A muscular, mid-sized lop derived from German lop breeding and standardized in the US, prized as a calm and cuddly companion and show rabbit. Despite the name it is noticeably larger than the Holland Lop.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Minimum
Enclosure + daily run
Hutch 12 sq ft + 32 sq ft exercise run
A rabbit must take 3–4 consecutive hops, stand fully upright on its hind legs, and stretch flat. A hutch alone is never enough — pair it with several hours of daily run time. Mini Lop is dwarf-class (~4.5–6 lb) — welfare minimum still applies; go larger if possible.
Dguendel / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Pen with attached run
X-pen ~16 sq ft, free-roam most of the day
An exercise pen or rabbit-proofed room accessible for most of the day, with hides, a hay station, and a litter tray. Bonded pairs need proportionally more space.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Free-roam house rabbit
Full room / free-roam, 24/7 access
Free-roam (like a house cat) with rabbit-proofed cabling, multiple hides, digging boxes, levels, and constant access to hay, water, and a litter area. Best welfare outcome and most natural behaviour.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
Photo coming soon
Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Provide a roomy indoor pen or x-pen, or an outdoor hutch with an attached secure run. As an active small-to-medium rabbit it needs daily exercise space to hop, stretch, and binky. Use solid flooring with soft bedding, weather protection outdoors, hides, and a litter area. Keep them away from temperature extremes; they are heat-sensitive.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay forms the dietary core, supplemented with a measured portion of pellets (roughly 1/4 cup per day, adjusted to body condition) and daily leafy greens. Fresh water at all times. Because this breed is food-motivated and prone to obesity, weigh regularly and keep treats minimal.
Behavior & temperament
A show and pet breed known for being especially docile, friendly, and tolerant of handling, making it a favorite family rabbit. Generally laid-back and affectionate; like all rabbits, intact animals may show hormonal territoriality, eased by spay/neuter. Smart and litter-trainable.
Health
Lopped ears require routine cleaning and predispose to ear infections and wax buildup. The broad, shortened face increases risk of dental malocclusion. Prone to obesity and resulting sore hocks and GI stasis. Buy from breeders who avoid extreme conformation to reduce dental and ear problems.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Check and gently clean ears monthly and watch for head-shaking or scratching that signals infection. Keep hay available 24/7 and limit pellets to prevent weight gain. Handle by supporting the hindquarters fully; never lift by the ears. Monitor appetite and stool output daily for early signs of GI stasis.
