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Rabbit

Holland Lop rabbit breed

Rabbits need a whole lot of love. Hop to it and put a spring in your step with this Holland Lop rabbit breed guide.

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Holland Lop rabbit breed information and advice

Sometimes called a Dutch Lop rabbit, the Holland Lop is a small and cute rabbit breed. Energetic, playful, and sometimes skittish, these mini lop-eared rabbits are fantastic family pets that can happily snuggle up in your palms. 

Learn more about the Holland Lop and find out if the breed is right for you.

Holland Lop facts

Holland Lop
 
Lifespan 10 – 12 years
How much £60 – £150
Size 25 – 30 cm
Weight 1 – 2 kg
Colours Orange, chestnut, chocolate, black, blue, lilac, opal, sable and more
Grooming Once a month
Temperament Energetic, playful, friendly 
Exercise Daily

Insurance for your Holland Lop

Protect your Holland Lop as soon as you bring them home with Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance for rabbits. You may be able to get help with the cost of treatments, care, surgery and consultations.
Holland Lops are a healthy bunch and don’t suffer many hereditary conditions , but there are some common conditions you should be aware of:

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

Sainsbury’s Bank provides pet insurance for rabbits so your floppy-eared friend has the cover it needs.

Get a policy worth jumping on, with lifetime cover for your bunny covering up to £2,000 worth of vet bills each year.

Once you’ve arranged a policy, rabbit insurance with us covers your furry friend for the rest of their life – so long as you renew your policy each year. You can take out a new policy for your bunny from eight weeks old – right up until their fifth birthday.

Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.

How to care for a Holland Lop

They may be tiny, but your Holland Lop still needs lots of care. Food, nutrition, grooming and exercise are all an essential part of looking after them.

Feeding and nutrition

Your Holland Lop’s diet should consist of a healthy mix of rabbit food, feeding hay, and some healthy treats. Generally, feeding hay should always be available . If you’ve got any vegetable trimmings left over, you can give them a small handful.

If you notice your Holland Lop getting a bit too chunky, you can scale back the feeding amount, as long as you know they’re being active enough. Remember to ensure they’ve always got plenty of water.

Grooming

Holland Lops aren’t high maintenance, but still need a bit of attention to stay looking clean and tidy. Aim to cut their nails and brush their coat at least once a month, but you can give them a brush daily or every other day during moulting season . Chew toys can keep their teeth under control, and their huts should be regularly maintained. This is especially important as Holland Lops dislike baths. They’ll often groom themselves like cats, so you can expect the odd furball.

Exercise

Holland Lops are energetic and playful – meaning they need plenty of exercise and engagement. They’ll be happy to hop about for a bit daily but giving their rabbit hutch a play area can give them some room to hop away any extra energy.

Training

An intelligent breed, your rabbit will love spending time with company. That means training exercises aren’t just well-received, but they’re also a great way to bond with your bunny. It also means they can pick up litter box training quickly, some basic commands, and maybe even the odd trick . While it’s easier to train a Holland Lop from a young age, they can still be receptive as they grow up.


Temperament and behaviour

While Holland Lops are playful and energetic in nature, they need calm households as they can be quite skittish. They won’t take kindly to young children chasing them around the house, for example. But as long as you don’t startle them, you’ll find them very social and companionable.

Common health problems

Holland Lops are a generally healthy breed, with no known  hereditary breed conditions. But, they can be more prone to certain health conditions.

With Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, you may be able to get cover for your Holland Lop against a range of conditions, but not if they develop them before a policy is arranged. Learn more about pre-existing conditions.

Otitis

While the Holland Lops floppy ears are adorable, they can sometimes cause them a bit of grief. As with most lop-eared breeds, ear infections like Otitis can be common. Due to their floppy ears, bacteria and wax can build up in the skinfolds. If it gets bad enough, it can affect the ear canal.

Medication can help, but it’s best to use preventative methods. Regularly getting your bunny checked by a vet can help curb any issues before they develop.

Bloat

Bloat is a condition that can be rapidly fatal to your rabbit. It’s caused by a blockage in the intestines that leads to gas and fluid build-up in the stomach . It can be incredibly painful, and you should seek emergency care for your rabbit if you suspect they may have bloat.

If you notice your bunny has a bloated stomach, intense rumbling, is in pain, or is unable to poop, then your Lop may be suffering from bloat.

GI Stasis

GI Stasis is a condition that affects your rabbit’s gut, stopping food from moving through the intestinal tract. This condition can happen due to stress, poor diet, and even dehydration. Left unchecked, it can lead to death. If your rabbit’s stomach is hard and shrunken, it does not eat or drink, and it will not move (remaining hunched instead), these could be symptoms of GI Stasis.

To treat GI Stasis, you should contact your vet right away. Not only can they treat your rabbit but they could recommend methods for recovery.

So, is a Holland Lop right for you?

They may be tiny, but the pitter-patter of a Holland Lops tiny feet can become a big part of your home. Energetic, playful and sociable, they’re a wonderful family pet. They can be a touch skittish and may be more suited to calm but welcoming home. If the conditions are right though, they’re a palmful of joy.

Frequently asked questions

Do Holland Lop bunnies like to be held?

Yes, they’re easy to handle and sociable. But, they don’t like to be chased, so be careful when you go to pick them up. If they’ve got energy to spend, let them spend it first.

Are Holland Lops high maintenance?

No, Holland Lops are quite low maintenance. They’re tiny, very clean, and only need their coat brushed weekly, then their nails clipped, and ears checked and cleaned monthly. They also don’t take up a ton of space thanks to their size.

How long can a Holland Lop be left alone?

Anything longer than 24 hours is too long for a Holland Lop to be left alone, and even that is pushing it. They’re social creatures that love having company.

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