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
Described as an even-tempered, sturdy rabbit. It makes a pleasant pet, although most are kept by breeders and exhibitors.2
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
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
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
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
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
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
Its warm red tone comes from a yellow-enhancing factor acting on a wild-type agouti coat.1
The rims of its ears are distinctly edged in black.1
East German breeders rebuilt the breed in the 1980s from imported animals plus Chinchilla, Sachsengold and Tan crosses.1
It was recognised in its Dutch homeland in 1940, during the war years.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Deilenaar. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
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 Pet Wiki plan
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
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. Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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
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.
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
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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Belgian Hare
Tan Rabbit
Fauve de Bourgogne