German Lop Rabbit Breed and Care Information

The German Lop was created by crossing the French Lop with many other breeds. It was developed in Germany and was first shown in 1960 in Saarbrucken, West Germany. The breed was standardized in Germany in 1970, the Netherlands in 1976, and Switzerland in 1984. It is also standardized in many other countries.

This breed weighs 6 ½ - 8 ½ pounds. It has ears similar to the French lop but are overall smaller sized rabbit. They are a fast growing breed reaching their minimum adult weight within their first 16 weeks.

The German Lop comes in a wide variety of colors. These colors include rew (pure white with red eyes), black, blue, agouti, chinchilla, opal, orange, sooty fawn, steel, otter, and butterfly patterns.

The German Lop has a muscular appearance and the neck is not visible. It has equally broad shoulders and hindquarters. Their front legs are short, straight and thick, and their hind legs should lay parallel to the rump when resting. The ears on this lop breed are broad, thick and hang down straight just behind the eyes. The ears measure 11 - 14 inches when measured across the skull. Their fur is of normal length and very dense.

This breed of rabbit make excellent mothers. They can be bred as early as 7 to 8 months old. A normal litter consists of 4 - 8 kits. They are a friendly, playful breed with a fantastic temperament and a naturally laid back attitude. They make an excellent pet as well as show rabbit.

Caring for German Lops is quite easy if done properly. The food they eat consists of a good rabbit mixture or pellets, good hay, such as Timothy, and water. Some greens and roots are also a good healthy snack but should not be used as their regular meal or complete diet. A 2'6" x 2'6" hutch is a good size home for this breed. Does with litters should have a larger hutch to ensure adequate room.

This breed does as well living indoors as they do outdoors. As with any animals extreme heat or extreme cold can prove deadly, so you should use caution with outdoor rabbits in these conditions. Make sure they have adequate ways to keep cool in the heat. You should be prepared to bring them in or provide some form of safe heat in extreme cold. Remember too much heat can be fatal. Do research on safe heat sources for rabbits during the winter months and cooling sources in the hot months.

Exercise is very important for your rabbit. Having an enclosed run is a convenient and less stressful way to allow for exercise. The run should have a latched door and be made predator proof. Keep a close eye on your rabbit when in its exercise pen. To prevent digging cover the bottom of the pen with aviary wire or a weed mat and a thin layer of bark chips. You should provide ramps, pipes, hollow logs and adequate space. These things will allow activities such as jumping, climbing and running.

The German Lop is an excellent breed choice for a pet, show rabbit, or for breeding. As with any new pet, do research before you make your purchase. Learn all you can about the animal including history, health, care, cleaning, and habitat. Remember a healthy rabbit is a happy rabbit, and a happy rabbit is normally a healthy rabbit.