Rabbit Breeding

The Dwarf Lop – Colorful and Cuddly

A Dwarf Lop is very similar in appearance to its’ similarly sized cousin, the Mini Lop. The only real difference is size, the Dwarf Lop being larger by a pound or so on average.

Both breeds make great pets, but as the Dwarf Lop lives to an average of nine or ten years old, they are rabbits that will be around for a long time, with proper care and handling.

Do the Ears Hang Low?

The baby Dwarf Lop is born, like all breeds of lop, with ears that stand up straight. As they mature the ears flop down into the characteristic droopy style.

The Dwarf Lop breed was perfected first, as the result of introducing a dwarfing gene to a strain of French Lop rabbits in the late nineteen eighties. They are a relatively new breed to American market, but are becoming increasingly popular as pets for older children. It is not always recommended to give a Dwarf Lop to a very small child, as they are quite delicate and may not withstand rough handling.

Dwarf Lops come in many different colors, from black to lilac to orange. They can be one of any number of patterns too. Show Dutch Lops will only be accepted in black, white, blue, agouti, chinchilla, sable, seal point and fawn. Any other color would be disqualified as unsuitable.

As Cool as Cats

The Dwarf Lop is quite smart, and can be trained to use a litter box or tray. If you do decide to litter train any breed of rabbit it is best to use a non- clumping litter, as rabbits choke easily, and will not be able to digest hard lumps of clay litter.

Dwarf Lops are usually very affectionate and loving. Some pet owners report that their Lops actually seem to be purring when they are being stroked and petted.