The Deilenaar, also known by the nickname Kastanje or Deilenaar rabbit, is a medium-sized breed originating from the village of Deil in the Netherlands, developed in the 1930s. This breed is especially recognised for its unique chestnut agouti colouring, which features a rich, warm reddish-orange coat with sharp black ticking and distinctive bright orange-red eye rings, nostril, and jowl markings. The rabbit has a compact, firm body with broad shoulders, weighing between 5.5 and 9 pounds, and sports short, dense fur that requires minimal grooming. Temperamentally, the Deilenaar is active, alert, and hardy, often suited for outdoor living, making it better suited for experienced owners rather than beginners seeking a cuddly pet. Originally bred for meat and fur, the breed is also popular in rabbit shows within the UK and Europe. Despite its rarity outside the Netherlands, the Deilenaar remains prized by breeders and enthusiasts for its distinctive appearance and robust character. Common search queries related to this breed include "deilenaar kaninchen charakter," "deilenaar rabbit," and "mackereling," reflecting interest in the breed's temperament and unique markings.
Deilenaar rabbits are a Dutch breed known for their dense, silky, deep red-brown agouti fur with distinctive black 'mackereling' or wavy ticking patterns. They have a compact, muscular body with strong upright ears about 11 cm long. Their coat features darker colouring on the chest and legs with creamy undertones on the belly and some red stripes near the groin. Medium-sized and friendly, they are intelligent, relatively low maintenance, and can be trained to use a litter tray, making them excellent pets.