Mini Lop vs Holland Lop Rabbits

Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by

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When comparing the Mini Lop vs Holland Lop, it’s arguable that they are among the most popular domestic rabbits in most homes in the US. Many families keep them as pets because they are inquisitive, highly intelligent, and have unique personalities.

Actually, these two rabbit breeds are getting more and more popular in the world. They are rated very high on the list of most favorite breeds, especially among children.

If you are considering adding one of them as a pet rabbit as a new member to your home, make sure you are informed enough about these cute little creatures.

Should you choose a Mini Lop or a Holland Lop? That is what we are going to discuss on this page.

Mini Lop and Holland Lop at first glance look similar, but they are two different breeds. The biggest difference between them is their size.

That’s an obvious one. Mini lop is almost twice the size of the Holland lop.

Comparison chart: Mini lop vs Holland lop

Mini Lop

Mini lop vs Holland lop

Origin of Breed: Originated from the German Big Lop and the small Chinchilla rabbits.

Breed: Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1974.

Lifespan: 5 to 10 years. But can live up to 12 years if properly cared for.

Weight: Male: 4.5 – 6.5 pounds (2 to 3 kg)
Female: 3 to 6 pounds (1.4 to 2.7 kg)

Size: medium-sized rabbit

Colors: Chinchilla, Chestnut Agouti, Lynx, Opal, Black, White, Ruby-Eyed White, Blue-Eyed White, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Orange, Tri Color.

Holland Lop

Holland lop vs Mini 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.

Appearance

Holland Lops have a wide, but short body that gives them a compact look. They also have a broad head and are known for having a “crown” of fur at the back of the head. The Holland Lop’s most well-known trait, however, is their fluffy, floppy ears. Their ears are large and furry, widening out towards the bottom.

Their coat comes in a variety of colors and combinations and their fur is dense and glossy and, even better, easy to maintain.

The ideal Mini Lop is described as being a “basketball with a head”. In comparison to the head of the rabbit, the body of the Mini Lop is absolutely huge. This is what it tends to be judged on.

Successful Mini Lop rabbits have a nice and round body. Their ears are long and their head is wide, but the head looks completely disproportionate to the rest of the Mini Lop’s body..

Behavior and Temperament: Mini Lop vs Holland Lop

Mini lop bunnies are one of the most wonderful bunnies on the planet. Their size and floppy ears make them one of the most desirable pets.

They tend to be very friendly, playful, and easy to train. Mini Lops are highly intelligent and require a lot of interaction and attention.

This breed would also benefit from some wooden or simple toys for mental stimulation, this could be something you have on hand like an empty toilet roll, wooden ball, or wooden blocks. They are naturally inquisitive creatures who love to take an interest in new things.

Like any animal, Mini Lops come in a variety of personalities but they are generally fairly friendly and extremely playful. Like all rabbits, they may be taught a variety of tricks and commands.

The breed is highly adaptable and gets along with any other pets you might have, especially with dogs.

Although these little snowflakes are a tempting thing for young children, it is important to understand that rabbits require responsibilities for many years.

But, one thing is for sure, once you bring Mini Lop bunny in your home, you will soon find the joys of owning one of these very special creatures.

Holland lops are one of the only breeds that have been specifically bred for temperament, so they tend to be fairly mellow and social.

They are a relatively active breed and need time and space to burn some energy, especially outside of the cage. Hollands are very social animals that require companionship.

If you aren’t around enough, it would be wise to consider getting a different breed. If you are able to give them what they need, then, they make great, low-maintenance pets.

The Holland Lop temperament is what they are known for. Having a gentle temperament and being easier to handle than many other rabbit breeds. Due to this, they make great pets for beginners and children.

Care & Diet

Of course, like every pet, taking care of Holland Lop and Mini Lop is still a big responsibility. Both breeds need a safe environment where they can run around and explore while at the same time not get agitated.

Although the rabbits may spend their time outside the cage, chasing around the apartment, you still need to provide them with their own private space.

Moreover, you need to keep in mind is that rabbits are known to get into wires. Chewing on them and electrocuting themselves in the process. Therefore make sure to rabbit-proof your home before you bring the lionhead to your home.

The easiest way to rabbit-proof your home is to set up a pen in your home that the rabbit can roam in. If it is warm outside, then you may even want to put the pen out there too.

See also: Best pens for rabbits.

There are no differences in the daily Holland Lop and Mini Lop diet. Hay is generally considered a staple for any rabbit breed because it is incredibly easy for the rabbit to digest.

Typically, their diet will consist of hay, pelletsvegetables, and fruits. These can include the stereotypical carrot, but also parsley, spinach, broccoli, kale, dandelion leaves, lettuce, and a wide variety of seeds.

Be sure to keep a rotating supply of water to ensure their water supply is always clean and fresh.

Looking for a rabbit cage for a Mini Lop or Holland Lop?

Finding the right cage or rabbit hutch can be quite stressful when it comes to weighing the price versus the quality of the cage. To make it easier for you, take a look at our recommendations for the best 10 indoor and outdoor hutches.

Do These Rabbit Breeds Shed?

Actually, there is no Holland Lop vs Mini Lop shedding comparison. Both breeds shed. There is not much you can do about it (As long as you don’t notice some bald spots or anything!).

Keep in mind that indoor bunnies can shed all year round. While the outdoor may shed seasonally (usually every three months).

Genetics can also play a big part in shedding. Some rabbits are just genetically unable to hold onto their coats for any significant period of time while others can go forever between coats. 

When the bunny is shedding and losing fur, you need to brush the bunny every day to prevent it from ingesting too much fur.

I use this grooming kit, You can check it on Amazon, It is relatively cheap and works WONDERS on getting rid of the dead hair.

See more: Rabbit shedding and how to deal with it.

Do Mini Lops and Holland Lops Smell if Kept Indoors?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Most of the people that are not rabbit owners think that rabbits smell. That is why we like to cover this topic here.

Many are afraid that if they bring a pet bunny to their home they will have problems with the smell.

Nothing to worry about, because, the rabbits have no body odor, unlike dogs, for example.  The only thing for a bunny that would make he/her smell would be their urine. 

However, this is easy to manage with the correct cage bedding and with cleaning often enough. Therefore, the short answer is NO, Holland Lops and Mini Lops do not smell.

Conclusion

Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” choice – only the right choice for you! Between the Mini lop vs Holland lop, they both make great family pets.

Whatever breed you choose will require a lot of time and devotion. But, one thing is for sure, you will not regret it!