The Mini Lop is a relatively new breed. It is similar to French Lop, but its mere 5-pound weight makes it significantly smaller. Developed during the 1970s in Germany, The Mini Lop was originally called the Klein Widder until its name was changed in 1980s when it was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
The Mini Lop is not just a small French Lop. It is the result of crossbreeding of distinct pure breeds of rabbits, mainly the French Lop with the little Chinchilla and the Netherland Dwarf. Because of the variety of rabbit breeds used in developing the Mini Lop, there are many colors in the background, including agouti, broken, pointed white, self, shaded, solid, and ticked. The broken color was bred in America using the French Lop. Due to crossbreeding, the Mini Lops have had a tendency to revert to their normal, erect-eared ancestors with size and malocclusion major problems.
Mini Lop
Photo credit: Cuddlelops
Mini Lops does are consistent breeders all year round and excellent mothers, raising 5 to 8 babies. They are overly protective of their young and can be very aggressive during mating to the point of injuring the buck. Because of their rich milk, it is recommended that hay be fed daily to prevent diarrhea in the kits.
There are two varieties of the Mini Lop; solid or self colors and broken colors (colors broken by white). The colors within each category are not judged separately; all solid colors are grouped together and the various broken colors are considered a separate group.
General type is allowed 70 points. Body is given 40 of these points, head 10 points, ears 15 points and feet and legs 5 points. Fur is allowed 10 points, color and markings 15 points and condition 5 points out of possible 100-point for the Mini Lop.
Adapted from
1. Sandy Crook. Lop Rabbits as Pets
2. Audrey Pavia. The Rabbit: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet