Content
- Origin of the Mini Lop Rabbit
- Physical characteristics of the Mini Lop rabbit
- Rabbit Personality Mini Lop
- Mini Lop Rabbit Care
- Prohibited food for rabbits
- Rabbit Health Mini Lop
- Other diseases of the Mini Lop rabbit
- Adopt a Mini Lop Rabbit
within the group of dwarf rabbits, among which are the Mini Dutch and the Lion rabbit, we also find the Mini Lop rabbit. This bunny stands out for its ears, as they are very different from those of other breeds, hanging down to the sides of the head. They are considered to be the miniature variety of the Belier rabbit, also known as French Lop rabbits.
Mini Lops have a kind personality and a really cute and adorable appearance, which is why they have become one of the most popular breeds for rabbit lovers. If you want to know more about mini lop rabbit, continue reading this form of PeritoAnimal.
Source- Europe
- Germany
Origin of the Mini Lop Rabbit
The Mini Lop rabbit breed appeared in the the 70's, when they started to be shown in exhibitions in Germany. It was there that breeders crossed Belier or French Lop rabbits with other varieties, such as Chinchilla rabbits, seeking to reduce the size of the Belier. So, first they got specimens of what is now known as Dwarf Lop, and continuing with the crosses they gave rise to the Mini Lop, which until 1974 it was called Klein Widder, which means "hanging ears".
The Mini Lop rabbit breed was accepted by American Rabbits Breeders Association in 1980, establishing itself as an official recognized race. Today, it is one of the favorite breeds of rabbit as a pet.
Physical characteristics of the Mini Lop rabbit
Mini Lops are rabbits from small size, rarely exceeding 1.6 kg in weight, with an average between 1.4 and 1.5 kg. Your life expectancy generally ranges from 8 to 10 years.
The Mini Lop's body is compact, solid and strongly developed musculature. The legs of these rabbits are short and furry. The head is broad and curved in profile, with a broad snout and marked cheeks. The ears have a prominent base, are long, rounded and always hang on the sides of the head, hiding the inside. They have large, round and very bright eyes, which vary in color depending on their coat.
The coat of these rabbits can be short or medium, depending on the individual, and is always very dense, soft and shiny. It is abundant on the ears, legs, head and tail.
Colors of the Mini Lop Rabbit
There is a wide range of colors accepted in the official breed standard, some of which are:
- Cinnamon
- bluish gray
- Orange
- White
- Chocolate
- chinchilla
- Tricolor
All of these colors, and a few more that aren't mentioned, can be solids or bicolors with a white base, as well as tricolors.
Rabbit Personality Mini Lop
Mini Lops stand out for being adorable bunnies, because they not only look endearing, but they're also friendly, active, playful and extremely gentle and affectionate. They love to give and receive affection, so it's not hard to see them begging for caresses or staying for hours on their owners' laps.
They are never aggressive, on the contrary, their sweetness makes them ideal for families with small children, the elderly or lonely people, as they ooze love and patience.
Mini Lop rabbits can stay nervous when not doing enough activity, but if they have the freedom to move around in a large space, and toys at their disposal, that's enough.
Mini Lop Rabbit Care
Mini Lop rabbits need some attention to be healthy and for their personality to be balanced. One of those precautions is to have a space adapted for them. If you need to keep it in a cage, it is recommended that it be kept for as short a time as possible, in a large, clean and conditioned cage.
Your coat requires constant brushing, being recommended to brush it practically every day, or every other day. Bathing is not advisable, as is grooming.
Your diet should be based on your intake of fresh vegetables, hay and a ration specific for dwarf rabbits. The Mini Lop must always have a clean, fresh water source at its disposal. Here we leave a list of fruits and vegetables recommended for rabbits. On the other hand, to avoid digestive problems in your Mini Lop rabbit, it's also important to know what foods you can't feed him.
Prohibited food for rabbits
Among the foods that are bad for rabbits, the following stand out:
- The potato
- the sweet potato
- the garlic
- The onion
- the turnip
- the leek
- the banana
- the avocado
- The bread
- the seeds
In summary, you should avoid giving Mini Lop foods with sugar or fat. For more information, we recommend this other article on prohibited food for rabbits, where you will find a much broader list.
Rabbit Health Mini Lop
The Mini Lop's health can be affected by different factors. One of the most notorious is that the anatomy and morphology of their ears make them very sensitive to auditory system conditions. One of the most common are ear infections, which, in addition to being very painful, can wreak havoc on the health of these little ones. To avoid them, it is important to carry out regular ear cleanings with specific products for them. You can ask the veterinarian to teach you how to clean your rabbit's ears, it is essential to ensure that once cleaning is complete, the ear is completely dry, as moisture is a big problem due to bacteria.
Other diseases of the Mini Lop rabbit
Other conditions they can suffer from are:
- Uterine cancer
- The development of hairballs in the rabbit's stomach
- The Deadly Viral Hemorrhagic Disease
- dental problems
- Infections such as coccidiosis
Adopt a Mini Lop Rabbit
If you are looking for a Mini Lop rabbit to be part of your family, we recommend thinking twice, as well as adopting any other animal, as it is a commitment that you cannot break. Before adopting a Mini Lop rabbit, we recommend that you consider the tips in this article: "Advice for Adopting a Rabbit". Also, remember that although the Mini Lop rabbit is sociable, it is still an animal that is prey in the wild, so it is necessary to be patient with him until you gain your trust.
Once you have considered all of this, we advise you to go to a animal protective association for, in this way, it can promote responsible adoption and combat the abandonment of animals.