Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by
We all know that rabbits are getting more and more popular as pets in the US. Holland Lop and Netherland Dwarf are among the most popular rabbits breeds in the world.
There must be a reason behind this right?
There are many breeds of rabbits around the world. In fact, there are more than 30, but these two small bunnies, are definitely among the cutest breeds out there.
Many families keep Holland Lop and Netherland Dwarf as pets because they are inquisitive, highly intelligent, and have a unique personality.
So, what exactly is the difference between the Holland Lop and Netherland Dwarf. Let’s take a look, shell we?
The biggest difference between Holland Lop and Netherland Dwarf is their personality, but pretty much every rabbit owner can tell you: It’s the rabbit’s personality that you’ll fall in love with, not their appearance.
Contents
Comparison chart: Holland Lop vs Netherland Dwarf
Holland lop
Origin of breed: Bred as hybrid of the French Lop and the Netherland Dwarf.
Breed: Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1979.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years.
Weight : 2 – 4 pounds (0.9 – 1.8 kg) as an adult.
Size: Small rabbit or dwarf rabbit
Colors: light orange, mix between purple and grey, dark brown, luminous brown, white , dark orange.
Netherland Dwarf
Origin of breed: Small Polish rabbits were bred with smaller wild rabbits.
Breed: Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1969.
Lifespan: 7 – 9 years.
Weight : 1.1 – 2.5 pounds (0.5 -1.13 kg)
Size: One of the smallest rabbit
Colors: wide variety of colors: Ruby Eyed White, Blue Eyed White, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Siamese Sable, Siamese Smoke, Sealpoint, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Tortoiseshell, Agouti, Red Agouti, Opal, Cinnamon, Lynx, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Tan ….
Behavior and Temperament: Holland Lop vs Netherland Dwarf
If you own Holland Lops, Netherlands will be a bit of a shock! They have loads of personality. However, there’s something about the tiny ears and grumpy faces of the Netherland Dwarf that is melting your heart. What they lack in size they make up with attitude!
Netherlands quickly became a very popular pets and exhibitions breed, however, they do not actually make good pets for children. They can be quite skittish and even aggressive in some cases. This was a larger problem in the past, but careful breeding has reduced the risk of obtaining a rabbit with these qualities.
It is still possible though and care should be taken when considering purchasing one of these rabbits. If not socialized enough when young, they can still be fearful.
Hollands on the other hand, are the one of the only breeds that has been specifically bred for temperament, so they tend to be fairly mellow and social.
Hollands are like the golden retrievers of the rabbit world, and they make great pets for children.
Whereas Netherlands are more like greyhounds.
Netherlands in general are near the opposite end of the spectrum, they tend to be more standoffish and less social, as well as very very bossy and often skittish.
(Of course this is just a generalization, and you can find any personality type in any breed!)
Related: Holland Lop VS Mini Lop
Holland Lop vs Netherland Dwarf as pets – What to expect
From a health standpoint, the Holland Lops are slightly more prone to heat stroke because of the shape of their ears. They are also prone to ear infections.
On the other hand the Netherland Dwarf is more likely to contract nasal or dental issues as they get older, because of the shape of their heads. Therefore you can weigh those differences although they aren’t that big of a deal. A Holland Lop can have both issues – it has the dwarfing gene.
