There are so many breeds of bunny rabbits in the world that can confuse people. Most rabbits look the same but have distinct characteristics that distinguish them from their other furry mates. When you decide to get a pet rabbit, it is wise to research and choose the most suitable rabbit breed for yourself.
One of the famous breeds of bunnies is the French Lops. The cute animals fall under giant rabbits and are perfect cuddling pets. However, as rabbits, these animals require plenty of care to live long and healthy life. When you get a pet, you want it to stay with you forever. So, how long do French Lop rabbits live?
On average, a French Lop rabbit can live up to 6 to 8 years. However, the lifespan of a bunny depends on its living conditions, health, and care. Some people have raised a French Lop for ten years by taking good care of the rabbitâs health.
Getting a pet is an easy task. It is the raising that is a challenge. When you decide to raise a bunny rabbit, be sure to prepare before getting one. Rabbits are highly fragile animals and require plenty of love, food, and health care. It would be devastating for you and your family if your precious bunny passed away before its time because of negligence. Read more about a French Lop Rabbitâs life and care.Â
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The Origin of French Lop Rabbits
The origin of the French Lop bunnies needs to be clarified, as two theories are running around.
- A cross between an English Lop and a French Butterfly rabbit
- A cross between an English Lop and a Flemish Giant rabbit
The first statement makes more sense than the other, hence the breedâs name. However, French Lops are a giant breed of rabbits, so the second statement can also be true. It took at least two to three tries to finally reach the cutie breed we know today. We are pleased for their existence no matter what origin story these cute little guys have.
Fast Facts About French Lop Rabbits
Here are some fast facts you should know about a French Lop as an overview of the breed:
Average lifespan of French Lops | 6 to 8 years |
Fur length | Medium |
Most common health issue | Dental trouble or joint problem |
Average weight | 5 to 6 kilograms |
Characteristics of A French Lop Rabbit
Each rabbit breed is different in its unique way. People mostly believe that all rabbits are the same regarding their needs and care. It is mostly true. However, every bunny breed has specific characteristics that require attention and care differently than the other furry animals.
Here is a list of characteristics that separate French Lop rabbits from other bunnies:
Broadhead And Long Ears
French Lop rabbits have broad heads and long ears. The rabbitâs ears grow long past its chin, giving it a cute look. As a giant rabbit, the furry bunny has considerably longer ears than its furry fellow rabbits.
Largest Lop-Eared Bunny
An average French Lop rabbit can weigh 10 to 14 pounds. It is a giant rabbit in the lop-eared category. French Lops have a muscular body that makes them look more prominent than the rest of the Lops.
Various Colors
French Lops come in plenty of colors like black, light brown, red, and chocolate brown.
Temperament
French lops are gentle giants. They make great pets due to their excellent temperament, friendly nature, and calming personality.
Health Issues French Lops Can Experience
French Lop rabbits do not have any specific health issues linked to their breed. These rabbits are prone to all the diseases every other bunny can face. Here is what you should look out for in your precious French Lop rabbit:
Obesity
French Lops are a giant breed of lop-eared bunnies. It is easy for these gentle giants to gain weight and muscle, reaching weight issues. A chubby bunny is an unhealthy bunny and attracts other health issues.
Joint And Mobility Issues
Due to their large stature, French Lops are prone to joint and mobility issues. The poor bunny, with age, can suffer from these problems due to their bigger bodies.
Myxomatosis
It is a viral disease that rabbits can experience. The signs include puffy eyes, pus-filled sores, and swelling. You can avoid this by regularly updating your precious petâs vaccination.
Flystrike
It is a fatal parasitic infection. Flies lay their eggs in dirty fur or open wounds. The eggs hatch into worms and eat the poor rabbitâs flesh, causing death.
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How To Ensure A Long Life For Your French Lop Bunny?
A French Lopâs lifespan depends on the care and the love it receives. A rabbit lives longer if it is in great shape and eats healthily. You must make the best decisions for your precious furry friend as a pet owner. Here is how you can ensure your French Lop rabbit lives a long, healthy, and happy life with you:
Grooming
French Lops do not have long fur, which is good news for pet owners. The cute bunnies can groom themselves without needing external help from you. However, once a week, you should check your French Lop for matting, furballs, urine on the fur, feces on the coat, signs of flystrike, sores, cuts, bruises, and discharge from eyes or ears.
Handling
Due to their muscular stature, French Lop rabbits are less fragile than other rabbits. The furry animals love to be stroked, hugged, and held in peopleâs laps. Nevertheless, you should handle bunnies with care because they are prey animals. Sudden movements and loud noises can make the poor animal startle and fidget.
Living Environment
French Lops will happily live inside your house or outside. Every rabbit needs optimal temperature, environment, space, and safety to thrive and hop around. The French Lopâs cage should be tall enough, so the rabbitâs ears do not touch the ceiling.
French Lops are taller than other breeds, so the average height of a cage will not suit the bunny. Furthermore, the bunny should not be touching the cage walls when stretching, and the animal should be able to hop thrice consecutively in the confined space.
Exercise
Bunnies are hyperactive animals and love open areas. Your French Lop rabbit will need a wide area to conduct its daily zoomies. Playing with your rabbit is the best activity to strengthen your bond with the animal. You can create a nice playpen for your pet or bunny-proof your backyard. You can also teach your French Lop some tricks.
Rabbit Proofing
When you get a pet rabbit, you must rabbit-proof your house. Rabbits are delicate animals and need safety to protect their fragile bones and organs. As prey animals, French Lop rabbits get scared and startled by the slightest noise. Ensure you create a sense of safety for your precious French Lop pet rabbit.
Is Your French Lop A Show Quality Bunny?
A show French Lop needs to meet specific criteria to be a worthy participant. Here is what your Lop needs to be the perfect show bunny:
- The bunny should have a well-muscled, thick, massive build with nicely filled hindquarters.
- A show bunny will have a broad head with a slight curve from ears to nose. The bunny will also have a prominent crown.
- The ears should be broad and hanging at least 1.5 inches below the jawline of the bunny. Furthermore, they should be thick and full of fur.
- The French Lop must have thick, straight and short legs.
- The animal should have heavy bones.
- The bunnyâs fur should be a thick, shiny, rollback coat.
- The rabbitâs nose should have a butterfly marking, dark-colored eyes and ears, and white legs with elbow spots.
- The French Lop rabbit must be healthy, muscular, and in good athletic form.Â
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Final Word
Raising a pet rabbit can be challenging if you head first without any preparation and research. French Lops are one of the most loved breeds of rabbits. They are gentle giants that love loads of snuggles and hay.
French Lop rabbits can live up to 6 to 8 years if you care for them well. Provide your precious furry friend with adequate living space, optimal nutrition, playtime, and attention. A happy and long-living rabbit will be a source of calm and joy for you.