When you decide to get a rabbit, you first consider your budget and living space. However, the first question that should pop into your head is what breed you should get.
Deciding the breed of your new pet rabbit does not only revolve around the bunnyâs attributes but also your living space, environment, temperament, and budget. Lop-eared rabbits are most commonly preferred as pets but have many categories. Among those, the most common are French Lops and Mini Lops. So, which one is better for you?
No breed of a bunny is better than the other. Rabbits are all cute animals that make great pets. However, only some rabbits will suit your personality and home. Know the lop breeds to make an informed decision.
Lop-eared rabbits are the cutest bunnies in the market. There are sub-breeds in this category, each with unique challenges. You must research both breeds to know which one will be the best fitting to be your precious pet. French Lops and Mini Lops have plenty of similarities and differences. Read on to learn more about the lops!
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History Of The Two Breeds
Lop-eared rabbits have a rich history. These rabbits were developed through error and trial to become the perfect pets and show animals. Learning about rabbit breeds is a fun way to come closer to your new pet, even before it enters your house.
Here is a background check of French Lops and Mini Lops:
French Lop Rabbits
The cute French Lop breed comes from a cross between an English Lop and the Flemish Giant Rabbit. The new breed of rabbits were wild animals seen first in France and England. Sooner than later, humans began to domesticate these wild French Lops that we now take care of as pets.
Mini Lop Rabbits
Mini Lops were a problematic breed to achieve. To gain the perfect Mini Lops, breeders had to cross-breed plenty of other rabbits. The first Mini Lop came through the crossing of Chinchilla, English Lop, French Lop, New Zealand, Dwarf, and Polish Lops. It was an extensive process and procedure to create the perfect little Mini Lops we love and cherish today.
Overview Of The Two Breeds
French Lops and Mini Lops have plenty of differences. However, they also have similarities, as they belong to the lop-eared category. Each breed within the lop-eared rabbits has unique characteristics essential for choosing the best-suited rabbit as your pet. An overview of the two types of rabbits can give you a clearer understanding of what is best for you and your home.
French Lops | Mini Lops |
Dense bonesMuscularBroad build | Full cheeksProtruded noseLonger ears |
Grow up to 11 lbs | Grow up to 6 to 7 lbs |
7 years + | 9 to 12 years |
Soft & dense furEasier to groomBrush during shedding season | Longer furDense coatBrush during shedding season |
CalmSweetGreat with kidsAgressive at times | EnergeticPlayfulLove kidsNip when angry |
Here is an overview of French Lops and Mini Lops:
Physical Attributes
Both these breeds of rabbits have different physical characteristics. A French Lop rabbit is known as the giant of lop-eared rabbits. The furry bunny has dense bones with a muscular and broad build.
On the other hand, the most popular breed of lop bunnies, the Mini Lop rabbits, have full cheeks and protruded noses. These precious creatures also have longer ears as compared to other lop-eared rabbits.
Size
Every rabbit breed has different weights and sizes, so no specific weight is considered the universal healthy weight. French Lops, as they are the giants of the lop rabbits, do not have a fixed maximum or average weight. However, these precious bunny rabbits can grow up to 11 pounds.
On the other hand, Mini Lops, as their name suggests, are tiny bunnies. An average Mini Lop can grow up to 6 or 7 pounds.
Lifespan
Each bunny is unique in its way. Rabbits have different eating habits, health, and immune system strength. Hence, each rabbit breed has a different mortality rate. French Lops can live for seven years and more. The maximum age of the lop depends on its living standards and other environmental factors.
On the contrary, a Mini Lop has a longer lifespan than the French Lops. The cute little Mini Lop rabbit can live for nine to twelve years. However, the rabbitâs life longevity depends on the way it lives.
Fur
Rabbits are the most cherished pets due to their fuzziness. Each breed has its unique color, texture, and length of fur. French Lops have soft and dense fur, which is easier to groom than other rabbit breeds. French Lops need brushing in the shedding season to avoid the formation of hairballs and matting of the fur.
In comparison, Mini Lops have long fur as compared to French Lops. However, like French Lops, Mini Lops require brushing during the shedding season and have a dense coat.
Personality
Your bunny rabbitâs personality must match the pet ownerâs because they must live together for a long time. French Lops are calm and sweet animals. These furry bunnies are also kid-friendly. However, they will not stop frowning if they dislike something.
On the contrary, Mini Lops are energetic and playful little bunnies. They love being around children and can be a great buddy for the kids. However, when threatened, Mini Lops will bite without shame.
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Care For The Two Bunny Breeds
When it comes to caring for bunny rabbits, it is not specific to the breeds. Every rabbit is fragile and needs optimal conditions to thrive in life. French Lops and Mini Lops require a perfect environment and a balanced diet to remain healthy. Plenty of environmental factors like living space can create or make your precious rabbitâs life.
Here is how you can care for your French or Mini Lop rabbits:
Cage
Rabbits are hyperactive animals and need plenty of space to roam around and sleep comfortably. It is best to keep your rabbitâs cage four times its size, but it is better to keep it as big as possible. Your rabbit can get depressed if it feels claustrophobic and has less space to move around.
Furthermore, you can bunny-proof a room in your house to give your precious furry friend a larger space in the home. You can add a playpen and teach tricks to your rabbit to maintain its emotional and physical health.
Cleanliness
Rabbits are self-groomers. However, you will need to keep their hutch and bedding clean for them. Rabbits are delicate animals with weak immune systems. When a rabbit gets physically ill, it also suffers emotionally.
Maintaining your rabbitâs bedding and living area clean and tidy is best. Ensure your bunnyâs bedding is soft and free of bugs to keep the furry friend safe.
Food
Rabbits require a balanced diet of hay, veggies, fruits, and flowers. The perfect diet for a French or Mini Lop rabbit will be 80-90% hay, 10-15% vegetables, and 5-10% fruits or flowers as a treat.
Hay is the only food you can provide your rabbit unlimitedly. You should give the vegetables in moderation and in combination to reach a balance of nutrients. As a treat, you should give your rabbit flowers or fruits once a week.
Plenty of Playtimes
Bunny rabbits are social animals and love to spend time with their pet owners. You should get safe toys and a play area for your bunny, but you will still need to spend time with the furry bunny. To prevent your rabbit from going into a depressive phase, play with the animal. You can teach your rabbit tricks and snuggle as a pass time together.
Vet Visits
People need regular physical checkups to stay healthy. Rabbits are the same. It would be best if you maintain a proper routine of taking your bunny rabbit to the vet once every three or six months.
The vet will see if your rabbit is eating fine and living happily. Furthermore, the professionals have a keen eye for noticing symptoms that might skip your eye. To keep your rabbit safe and healthy, do not try to save money and visit the vet.
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Final Word
It can be challenging to decide which rabbit breed to get, as they all are equally cute! However, matching your personality and companion needs with your pet is crucial. A bunny rabbit will be your best friend for a fair amount of years; choose wisely. All rabbit breeds have almost the exact needs and want.
These furry creatures can differ in color, size, and temperament. When you go to a pet shelter to get a rabbit, ask the breeder about the animalâs behavior and what it likes and dislikes. Knowing about its emotional needs and demeanor is essential to have a strong bond with your new bunny.