Mini Lop

About the Mini Lop

The Mini Lop is one of the most popular pet rabbit breeds in the UK, known for their adorable floppy ears, round face, and compact, muscular body. They are sociable, playful rabbits that make wonderful companions. Despite their 'mini' name, they are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing around 1.5-2 kg.

Mini Lops are friendly, playful, and sociable. They are known for being one of the most affectionate rabbit breeds, often enjoying cuddles and interaction with their owners. They are intelligent and can be litter-trained. They do well in pairs or groups and should ideally be kept with at least one rabbit companion.

Mini Lops need at least 3-4 hours of exercise outside their enclosure daily. They are active rabbits that enjoy running, jumping, and exploring. Provide a secure outdoor run or rabbit-proofed indoor space. They benefit from tunnels, platforms, and toys. Binkying (jumping with joy) is a common sight in well-exercised Mini Lops.

Their dense, soft coat benefits from brushing 1-2 times per week, increasing to daily during moulting seasons. Their lop ears should be checked regularly for wax build-up and signs of infection. Regular nail trimming every 4-6 weeks is essential. Dental checks are important as rabbit teeth grow continuously.

Mini Lops can be prone to dental disease (malocclusion), GI stasis, ear infections (due to lop ears restricting airflow), myxomatosis, and RVHD (rabbit haemorrhagic disease). Their lop ears make them more susceptible to ear problems. Vaccination against myxomatosis and RVHD1/RVHD2 is essential.

Provide unlimited hay (80% of diet), fresh vegetables daily, and a small amount of pellets. House them in a large enclosure with daily free-roaming time. Keep them with a bonded companion for social wellbeing. Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RVHD. Check ears weekly and teeth regularly. Protect from extreme temperatures and predators. Neutering/spaying is recommended.

When buying a Mini Lop rabbit, choose a breeder who keeps rabbits in spacious, clean conditions with daily exercise. The rabbit should have clear, bright eyes, clean ears (check inside for wax or mites), a clean bottom, and a healthy coat. Avoid rabbits with runny eyes, sneezing, or a dirty vent area. Ask whether the rabbit has been vaccinated against myxomatosis and RVHD1/RVHD2. Ideally, buy two rabbits (a neutered pair) as rabbits are social animals that should not be kept alone. Ensure you have a large enclosure and secure exercise area ready.

Responsible Mini Lop breeders keep rabbits in spacious conditions with daily exercise and social interaction. They should vaccinate against myxomatosis and RVHD1/RVHD2 before selling. Ask about dental health in their lines, as lop rabbits can be prone to malocclusion. Good breeders handle kits regularly from a young age to ensure tameness. They should advise on diet (80% hay), housing requirements, bonding with a companion rabbit, and the importance of neutering/spaying. They should not sell rabbits under 8 weeks of age.