The Hulstlander is a small/medium breed of rabbit only recognised in white with pale blue eyes. Any other colour is a fault. In 1984 the Hulstlander Rabbit was accepted to the Dutch National Rabbit Organization, and it was later accepted by the British Rabbit Council (BRC) in 2002 in the Rare Breeds category.
The Hulstlander Rabbit, which are also known as “Hussies,” was named after the district of Hulstlander, which is located in the Province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. That was where Mr. J. de Graaf created the breed when he started crossbreeding rabbits in 1977. This was done in an effort to get a blue-eyed, white rabbit.
The body of the Hulstlander Rabbit will be compact and short. Overall, the whole body is covered with muscles that are firm. The head should be broad, short, and strongly formed. The eyes should be lively, bright, and clear. The ears should be thick and large, and they should be held wide apart in a “v” shape. The ears should also be held upright, be covered well with fur, and feature rounded tips. The ear length should be anywhere from 3-4 inches.
The Hulstlander Rabbit features a medium length coat that is lustrous and dense. Overall, the coat seems to have a sheen, and the surface will appear glossy and smooth. A Hulstlander Rabbit’s fur will be white and free from any traces of yellow or ivory anywhere on the body. The eyes will also be a beautiful blue shade instead of pink, but the nails will be colorless.
Hulstlander Rabbits have been described as a friendly breed, particularly when they are able to spend a lot of time with their human family. These rabbits can be a bit cheeky, and they are inquisitive, loving, smart, and playful. They enjoy having their heads stroked, and they prefer being the center of attention. When handled from a young age, they are confident and calm, and they learn quickly. They grow up to be outgoing and friendly, and they are eager to explore. This breed can also be a bit aggressive or territorial at times, particularly when not handled correctly or not handled often enough.
