Basic Appearance:
The most notable characteristic of English lops is definitely their ears. They have ears that can reach an “ear span” of over 21 inches from tip to tip, with a world record of 31 inches! Other lop breeds have a ridge of cartiladge called a crown that causes their ears to hang down, but English lops’ ears hang down because of their length and weight. English lops are a large breed with a graceful mandolin body type and handsome heads. They are the only breed of lop to have short, flyback fur.
History, Temperament, and Common Uses:
English lops are the original lop-eared rabbits, and popularized rabbit showing in Britain. English lops have been raised in England since the mid 1800’s.
English lops are generally calm and easy-going rabbits that are quite friendly.
English lops are definitely show rabbits. With their long ears and mandolin body type they are a challenge to raise. They are a very unique breed that is worth the effort!
They also make good pets because of their gentle temperament.
Grooming, Care, and Additional Notes:
The short fur of English lops requires little grooming. Going over the coat once or twice a week with a brush or damp hands should be enough to keep your English looking its best. When English lops are molting, they will need more frequent grooming.
Care must be taken to keep the English lop’s ears from tearing or getting frostbite.
English Lop At A Glance:
Recognized Varieties:
English lops are shown in two color classes, broken pattern and solid pattern. They are recognized in chinchilla, chestnut agouti, lynx, opal, broken, tri-colored, pointed white, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, white, frosted pearl, sable, sable point, seal, smoke pearl, tortoise, silver/silver fox, steel, cream, fawn, orange, and red.
ARBA Body Type:
Semi-Arch
Approximate Size:
10 1/2 pounds and up.
Important Things to Look for When Buying Show Stock:
Although the English lop’s ears are important, remember that type and balance is important as well. English lops should have full hindquarters, midsection, and shoulders. A dewlap is allowed in both bucks and does. The profile should be a mandolin shape, with an arch starting at the back of the shoulders and curving smoothly to the high point over the hips. It should continue in a round curve over the hips. The body should show a slight taper from the wider hindquarters to the shoulders when viewed from above.
Look for a wide, full head. It should taper slightly to a wide muzzle. The profile of the head should show medium length with a slight curve.
Ears should be set low, with no crown. Ears should hang loosely and close to the rabbit’s body. Ear length must be at least 21 inches from tip to tip. Ear width should be about a fourth of the ear length. Ears should be as long as possible while keeping width in proportion. Ears should be uniformly thick, but not so thick as to lack the lengthwise crease in the ears. They should be soft and pliable. Ears should be smooth. They should be wide and rounded at the tips.
Limbs should be medium heavy boned and straight. They should have ample width between the hocks.
The fur should be flyback and of medium length. It should be fine and silky, with enough resistance to maintain a groomed appearance.
Markings on a broken pattern rabbit should consist of nose marking, eye markings, and colored ears. Blanket pattern and elbow spots are desirable.
Things to Avoid:
Lack of arch to body, chopped hindquarters, short body, narrow shoulders, pinched hips. Poor flesh condition, thin rabbits. Arch starting behind ears instead of behind shoulders. Abnormal sternum is a disqualification. Hollow cheeks for pinched muzzle. Blemishes on ears. Ears less than 21 inches or severe blemishes or tears to ears is a disqualification. Weak ankles. Unmatched toenails on brokens. Very light bone is a disqualification. Rabbits with the broken pattern that are lacking head markings will be disqualified. General toenail disqualifications apply to all colors except brokens.
Link to National Specialty Club
In the United States the English lop shares a specialty club with the French lop.