The Holland Lop

The Holland Lops make wonderful family pets thanks to their friendly, social, and affectionate nature. Known for their compact size and calm temperament, they are well-suited for households with children when handled gently and supervised. Holland Lops enjoy interacting with their families, can be litter trained, and often form strong bonds with the people who care for them. With proper housing, a healthy diet, and daily enrichment, they thrive as indoor companions. Although they can coexist with other calm pets, supervision is always important since rabbits are naturally sensitive animals. With regular grooming, proper handling, and attentive care, a Holland Lop can be a delightful, long-term addition to any home.

Husbandry

Proper Holland Lop husbandry focuses on providing a safe, spacious, and enriched indoor environment where your rabbit can thrive. They should live in a solid-floor enclosure with at least 8 square feet of space and enjoy several hours of daily free-roam time. Their diet must consist primarily of unlimited fresh hay, along with a small portion of timothy-based pellets and daily leafy greens. Clean litter boxes with paper-based litter, regular grooming, nail trims, and safe chew items help maintain their hygiene and dental health. Holland Lops need gentle handling, a calm environment, and access to stimulating toys and tunnels. Keeping them in temperatures between 60–75°F and ensuring they receive routine veterinary care—including spaying or neutering—will support their long-term health and happiness.

Diet

A proper diet for a Holland Lop consists primarily of unlimited fresh hay, such as Timothy, which supports healthy digestion and dental wear. They should also receive a measured amount of high-quality Timothy-based pellets daily, along with a variety of fresh leafy greens and herbs introduced gradually to avoid stomach upset. Fruits should be given only as occasional treats due to their high sugar content, and fresh, clean water must always be available. Avoid commercial treats with seeds, nuts, or added sugars, as these can cause health issues.

Handling and Grooming

Holland Lops benefit from gentle, consistent handling and simple but regular grooming to keep them healthy and well-socialized. Because they’re small and can be nervous if lifted incorrectly, it’s best to support their chest and hindquarters at all times and keep them close to your body so they feel secure. Daily, calm interaction helps them build trust and become more confident with people. Grooming needs are generally low, but weekly brushing helps reduce shedding and prevent hair ingestion—more frequent brushing is useful during heavy molt seasons. Their nails should be trimmed every 4–6 weeks, and it’s important to check their ears, eyes, and underside regularly for signs of debris or irritation. Since Holland Lops have a compact body and lopped ears, keeping their ears clean and ensuring they stay dry is especially important. With patient handling and routine grooming, Holland Lops stay comfortable, healthy, and well-adjusted.

The Holland Lop Vs. The Mini Lop

Please see the informational video below