One of the top questions we are asked as a Breeder is “What is the difference between Holland Lops and a Mini Lop”?

There are many differences, but for beginners it is easy to get the two individual breeds mixed up as they are called different names depending on where you are located in the World. Holland Lops were created by Adrian De Cock. The Holland Lop Society was established in 1970. Adrian used a combination of Netherland Dwarf and French Lops to bring his creation to life.

Aleck Brook imported stock from Holland, and played a major role in getting the breed Accepted by The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) here in the United States. The breed was accepted by ARBA in 1979. Holland Lops are renowned for their small size making them ideal for small houses, or apartment Pets. Breeders refer to what is called The Standard Of Perfection (SOP) which is our guide on what to breed towards top quality Bunnies and Rabbits.

The maximum SOP weight for Holland Lops is 2 to 3 pounds. The Mini Lops are slightly larger by about 2 pounds. This is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between the two. Quality bred Holland Lops and Mini Lops look quite different from one another, whereas poor quality can look like a mix of the two!
The Mini Lop breed has its origins rooted in Germany. They were founded by using a blend of Rabbit breeds that include the Chinchilla, French Lop, English Lop, New Zealand, Polish, and the Dwarf Lop.
The Mini Lop was imported in the 1970s and became an ARBA approved breed in 1980.
The Mini Lop is a very sturdy and compact breed making it one of the most sought after household Bunnies.

The Mini Lop has more approved show colors than the Holland Lop does, giving you more color options if showing is in your future! The maximum SOP weight for Mini Lops is 3 to 4 pounds.

All in all, both Mini Lops and Holland Lops make for great pets!