Lop and Mini-Lop Rabbits

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

20 Jul 2007 12:05 PM

Lops are known for their distinctive ears -- which flop over, rather than stand straight up. Lops are among the oldest breeds of domesticated rabbits, and come in many different varieties.

• English Lop: the lop known for the longest ears. Some English lop ears can be more than twenty inches long!
• French Lop: a variety of lop thought to come from cross breeding the English lop with another breed.
• Holland Lop: a variety of lop that is muscular and compact. Ears are slightly shorter, and should be no more than one inch below the chin.
• Dwarf Lop: a variety of lop thought to come from cross breeding a French lop and a dwarf rabbit. Another newer breed.
• Velveteen Lop: a newer variation on the lop that comes from the United States. Has the super long ears of an English lop with rex-type fur.
• American Fuzzy Lop: similar to a Holland lop, the American fuzzy lop has angora wool. The wool gene is recessive in Holland lops; selective breeding brought the trait to the fore in the American fuzzy lop. Officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association in 1988.
• Mini Lop: a variety of lop that weighs only three pounds.

Some strains of lop rabbits are susceptible to dental problems, thanks to rapid selective breeding. The skull and jaws have become unaligned; this can cause problems when cross breeding with normal-eared rabbits. Lops tend to have short, flat muzzles -- much like a bulldog. Other rabbit breeds have more facial definition.

When it comes to personality, lop-eared rabbits have tons. They tend to enjoy human companionship and the company of other rabbits -- just make sure that your rabbits are neutered or in single-sex groups, or you'll end up with more rabbits than you could ever imagine. Male rabbits should not be housed together, as they can fight; males in separate cages can be good companions.

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