French Lop

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense, soft normal coat; heavy, thickset body with lop ears

A big, chunky rabbit with a short, solid body and a large, broad head, the bucks rounder in the face than the does. Its lop ears, usually about 13-20 cm (5-8 in) long, hang down beside the face below the jaw. The fur is thick and soft to the touch.1

Personality what they are like

French Lops are known for being laid-back and good-natured. They can live alongside cats, dogs and children when introductions are handled well. Does are often described as the more curious explorers, while bucks tend to be even more easygoing. Their size and strong back legs make them a better match for owners who are confident handling a large rabbit.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs plenty of daily exercise outside the sleeping area, in a large, safe run or rabbit-proofed room where it can hop, stretch and explore.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly, and daily during moulting seasons. Full baths are not recommended. Support the heavy body and hindquarters when lifting.31

Home where they are happiest

Welfare guidance for two medium rabbits is a combined living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, where each rabbit can stand upright and stretch fully; a large breed like this needs at least that. As a minimum for the sleeping hutch alone, breed guides suggest about 6 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft (roughly 180 x 90 x 60 cm) per rabbit, plus a run.43

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay or grass should make up most of the diet (over 70%), available at all times along with fresh water, topped up with leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Ask a vet about exact portions for a rabbit of this size.43

Company who they like around

Should not live alone. Keep it with at least one compatible rabbit, ideally a companion of similar size, and give it regular calm time with people.43

The story where it all began

French breeders began developing the French Lop around 1850, mainly as a meat rabbit. The breed most likely came from crossing the long-eared English Lop with big French stock, usually named as the Giant Papillon (French Butterfly rabbit) and the Flemish Giant, which gave it its size and heavy build. Ten French Lops were sent to Britain in 1933, and by the 1960s the breed had become a familiar sight on the British show bench. It reached the United States in 1970-1971, and today it is recognised by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the British Rabbit Council.12

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA

Recognised breed, shown in solid and broken colour groups1

British Rabbit Council

Recognised breed with a standard in the BRC Breed Standards book1