Holland Lop Temperament and Personality

What the temperament is actually like

Calm, curious and more tolerant of handling than the smaller breeds. A Holland Lop that has been handled daily from a few weeks old will sit on a lap, come when it hears you, and tolerate being picked up without the panic a Netherland Dwarf can show. They are not a lively rabbit in the way a Dwarf is: the usual description from our families is "steady".

That temperament is made, not born. A Holland Lop handled twice a week becomes a rabbit that does not want to be handled, and the window where it is easiest is the first few months. Ours are handled every day before they leave.

Are they good with children?

With supervision, yes, and the size is the reason. Two to four pounds is enough rabbit that a child can support it properly, which a one-pound animal is not. The rule we give every family is that the child sits on the floor and the rabbit comes to them. Nobody carries a rabbit while standing up. A dropped rabbit breaks a back, and that is not a scare story, it is the most common serious injury in pet rabbits.

Are they cuddly?

This is the question behind most searches and the honest answer is: on their terms. A Holland Lop will sit beside you, lie against your leg, and fall asleep under your hand. Most of them do not want to be held up in the air against the chest, which is what people usually mean by cuddly. Rabbits are prey animals and being lifted off the ground is the thing that happens to them before they get eaten. Floor level, and they are extremely affectionate.

Do they bite?

Rarely, and almost never without warning. A rabbit that is unhappy thumps, turns its back, or gives a quick nip that does not break skin. Biting that draws blood in a Holland Lop usually means pain, an unspayed doe being territorial about her space, or a rabbit that has learned hands mean being grabbed. The first needs a vet, the second needs spaying, and the third needs a few weeks of only ever approaching at floor level.

Who a Holland Lop does not suit

• A household out from seven to seven. This is a companion animal and a lonely rabbit is a destructive, withdrawn one.
• Somebody who wants a pet that lives in a cage and comes out occasionally. It does not work and it is not fair.
• A very young child unsupervised. Not because the rabbit is dangerous, but because the child is.

Single or a pair?

Rabbits are social and a bonded, neutered pair is genuinely happier than a single rabbit. Two is also more than twice the space and roughly twice the cost. If the household is home a lot, a single Holland Lop does well with you as the company. If the house is empty most of the day, get two or get neither.

Common questions

Are Holland Lops good for first-time owners?

They are the one we recommend most often to beginners, yes. Steady, forgiving of handling mistakes, and a manageable size.

Are they litter trainable?

Very. They pick a corner on their own and you put the tray there. Spaying or neutering makes it stick.

Do they like being picked up?

Most tolerate it. Few enjoy it. Support the back end every single time.

How long do they take to settle in?

Two or three days hiding, a week to come out properly, a month to be fully themselves. Do not chase them during the first week.