At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
normal fur on a short, compact cylindrical body
A short, chunky rabbit with a broad chest and hindquarters and a rounded, cylindrical body on sturdy medium-length legs. Its agouti coat is warmed to a chestnut or rusty red, with dark-tipped guard hairs giving a lightly ticked look, a yellowish to tan belly and crisp black edging on the ears.132
Personality what they are like
Described as an even-tempered, sturdy rabbit. It makes a pleasant pet, although most are kept by breeders and exhibitors.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily time out of any hutch or cage to run, hop, stretch and dig, plus toys, forage trays or puzzle feeders to keep it busy.5
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A short normal coat needs only a weekly brush, a little more often while moulting. Keep plenty of hay available so the constantly growing teeth wear down naturally.5
Home where they are happiest
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can move, play, hide and stand up fully; a hutch alone is not enough and works only as a base joined to a large run or free-roam space.5
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited fresh hay as the main food, a daily portion of leafy greens, a small measured amount of rabbit pellets, carrots and fruit only as occasional treats, and constant fresh water.5
Company who they like around
Rabbits are social animals and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion, plus calm daily contact with people. Lift them with the back and bottom supported.5
The story where it all began
G.W.A. Ridderhof developed the Deilenaar around 1930 near Deil in the Netherlands, starting from Belgian Hare-type and Tan rabbits; Omlet also lists Flemish Giant, Chinchilla and New Zealand Red in its background. The Dutch recognised it in 1940, but the Second World War slowed its spread, so Germany followed in 1975 and Britain in the late 1980s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its warm red tone comes from a yellow-enhancing factor acting on a wild-type agouti coat.1
- 2
The rims of its ears are distinctly edged in black.1
- 3
East German breeders rebuilt the breed in the 1980s from imported animals plus Chinchilla, Sachsengold and Tan crosses.1
- 4
It was recognised in its Dutch homeland in 1940, during the war years.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Netherlands
- Recognised in 1940.1
- West Germany / Germany
- Recognised in West Germany in 1975; introduced to East Germany in 1985.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in the late 1980s; standard N.18 in the Normal Fur section, under the Rare Varieties Club. Not recognised by ARBA.6
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in the UK in the late 1980s.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Deilenaar. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Deilenaar?
Your Deilenaar needs unlimited fresh hay every day as its main food, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of rabbit pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer greens and pellets once a day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.57 Furry Diary plan
What should a Deilenaar eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Unlimited hay, daily leafy greens, a small portion of pellets, and occasional treats like carrot or fruit are safe. Never give muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any human processed food, as these are dangerous. Always provide fresh water.578
Should I bathe a Deilenaar?
No, you should not bathe a Deilenaar unless a vet advises it for a medical reason. Rabbits groom themselves and bathing can cause stress and health issues. Instead, check the fur around the tail daily and keep the living area clean. Furry Diary plan
Does a Deilenaar need brushing?
Yes, a weekly brush is enough for its short normal coat, but brush more often while moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days and daily during moulting to keep fur tidy and reduce hairballs.5 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Deilenaar's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every 6 weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide unlimited hay to naturally wear down teeth. For nail trimming, ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.5 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Deilenaar need?
Your Deilenaar needs a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, plus daily time out to run, hop, stretch and dig. Furry Diary's plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam space each day. A hutch alone is not enough.5 Furry Diary plan
Should a Deilenaar live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are social, so the RSPCA advises keeping your Deilenaar with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion. They also need calm daily contact with people. A good breeder can help with bonding.5
How long does a Deilenaar live?
The lifespan of a Deilenaar varies, but rabbits generally live 8 to 12 years with proper care. Ask your vet for specific advice on keeping your rabbit healthy and happy.
Is a Deilenaar a good pet for children?
Yes, the Deilenaar is described as even-tempered and sturdy, making it a pleasant pet. However, most are kept by breeders and exhibitors, so supervision and gentle handling by children are important. Always teach calm interaction.2
How do I hold a Deilenaar?
Always lift your Deilenaar with one hand supporting the back and the other supporting the bottom. Never pick it up by the ears or scruff. This keeps the rabbit secure and comfortable.5
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Deilenaar - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for origin, breeder, dates, recognition, weight, coat and body description
- Deilenaar Rabbit - Omlet omlet.co.ukused for breeder area, heritage, temperament, UK recognition
- Deilenaar - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight, colour, BRC/ARBA status
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight range, colour
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, social and enrichment guidance
- Breed Standards - The British Rabbit Council thebrc.orgused for BRC standard number and Rare Varieties grouping
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.