Lop rabbit breed

Rabbits need a good balanced diet. They should get most of their calories from grass or hay , with additional leafy greens, vegetables, and dry food to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients. 

Lop rabbits aren’t fussy and will happily eat vegetable peelings, weeds and other things we might consider “waste”. It’s important not to feed your rabbit lawn clippings from your lawn mower, as these could contain petrol or chemical residue from the machinery. Lop rabbits can also be prone to weight gain, so it’s important not to feed them the wrong types of food. 

Lop rabbits have short fur that they will keep clean themselves, so they don’t require much grooming. But it is important to check their nails, ears and teeth regularly, as they can suffer from dental and ear conditions. Check for wax build up inside their ears, and examine their floppy ears to make sure they don’t have any cuts or sores that could become infected from contact with the floor. 

Lop rabbits are a docile and relaxed breed, so they don’t need much daily exercise. Exploring during a run outdoors or having some time to hop around indoors will keep them content. Their floppy ears can become damaged if they run around too much from dragging on the floor, so make sure to keep an eye on them.

Lop rabbits are intelligent and can be trained to use a litter tray and even walk on a lead. They can also be taught to come when called, which is great if you let your lop roam freely in the house. Remember to use treats sparingly while training though, as lops can be prone to weight gain.

Their long ears might be cute, but they can cause problems in this bunny breed. The ends can get sore or infected from dragging on the ground. It’s important to keep their nails trimmed to avoid injury if they step on their own ears. 

Wax buildup is also common in Lop rabbits, so regularly check their ears to make sure they’re clean and healthy. Syringing may be necessary for painful wax build-up.

The large surface area of the ears means the Lop is more likely to feel the cold, as the ears have lots of blood vessels. It’s better to keep them indoors, especially during the winter months.

Lop rabbits tend to be less active than other breeds, which means they can gain weight easily. Ensure that you’re feeding them the right quantities of food to prevent weight gain. Your vet should be able to advise on a healthy weight and diet.

Brachycephaly affects the breathing, tooth growth and tear ducts of short-nose bunnies. Over recent years, Lionhead rabbits have been increasingly bred with flattened faces, making them vulnerable to this condition. 

In brachycephalic Lionheads, the top jaw grows longer than the bottom (known as malocclusion), which can lead to dental problems such as overgrown teeth. Respiratory issues are also common. Rabbits only breathe through their nose. If you see your lion bunny breathe through their mouth, this could be a sign that there’s a problem.

Lop-eared rabbits are more likely to suffer from health problems than those with ‘erect’ ears. A 2019 study by the Royal Veterinary College confirmed they’re more prone to ear problems like ear pain and excess wax . And dental problems are a common as well – with misaligned and overgrown teeth affecting a lot of Lops.

Yes, Lop bunnies are cuddly and friendly. They like to be stroked and are happy to be held and picked up, which makes them a great family pet suited to young children.

Lop rabbits are generally easy to care for, with low exercise and grooming needs. As long as they have a balanced diet and space to explore, they will be content. They’re also easy to litter train so they won’t leave a mess around the house.