What Do You Feed Holland Lop Bunnies

Did you know that there is more than one type of lop-eared rabbit? It's true! These cute, cuddly bunnies are renowned for their warm personalities and oversized ears that only add to their charm.

If you're looking to add a lop-eared bunny to your family, there are several things that you should know about them first. We suggest you begin by taking a look at the different variations of lop-eared rabbits and select one from there

Today, we're going to run through some background on rabbits, and then discuss what makes a rabbit lop-eared. Finally, we'll talk about the different variations of lop-eared bunnies. One thing's for sure: no matter which breeds of lop-eared rabbit you choose, you can be sure it's going to be adorable! This breed is simply precious.

Some Background on Rabbits

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Rabbits are a type of mammal with fluffy, short tails, distinctive lanky ears, and whiskers that fan out. They're usually relatively small, but there are also some larger breeds of rabbits. There are actually more than 30 species of rabbits around the world, which means that the type you see most frequently is highly dependent upon your geographical location. They originally come from Europe and Africa, but now you'll see rabbits around the globe.

Because rabbits come from a variety of places, they can live in many different environments. Still, they have plenty of things in common. You've likely heard of "hares" before. This name is sometimes used as a synonym for bunny rabbits. Truthfully, rabbits and hares do stem from the same taxonomic family (Leporidae), but these two are in different genera.

There are more than 10 genera within the family, and the term "true hares" refers only to species that are part of the genus "Lepus." The rest are rabbits. In addition to this, the American Rabbit Breeders Association officially recognizes nearly 50 different breeds.

While these breeds certainly do share some overlap, they also have plenty of differences. These are just important to keep in mind as their similarities are.

There is plenty of variation with rabbit sizes, for example. Some weigh less than two pounds, and others can grow to be much more than ten. The largest bunny on record weighed nearly 50 pounds; that's the size of a medium dog!

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Perhaps you've heard the term "lop-eared bunny" before but are unsure of what exactly this means. When someone mentions a lop-eared bunny, they're talking about a rabbit that has a specific type of ears.

Most rabbits have ears that stand straight on their heads. By contrast, a lop-eared bunny has long ears that flop over. Their ears appear more similar to those of a dog than a traditional rabbit. Some lop-eared rabbits' ears reach the floor. This is not a requirement to be considered a lop-eared rabbit: they simply need to flop over. Because of their loving nature and adorable appearance, lop-eared bunnies are a fan-favorite.

All rabbits require basic care, but your lop-eared bunny will need a specific type of care. Because of the size, folded position, and delicate nature of lop rabbits' ears, it's not uncommon for infections or injuries to occur.

Still, you can work to prevent this to ensure your bunny's safety. Of course, if you notice anything changes with their ears, you should immediately seek medical attention.

What are 10 Charming Lop Eared Rabbit Breeds

There are so many different types of lop-eared rabbits. We always think that you should select a rabbit based on how you think they'll factor into your life. Therefore, this list of ten charming lop-eared bunny rabbits can help you decipher which will be the best match for you and your family.

Mini Lops

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Mini lops are the second most popular lop-eared rabbit breed type here in the United States. When you get one of these adorable furry friends, you can be sure that they'll be an excellent addition to your family. This breed is extremely popular at rabbit shows and can grow to be over six pounds–which is more than most people expect a miniature lop to be.

One reason that these rabbits make popular pets is that they are sweet-natured (not to mention adorable!). Their fur is soft and sweet which makes them ideal for cuddling. Your mini lop will require little maintenance which means they're a great choice for first-time pet owners.

French Lops

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French lops are one of the largest lop-eared bunny breeds. This breed was developed when two existing breeds of lops were crossbred. As you might have guessed, this occurred in France. French Lops are usually about 10 pounds long and have distinctive, lanky ears that hang below their jaw. It's not unusual to see a French Lop with ears that are more than a foot long!

If you have a French Lop, you should be mindful about creating a healthy environment for them. They need a large outdoor enclosure with a companion rabbit. Another option is to keep them indoors but give them lots of space to hop around.

French lops sure are adorable, but they're not the most common type of lop that people keep as pets. This is because they do require more maintenance than some other breeds.

Original Lops

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Did you know that Original Lops were one of the two types of lop-eared bunnies used to make the French Lop? It's true! Original Lops are also known as English Lops–whichever you prefer to call them, you're referring to the same type of bunny.

These rabbits are renowned for being rather inactive, which means that they can grow obese. This can cause health issues, so be sure to try to get your rabbit the exercise they need. If you get an Original Lop, you'll need a large hutch. Their ears are usually around 20 inches long, which is the longest of any breed of rabbit. Once they become four weeks old, you'll notice their ears are longer than their bodies are.

Dwarf Lops

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A Dwarf Lop is typically about 3.5 pounds. This makes them an excellent house pet for those who are looking for a domesticated bunny. The Dwarf Lop is a non-aggressive breed that has fur, not wool. This can be easier when it comes to shedding. In addition, these rabbits are a true dwarf variety. This means that they're often selected as pets for children.

American Fuzzy Lops

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As you might suspect, this bunny breed was bred right in the United States. With their long coat of fur that often appears frazzled and their large, long ears, you'll find that this breed requires plenty of grooming.

American Fuzzy lops tend to be extremely affectionate and have bounds of energy, which once again, means that they make for a good pet.

Lop-eared Lionheads

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If you're seeking a bunny with a unique look, you might be looking for a lop-eared lionhead rabbit. As the name suggests, this rabbit is renowned for its lion-esque mane around its head and shoulders. The breed is usually smaller and sometimes loses its mane as it grows. During their youth, Lop-eared Lionheads are extremely active, so be prepared to chase this adorable little guy around your space!

Holland Lops

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With their tiny structure and short fur, you'll know a Holland Lop when you see one. In addition, they're often found standing upright and have a variety of colors and patterns on their fur. These rabbits typically have deep, broad shoulders which can make them almost appear round.

Holland Lops are known for their agility and quickness, which means that you should keep an eye on them when they're hopping around. This breed is typically in demand and makes for a popular pet.

German Lops

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German Lop bunnies are known for their stocky frame. They typically have crown-like fur between their ears, which is one of their distinguishing features. In addition, you'll notice that the German Lop has short to medium-length fur. It's typically super soft and can come in a variety of patterns and colors. The German Lop can grow up to weigh six pounds.

Plush Lops

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This breed of rabbit truly looks like a stuffed animal. It's a man-made breed that's just beginning to hit the market. If you have a Plush Lop, you'll notice they have soft fur, long ears, and docile, calm nature. Physically speaking, you'll notice Plush Lops have shiny thick coats with large eyes.

Cashmere Lops

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Lastly, we have the Cashmere Lop. This type of rabbit is renowned for its soft fur. Not only are Cashmere Lops' ears long, but their fur is also the longest of all the lops, too. These little rabbits rarely get larger than four pounds and require additional grooming due to the nature of their fur.

Conclusion

No matter what type of lop ear bunny you select, you'll be sure to find that all are charming, adorable, and sweet. We suggest that you select your lop-eared bunny based on their personality. If you do that, you'll be sure that you have a friend for life.

SOURCES:

Rabbits: Habits, Diet & Other Facts | Live Science

A Guide to Lop Eared Rabbits and Care | Spruce Pets

9 Lovable Lop Eared Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures) | Pet Keen

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