| Size: | Standard/Giant |
| Weight: | 10+ pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5+ Years |
| Type of body: | Commercial |
| Temperament: | Relaxed & Gentle |
| The Best Suited for: | Experienced rabbit owners searching for a larger breed |
The French Lop is likely to be the one who made you love the sight of a bunny sporting floppy ears. The Frenchie is not the English Lop’s comically large ears, but it has been the sire of the Holland Lop and other lop-eared minis.
Although originally designed as a meat rabbit, French Lop is a beloved pet for both rabbit breeders and homeowners. The French Lop is an interesting rabbit, whether you are looking to get one for yourself or learning more about its history.
Let’s have a look at the history of this rabbit breed together!
The French Lop Rabbit Breed: History and Origin
The French Lop, also known as the “Giant French Butterfly Rabbit”, was originally bred in 1850s France as a cross of the show-breed English Lop and the now-defunct Giant Papillon. The large, muscular French Lop was created by combining the straight-eared English Lop’s genes with the absurdly long-eared giant.
Although originally meant for meat production, they quickly gained a reputation for being calm and gentle. They were soon adopted as show and house pets, especially after lop clubs started appearing in North America in 1970.
General Description
The French Lop, the heirloom of two large rabbit breeds, is known for its size and weight. Their bulk is due to their thick, muscular body, which has a roughly proportionate width-depth ratio.
It would be impossible to discuss any Lop breed without talking about their ears! The French Lop is the most lop-eared breed in all of the breeds that have been created in the last 50 years. Its tips hang just below the chin. The Frenchie’s lops are much more manageable in the home than the English Lop’s long ears. They also have a lower risk of injury from being stepped on.
French Lops are available in 8 different color groups. They can also be found in a wide range of colors, from black to white, and everything in between. They are a popular choice for breeders who want to add new colors to existing lines due to their versatility and docility.
Health and Diet
A steady supply of timothyhay and clean water will help any rabbit stay healthy. However, French Lops (and all giant breeds) need to have a steady supply. Because they are larger than most other breeds, their energy needs can be higher and they require more food.
Daily intake of dark, leafy greens and high-nutrient kibble will keep your lop’s vitamin levels up. Remember that rabbits should still eat fresh hay. Larger breeds may be more inclined to eat other foods than hay.
Giant breeds may be allowed to eat fruits, vegetables, and flowers a little more frequently than smaller rabbits. But, as always, it is important to give them a balanced diet and avoid poisonous plants, fruits, and vegetables.
For any large breed of rabbit, ensure that they have plenty of space in their enclosure. French Lops are able to live indoors as well as outdoors, but it is vital that they have enough room to exercise to keep their joints healthy.
Grooming
French Lops have a short, manageable coat that requires only one-weekly grooming. It is enough to brush your French Lop twice per week, even during the shedding season.
It’s not unusual for your French Lop to enjoy their grooming and become more annoying. You should be looking out for gentle nudges when you are standing still or sitting down to let your French Lop know that they want more grooming or affection.
Temperament
French Lops are gentle giants in the lop world. They have a calm, kind and gentle demeanor. You’ll see them relaxing and lounging most of the time. They are larger than rabbits and can be handled easily. However, small children should not be allowed to touch their powerful backs.
Final Thoughts on French Lop
The French Lop is a wonderful pet with a distinctive appearance, gentle demeanor, and a wide range of colors. This large breed will love you unconditionally and be a companion for many years.
Are French Lop rabbits suitable as pets?
French Lops, sometimes known as ‘Frenchies,’ are medium to big rabbits that may weigh up to eleven pounds. They are one of the friendliest rabbit breeds you will ever meet. They are popular pets in the rabbit world because they are lovely, peaceful, and loving. They are also incredibly clever, which makes them simple to teach.
How much space does a French Lop require?
Large breeds require significantly more space; for example, French Lops require a hutch that is 6′ wide x 3′ deep x 2′ high to let them to stretch out, walk about comfortably, and groom themselves. A larger exercise enclosure or secure space will also be required for the rabbits.
Do rabbits require a sleeping box?
If maintained outside, rabbits require a large predator-proof habitat apart from wild rabbits, with two compartments: The enclosure’s hutch should give a safe spot to sleep and hide. To protect the rabbits from draughts and weather, this compartment should be enclosed.
Should rabbits be confined?
House rabbits should never be maintained entirely in a cage. Exercise is essential for rabbit health. All too frequently, well-intentioned but misinformed individuals characterize rabbits as simple to raise since “they can be confined and don’t take up much space!
What should rabbits have in their cage?
In their primary enclosure, place 1-2 inches of high-quality paper-based bedding. A litter box in the corner with paper-based goods, a cardboard hide box, a hay rack, a water bottle, a tiny pellet dish, and toys are also required.
Can French Lop rabbits survive on their own?
Rabbits may live alone, but you must offer the care (companionship, stroking, grooming, exercise, playing, and enrichment) that a bonded rabbit mate would. It is always best to maintain rabbits in pairs.
Do rabbits develop attachments to their owners?
Once a link is created, rabbits appear to get attracted to that individual. It takes time, patience, and a lot of effort to develop this link. A connection, on the other hand, needs a little more time. It might take anything from a few weeks to a few months for new bunnies to build a connection with their owners.
Can I leave my rabbit alone for three days?
Rabbits are not extremely self-sufficient, thus they should not be left alone for more than two days. However, whether it’s simply a weekend or a workday, we can make sure they have all they need, allowing us to spend time away from home without worrying about their health.
Is it possible to leave rabbits alone for 8 hours?
Even if you have a pair of rabbits, they should not be left alone for more than 24 hours. Rabbits, like other pets, rely greatly on their owners. Domesticated rabbits do not have the same survival skills as wild rabbits. Your rabbit’s fundamental needs revolve around feeding, exercise, and stimulation.
Is it true that French lops are cuddly?
French Lops are known for their massive size, stocky build, broad faces, long ears, and docile, wonderful character, and friendly disposition, and are frequently referred to as the “gentle giants” of the rabbit realm.