Mini Lop Rabbit 101: Part 1
Channel: Pets Life
Date: 2021-02-21

The Mini Lop is a breed of domesticated rabbits that is fully recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association or the ARBA.


It has defined muscles and well-rounded from head to toe. It has developed dewlaps and is easily seen in female Mini Lops. The neck is short; sometimes, there seems to be no neck at all! The large head sits closer to the body. As the name of this rabbit suggests, it has rounded, fuzzy ears that sit lopping on either side of the head.


History of the Breed.

The Mini Lop was discovered by Bob Herschbach at a German National Rabbit Show held in Essen, Germany, in 19 72. Back then, the breed was known as the Klein Widder. It was reported that the first Mini Lops were bred using the German Big Lop and the small rabbit breed known as the Chinchilla. The two distinct breeds came in white and Agouti colors.

German Lops weighed 8 pounds and had a slender appearance with thick ears. Herschbach was able to breed the first Mini Lops in the U. S. and was done through breeding two agouti lops and a white female lop. The first babies had solid colors. The next generation had broken colors. And due to the breeding process, they were able to develop a high standard of Mini Lops.

Herschbach’s Mini Lops was introduced at the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association convention in 19 74. This event was held in Ventura, California. The result was that the breed should be downsized to create a more compact and attractive specimen. To do this, Hershcbach needed the help of other breeders, and he allowed them to use his Mini Lops. The last thing that the breeder did was to change the name from Klein Widders to the Mini Lop so that the breed can be more appealing.

In 19 77, the Mini Lop was now under a new person in charge: Herb Dyke, a new sponsor. In 19 78, Herschbach and Dyke created the first Mini Lop correspondence, and in just a year, this group had more than 500 members. These Mini Lop lovers contacted the ARBA because of their support for the breed.

And finally, the Mini Lop became an official rabbit breed recognized by the ARBA. This milestone happened in 1980 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the US National Rabbit Convention. After being recognized as a true rabbit breed, the Mini Lop Club of America was started.


Accepted Colors. 

Showing Mini Lops is a pageant of colors. There are two categories of colors for this breed: solids and broken. Only the following colors are accepted by the ARBA: Chincilla, Lynx, Black, White, Ruby-Eyed White, Chestnut Agouti, Blue-Eyed White, Opal, Blue, Lilac, Chocolate, Orange, and Tri-Color. It’s very impressive to see so many Mini Lops in a variety of spectacular colors.


Temperament.

The Mini Lop is categorized as a laid-back breed because it came from a Lop breed. However, some say that the Mini Lop is a hyper breed because these are small and energetic bunnies. But actually, the truth is that the Mini Lop can be a combination of the two.

Rabbits are also individuals; therefore, each one has its own unique personality. Making generalizations off the breed results in incorrect impressions. So when choosing a rabbit, consult a specialist or a rescue operator, breeder, or vet to decide about the animal’s temperament. Also, take time to get to know a rabbit, observe it before you make your own conclusions about which rabbit is the best to pick.

Mini Lops, just like all rabbits, are prey animals. These are often wary of any sudden movements, possible threats, new situations, which can affect their safety. You should allow your pet Mini Lop to approach you according to its own terms. Position yourself on the floor near the rabbit and just let it come to you. Give it treats so you can quickly gain its trust. Once the rabbit is comfortable in its new surroundings, you will be able to see its true personality shine through.


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