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Holland Lop vs Mini LopOut of the most questions I get asked is "I want a Mini Lop" or "I want a Mini Holland Lop". And to their disbelief I have to, time and time again, explain the MAJOR breed differences. Mini Lops are about TWICE the size of a Holland Lop (I know this sounds crazy, right?) but it's true. A Mini Lop has an adult weight of up to 6.5lbs, where as a Holland Lop has an adult weight of 3-4lbs. I also have to explain there's no such term as "Mini Holland Lop". Holland lops fall into a few categories (true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and peanuts). True Dwarf Holland Lops have one copy of the dwarf gene. True dwarf Holland Lops have the Hallmarked rounder face, shorter rounder ears, short bodies, and tend to generally be around the 3-3.5lb adult range. True dwarfs look a little stubby and stocky with short little legs (kind of like a French Bulldog). Now you also have false dwarfs (still a purebred Holland Lop) and these rabbits carry no copies of the dwarf gene (they are usually good brood animals) and they are easily distinguished by their longer ears, bigger feet, and larger size. Lastly we have "peanuts" unfortunately peanuts have two copies of the dwarf gene (which is not good) these bunnies don't have the ability to survive after birth for longer than about 72 hours. They are the faders, and unfortunately you can't save them (trust me I've tried). There is a story of a mini rex peanut rabbit making it to about 37 days of age and then passed to read more about that story click here. Now back to the Holland lop and the fascination with dwarf breeds.
Many people want to get the smallest rabbit possible without doing research about their temperament. There are exceptions to every breed, however, Dwarf Breeds tend to be not as cuddly as larger breeds. It's easy to have a little baby to snuggle with,but as they sexually mature and develop personalities, you might find your rabbit to be very different then when you purchased it. |
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Many dwarfs will probably come to you for a treat or two, but they tend to be a breed that runs off if you step near them. The are adorable, but I found so many kids to adults that complain/say,"He doesn't like me..." or "Yeah, it just ran off most of the time" but I just have to explain that it is a normal characteristic of the breed. . I'm bias, I adore Holland Lops. You won't find any other breed that acts like a dog in a bunny's body. They are my favorite breed of all time and their personality has made them one of the most popular breed of bunny in the United States.
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So which breed is right for you? |
Well, that just depends on what your ultimate goal is with your new furry friend. You have to weigh out all the pros and cons. Does size really matter when considering a breed of bunny? If so, then maybe a bunny isn't the right pet for you.
Don't expect the rabbit to live with you, but you to live with the rabbit. They all have their unique personalities, and it is your responsibility as its owner to just learn to live with what you purchased. I don't not tolerate rabbits that are aggressive, but I can tolerate a rabbit that digs,chews,and nibbles on things around the house. It is normal. I just rabbit proof my house so that we can live peacefully. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find yourself a REPUTABLE BREEDER There are exceptions to every breed and if you'd like to see the potential of the personality of the rabbit you will purchase, asked the breeder to show you other rabbits in the rabbitry. See what personalities they have. Handle your babies often. |