If you’re deciding between a French Lop and a Holland Lop, you’ve narrowed it down to two really good breeds. Both are cute and for the most part, affectionate breeds, but they are vastly different in size, care needs. Making their suitability for different owners a big decision maker.
This guide will walk you through the key differences — so you can make the best choice for your home or backyard farm.
Quick Comparison
- Size: French Lop (11–15+ lbs) vs. Holland Lop (2–4 lbs)
- Temperament: Both can be sweet, but French Lops are known for their calm, laid-back nature
- Diet: French Lops require significantly more feed and water
- Pet Suitability: French Lops = gentle giants, Holland Lops = small and spunky
- Lifespan: French Lop (5 years), Holland Lop (7–10 years)
Size Difference
French Lops: Gental Giants
French Lops are among the largest domestic rabbit breeds, often weighing 11–15 pounds or more. Their bodies can reach 30 inches in length, and they’re recognized by the ARBA with no maximum weight limit.
Because of their size, they require confident handling and DO NOT like being carried around. It doesn’t matter how much you work with them they are not going to want you to do it. They just want to sit next to you and be petted.
But in return, they’re calm and easy-going. Their massive size, and drooping ears make them a showstopper.
Tip: If you want a rabbit that will turn heads, a French Lop’s size and temperament are unmatched.
Holland Lops: Small Rabbit, Big Personality
At just 2–4 pounds, Holland Lops are the smallest lop breed. They’re compact, easier to carry, and full of playful energy.
However, in my experience, Hollands aren’t always as laid-back as French Lops. Think of them as the “mini” version with a bit more spunk.
Speed Of Growth
French lops are not considered fully grown until they are 12-14 months. But Holland lops are done growing for the most part at 6 months old.
Similarities in Body Conformation
Both breeds share:
- Drooping lop ears
- Wide, bold crowns
- Compact, muscular bodies
- Thick, easy-care fur
For people who love the French Lop look but don’t want a giant rabbit, Holland Lops are often the next recommendation.
Diet and Feeding
French Lops: Appetites to Match Their Size
A French Lop can eat as much as three Holland Lops combined. On average, one French Lop goes through a 50 lb bag of feed in about 10 weeks. (10oz of pellets a day. — I do not recommend supplementing feed with veggies or hay.)
Because of this, I always encourage owners to buy feed in bulk from farm supply stores — not the overpriced pet aisle bags.
They also require large water bowls (I use 3-liter rubber bowls) instead of small bottles.
Holland Lops: Small but Mighty
Holland Lops thrive on pellets as well but in much smaller amounts. A standard water bottle is usually enough.
Suitability as Pets
For any rabbit, just because they are calm does not mean they are a good option for a loud and noisy household. Quite the opposite. If you are loud and a high-stress family they will feed off of that and your rabbit will become stressed and possibly aggressive.
French Lops are perfect if you want a calm, affectionate companion. They don’t need to be carried around — they’re happiest sitting beside you for pets.
The only challenge? Their size. They’re a lot of rabbit to handle, which may not be ideal for beginners or young children.
Holland Lops: Petite but Spirited
Holland Lops are playful, curious, and entertaining. Their small size makes them easier for kids and apartment owners to manage.
For first-time rabbit owners, Hollands can be a great starter breed before moving up to a French Lop.
Lifespan
- French Lops: 5 years
- Holland Lops: 7–10 years
If a shorter lifespan is a dealbreaker, the French Lop may not be for you.
Housing Considerations
Finding a cage or housing that supports a french lop is THE BIGGEST struggle and oftent times people simply have to make something themselves. The biggest thing is the cage flooring that can support their weight and the wires themselves can seperate at times.
I have built my own and even put together the cages myself, wire and all. The best alternative to that is a cage like this from tractor supply. Or Amazon.
Both French Lops and Holland Lops are both great breeds, but they fit different lifestyles.
- Choose a French Lop if you want a large, gentle companion with a calm temperament.
- Choose a Holland Lop if you want a smaller, playful rabbit that’s easier to handle for kids.
👉 If you’re drawn to the French Lop, don’t wait too long — litters are limited, and they go fast.
📩 Stay updated when French Lop litters become available by joining our waitlist below. Once you’re signed up, check our For Sale page to see if we currently have rabbits available.
