Appearance
Dwarf lops and Mini lops are very similar in appearance, size being the only real difference between the two. Dwarf lops are the larger of the two and may weigh as much as 2.5 kg. The smaller Mini lop has a maximum weight of 1.6 kg. Both varieties have a dense and soft coat and drooping ears. (Lops are born with upright ears which soften and droop as they age). There are over 40 different colours and patterns in the mini and dwarf lops worldwide.
History
Dwarf lops and Mini lops are relatively new rabbit breeds. The Dwarf lops and Mini lops today have been bred from rabbits which originated in America and England. They have been developed from the Lop which is one of the oldest rabbit varieties. The term "Lop" stems from the characteristic ears of this rabbit which are extremely long and wide and hang either side of the head, touching the ground.
The Dwarf lop was the first of the two varieties to be developed. This was achieved by introducing the dwarf gene to the French Lop rabbit. The Dwarf lops were then further dwarfed to produce the Mini lop.
Temperament
Most rabbits get along fine with other pets, such as guinea pigs, if introduced properly. The Dwarf lop and Mini lop are no different. They were developed with the intention of creating a rabbit which was easy to handle and hardy enough to withstand cuddling from children.
Handling
Never lift a rabbit by the ears. Instead, place one hand under its front legs and the other hand under the bottom and lift holding it firmly and supporting its body. If held firmly the rabbit should feel secure and not wriggle. Never allow children to grab the rabbit, run with it or rough it up.
Health and lifespan
Most problems relate to inadequate diet. Ear mites are common. Mosquitoes and rabbit fleas can carry myxomatosis, a fatal disease which cannot be vaccinated against. Screen hutches and use flea powder if exposed to wild rabbits. Rabbits can be vaccinated against the Calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease) if this disease is considered to be a problem in your area. Rabbits are susceptible to extremes of heat or cold, especially if kept permanently outdoors. 'Snuffles' is the term given to a common infectious respiratory disease (Pasteurella multocida) seen in rabbits which are kept in draughty or poorly ventilated conditions. Other diseases to look out for include Coccidiosis (a protozoan parasite in the liver or intestine), Enteritis (a potentially fatal condition caused by sudden changes in diet).
Exercise
All rabbits should have an area in which to exercise outside their hutch. The lop is not a very active rabbit and does not require a great deal of exercise but care must be taken that it is not overfed. Exercise will also assist rabbits to wear down their nails and to maintain body tone.
Housing and space
Most rabbits are kept outdoors in movable hutches made of timber or metal. These should be enclosed. One end needs to be enclosed to provide shelter for the rabbit and a hinged lid here will help when cleaning the hutch each week. Of the many commercial hutches available many owners prefer timber cages as the metal versions can get very hot in summer. With this in mind, hutches should be located in a sheltered area of the yard in warmer months. It is very important that the hutches are secure against attack from cats, dogs or foxes.
Housepet potential
Breeders say rabbits can be toilet trained to use litter trays but avoid using clay-type litters as these can cause digestion problems if nibbled. The biggest problem caused by rabbits roaming free inside the house is biting through electrical cords so homes should be bunny-proofed before release.
Grooming
Dwarf lops and Mini lops don't need much grooming, just a brush through the coat once a week. As they grow, they will gradually lose their baby fur and acquire an adult coat. It may be necessary to groom them with a wire brush to remove patches of fur when they moult. It is important to remove moulting hair as Dwarf and Mini lops can die if they ingest too much hair.
Ideal Owner
The mini and dwarf lops are a good size for children and have a better temperament than the dwarf rabbit.