French Lops
History
The French Lop Rabbit was first bred in France around 1850 and was established in France as a rabbit for meat during the mid 1800s. It is believed to have been produced by crossing lop eared rabbits to the Giant Normande rabbit breed. The French Lop rabbit became popular in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Germany and Holland and in 1933 10 French Lop Rabbits were brought over from Holland and exhibited in the UK. However, it was not until the 1960s that French Lop Rabbits became popular with UK fanciers. French Lop Rabbits were imported into the USA in 1970-1971.
Appearance
The French Lop Rabbit has a stocky body with sturdy, fairly short legs. The head is broad with a curved profile with thick ears which hang down with the tips below the jaw. The coat is dense and soft and slightly long and comes in a variety of colours.
Colours
The French Lop Rabbit is available in a variety of colours including Agouti, Chinchilla, Opal, White, Black, Brown, Blue, Sooty Fawn, Siamese Sable, Butterfly, Orange, Steel and Fawn.
Size
The French Lop Rabbit is one of the larger breeds of lop eared rabbits weighing around 4.5-6 Kgs.
Character
The French Lop Rabbit is calm, good natured and affectionate making it an excellent pet but needs plenty of space due its large size.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the French Lop Rabbit is 5-7 years.