It is believed the first French Lop was bred in France in 1853, and was the result of crosses between English Lop, Normandy Giant and Flemish Giant. The German breeders perfected the French Lop and have done much to promote the great stature so characteristic of the breed. It still remains the most popular German breed and enjoys popularity throughout Northwestern Europe, Italy, China and the United States, where it is King of the Fancy or "pet" rabbit.
The humorous antics of the French Lop have endeared them to many people all over the world and earned them the title of "the clown of the bunnies". They thrive on attention and love, aim to please, love to play with toys and have been known to die of a broken heart.
The French Lop is a massive breed having the heaviest bone structure of the Lop breeds. Bery muscular and large boned, the bred has a longer coat with roll back to enhance massiveness. Some strains develop trousers, bloomers or dust ruffles which is loose skin along the bottom of the body. The ears hang close to the head in a horseshoe with opening inward and are usually 15-17 inches of length.
Possessing delightful personalities, French Lop rabbits are the most lovable and easy to handle regardless of the weight and size. The French Lop can be housebroken and live in harmony with other pets. Less demanding and quieter than a dog, the French Lop is becoming a household word and most favorite pet.
French Lop Standards
Both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC) have published official standards describing ideal French Lop Rabbit; rabbits in show competition are judged according to the degree to which they fulfill the model defined by the standard.
There are two varieties fo the French Lop: solid or self colors and broken colors (colors broken by white). The colors within each variety are not judged separately: all colors are grouped together and the various broken colors are considered a separate group.
Adapted from
1. Lop Rabbits as Pets by Sandy Crook
2. RABBIT (Pet Owner's Guide) Marianne Mays