--The Hallmark Breed--
Holland Lops in a Nutshell
Holland lops are the smallest breed of lop. They are commonly mistaken for the Mini Lop, which are actually a few pounds larger. Hollands have an average weight of 4 lbs, although some are small and can be around 3 lbs, while others can be up to 5 lbs. They come in many, many colors, in solid and broken patterns. They have a bulldog shape and should sit upright when in a natural pose. Hollands are a very fun breed with a lot of personality and are great for anyone's first bunny.
History of Hollands
Originally the Holland Lop was known as the 'Netherland Dwarf Lop' and was created by a Mr. Adrian DeCock. He started in 1949, hoping to create a miniature version of the French Lop. Mr. DeCock crossed French Lops to Netherland Dwarfs without a successful version of the breed he was hoping to create. In 1952, Mr. DeCock introduced the English Lop to the mix when he crossed an English Lop buck to a French Lop x N. Dwarf doe. After many breedings between 2nd and 3rd generations and other rabbits in their line, Mr. DeCock reached his goal and submitted four animals under 4.5 lbs to become a new breed. They were accepted by the Netherland's Governing Rabbit Council in January of 1964.
The first Holland Lops appeared in the United States in 1976. The first presentation to the ARBA Standards Commitee was at the Tucson Convention where they were accepted into the ARBA Standard for 1980
(Source: Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies by ARBA)
The first Holland Lops appeared in the United States in 1976. The first presentation to the ARBA Standards Commitee was at the Tucson Convention where they were accepted into the ARBA Standard for 1980
(Source: Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies by ARBA)
How They Are Shown
Hollands are a compact breed, however they sit upright versus low to the ground. They should appear bulldogish when they sit, with their front feet placed lightly on the table. A judge looks for the ideal rabbit based on the ARBA Standard of Perfection. The ideal holland is short, massive, and thick set. The topline should start behind the head and carry to the back of the hindquarter. The hindquarter should be broad, deep, and well-rounded with depth to equal width. It should be well muscled. The ideal weight for a Holland Lop is 3.5 lbs, and not over 4 lbs. The minimum weight is 2 lbs. If a Holland is under 2 lbs or over 4 lbs, they will be disqualified from the show table. Holland Lops come in 8 variety groups (Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, Self, Shaded, Tan Pattern, Ticked, and Wide Band). They have 4 showroom classes (Junior and Senior Bucks and Does) and are entered in two classifications (Broken and Solid).
Showroom Classes:
Solid Senior Bucks Solid Senior Does
Solid Junior Bucks Solid Junior Does
Broken Senior Bucks Broken Senior Does
Broken Junior Bucks Broken Junior Does
Point System:
General Type .......................................................84
HEAD, EARS, CROWN .......................42
Head....................................24
Ears.....................................10
Crown.................................8
BODY, BONE......................................42
Body...................................32
Bone, Feet, Legs.................10
Fur.........................................................................7
Color and Markings.............................................4
Condition..............................................................5
TOTAL POINTS........................................100
(Source: ARBA Standard of Perfection 2011-2015)
Showroom Classes:
Solid Senior Bucks Solid Senior Does
Solid Junior Bucks Solid Junior Does
Broken Senior Bucks Broken Senior Does
Broken Junior Bucks Broken Junior Does
Point System:
General Type .......................................................84
HEAD, EARS, CROWN .......................42
Head....................................24
Ears.....................................10
Crown.................................8
BODY, BONE......................................42
Body...................................32
Bone, Feet, Legs.................10
Fur.........................................................................7
Color and Markings.............................................4
Condition..............................................................5
TOTAL POINTS........................................100
(Source: ARBA Standard of Perfection 2011-2015)
Colors and Catagories
Agouti
Chestnut Agouti, Chocolate Agouti, Chinchilla, Chocolate Chinchilla, Lynx, Opal, Squirrel (Blue Chinchilla)
Self
Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Blue Eyed White (BEW), Ruby Eyed White (REW)
Shaded
Sable Point, Siamese Sable, Seal, Smoke Pearl, Tortoise (Black, Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac),
Tan Pattern
Otter (Black, Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac)
Ticked
Steel (Black, Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac) with Gold or Silver tipping.
Wide Band
Cream, Fawn, Frosty, Orange, Red
Pointed White
Pointed White
Broken
Broken (any color on white), Tri-Color