German Lop
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Also called Deutsche Klein Widder
From Germany (West Germany), mid-20th century, from crosses of French Lops with smaller breeds (Netherland Dwarf or Holland Lop, depending on the source); reached the UK in the early 1980s.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UK and Australian standards give about 2.95-3.85 kg (roughly 6.5-8.5 lb).
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense roll-back normal fur; thickset, muscular lop
A chunky, heavily muscled rabbit with broad shoulders and hindquarters and a neck that barely shows. The strong head has a Roman-nosed profile and full cheeks, and the thick, broad ears drop straight down just behind the eyes, usually about 28-35 cm from tip to tip. Its dense coat rolls back into place when stroked.542
Personality what they are like
German Lops are known as calm, easygoing rabbits that enjoy attention from their people. Gently handled, they are sweet and affectionate, and they do well both on the show bench and as household pets.213
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate; give it daily free time in a safe area and some toys to keep it busy.16
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Light weekly grooming is usually enough, with extra brushing during moults. Spot clean rather than bathe, and check ears and nails regularly.21
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully. Solid flooring is recommended.61
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.61
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.6
The story where it all began
German breeders wanted a lop that sat between the big French Lop and the dwarf lops, and crossed French Lops with smaller rabbits to get it. In Germany it is known as the Deutsche Klein Widder. It reached Britain in the early 1980s and was recognised by the British Rabbit Council around 1990.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its German name, Deutsche Klein Widder, translates roughly as 'German little ram' (lop rabbits have long been likened to rams).1
- 2
Its standard asks for a 'Roman nose' head with well-developed cheeks.5
- 3
Size-wise it fills the gap between the dwarf lops and the much larger French Lop.2
- 4
Many enjoy playing with cat toys, especially ones with bells or rattles.1
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed (one source dates recognition to 1990).5
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in 1990.1
- West Australian Rabbit Council
- Breed standard published, 2.95-3.85 kg.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Lop. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my German Lop?
Feed your German Lop unlimited hay every day, plus a small portion of leafy greens and measured pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests refilling hay daily. Always provide fresh water. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.617 Furry Diary plan
What should a German Lop eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be about 85% hay and grass, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and other toxic foods like grapes and raisins. Never give lawnmower clippings or processed human food.6178
Should I bathe a German Lop?
No, spot clean instead of bathing. Rabbits generally dislike water and bathing can cause stress. Use a damp cloth for dirty spots if needed.21
Does a German Lop need brushing?
Yes, brush your German Lop weekly, and daily during moulting seasons. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces loose fur.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a German Lop's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly as they grow continuously; provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. Trim nails about every six weeks. If unsure, ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.21 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a German Lop need?
Provide a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high for a pair, with solid flooring. Give at least 4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily for exercise.61 Furry Diary plan
Should a German Lop live alone or with friends?
German Lops are sociable and should live with at least one compatible rabbit. They also enjoy regular gentle time with their people.6
How long does a German Lop live?
With good care, a German Lop can live 7 to 12 years.1
Is a German Lop a good pet for children?
German Lops are calm and affectionate, but suitability for children depends on the individual rabbit and the child's age and handling. Always supervise interactions and ask a good breeder for advice.
How do I hold a German Lop?
Handling techniques vary; always support the rabbit's hindquarters and never lift by the ears. Ask your vet or a good breeder for proper handling demonstrations.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Hepper: German Lop Rabbit articles.hepper.comused for lifespan, history, recognition year, temperament, housing, fun facts
- Everbreed: German Lop Rabbit guide everbreed.comused for origin, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
- Fur & Feather: German Lop furandfeather.co.ukused for UK arrival, development, weight, colours
- West Australian Rabbit Council: Breed Information warci.com.auused for weight, type, colours
- German Lop (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition, type, head, ears
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.