common appearance of the dwarf was discovered in the United States during the beginning of the 20th century . When two "true dwarfs" (both buck and doe) are bred, the genetic pattern which makes them "true dwarfs" (Dwdw) ensures that 25 percentage of their offspring will inherit the lethal genetic combination dwdw . These offspring, often called "peanuts" by rabbit breeders, are destined to struggle with life for up to three weeks, and then to die . Reasons behind the death are unknown, but it is believed that peanuts have underdeveloped digestive tracts . The condition is 100% fatal, although if fed by hand every hour and kept warm it is possible for a peanut to survive, even though it will be handicapped for its entire life . Many ethical breeders humanely euthanize peanuts upon finding them soon after birth . Peanuts are easily distinguished from non-peanuts; they have extremely pinched hindquarters, a bulbous head, and their ears are often set further back than normal (sometimes almost onto the neck). </P> <P> If two true dwarfs are bred, the statistical result will be 25% fatal 25% false, and 50% true . The actual numbers of true / false / peanuts in a real litter varies . "False Dwarfs" tend to have longer bodies, longer / larger ears, longer faces, and are mostly heavier than the 2.5 pound maximum weight for showing . While false dwarfs (referred to as BUD' s by breeders, BUD meaning big ugly doe) do not make good show rabbits, does from a good background are vital to a breeder's program . They have the same "good genes" as a true dwarf and are capable mothers, possibly even having larger and more successful litters than true dwarfs . Also False Dwarfs are unable to produce peanuts . Their litters will be 50% false dwarfs and 50% true dwarfs if they are bred to a true dwarf buck. False dwarfs are easily judged for quality as the traits are generally the same, only bigger . Ear thickness / shape, fullness of hindquarter, topline, and other traits are the same . </P>

Netherland dwarf rabbit how long do they live