French Lop
Encyclopedia
French Lop is a popular breed of domestic rabbit
that was first developed in France
in the 19th century out of selective breeding between the English Lop
and the Flemish Giant
. The French Lop differs from the English in that it is characterized by a heavier stature and shorter ears. The French Lop weighs in at around ten pounds and has an average lifespan of five years or more.
around 1850 and established in France as a rabbit for meat during the mid 19th century. It is believed to have been produced by crossing two existing breeds, the English Lop
and the Butterfly Rabbit of France. The Butterfly Rabbit is still bred in France and can be seen at the Grand Prix Show in Paris. This rabbit closely resembles our Flemish Giant of today, but is shorter in body length and weighs approximately 15 pounds.
The French Lop increased in popularity in neighbouring countries such as Belgium
, Germany
and Holland. In 1933, it was reported that ten French Lop Rabbits were brought over from Holland and exhibited in the UK, although it was not until the 1960s
that French Lop Rabbits became a popular mainstream rabbit breed in the UK. French Lop Rabbits were imported into the USA in 1970-1971.
is 9 months of age, but the first litter must be born before the female is one year old, due to the fusing of the pelvic bones that would hinder her ability to give birth naturally. It is recommended that they should not have any more litters after the age of three years. The French Lop rabbit can produce large litters, usually between 5-12 with a gestation period
of between 28–31 days. On average they give birth at 30–32 days.
, a roughage that reduces the chance of blockages and malocclusion whilst providing indigestible fiber
necessary to keep the gut moving. Grass hays such as timothy are generally preferred over legume hays like clover
and alfalfa
. Legume hays are higher in protein
, calories, and calcium
, which in excess can cause kidney stones and loose stool. This type of hay should be reserved for young kits or lactating does.
It is recommended that the French Lop, like other rabbits, receive a standard intake of 2 cups of chopped dark, green, leafy vegetables per 6 pounds of body weight (although this should be provided after four months of age to prevent enteritis
) and up to 2 tablespoons of fruit
or carrots per 6 pounds of body weight daily. It is common for some owners to provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a few pellets, a slice of strawberry
, or other healthy foods. Commercial treats are available in the pet stores in shops and can be occasionally used, although even more sparingly, since they typically feature a higher sugar
and starch
content.
Some of the vegetables that rabbits enjoy are romaine lettuce
, escarole, turnips, collard, kale
, parsley
, thyme
, cilantro, dandelion, and basil
. The green, leafy tops of radish and carrot
s also are excellent sources of nutrients—more than the vegetable itself. New vegetables should be introduced slowly due to the delicate digestive systems of rabbits. It is recommended that cauliflower
, broccoli
and cabbage
be avoided, as they cause gas and can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal. Vegetables such as potatoes and corn
should also avoided due to their high starch
content. French Lops also require an unlimited amount of fresh water
, usually provided for in a water crock, tip-proof ceramic pet dish, or hanging water bottle.
Rabbit
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world...
that was first developed in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in the 19th century out of selective breeding between the English Lop
English Lop
The English Lop is a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in England, in the 19th century through selective breeding, and is believed to be the first breed of lop rabbit developed by humans, and possibly one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit...
and the Flemish Giant
Flemish Giant
The Flemish Giant is a very old and popular breed of domestic rabbit, most famous for its large size compared to other rabbits.-History:The Flemish Giant is an old breed of domesticated rabbits, originating from the Flemish region. They have been bred as early as the 16th century around the city of...
. The French Lop differs from the English in that it is characterized by a heavier stature and shorter ears. The French Lop weighs in at around ten pounds and has an average lifespan of five years or more.
History
The French Lop Rabbit was first bred in FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
around 1850 and established in France as a rabbit for meat during the mid 19th century. It is believed to have been produced by crossing two existing breeds, the English Lop
English Lop
The English Lop is a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in England, in the 19th century through selective breeding, and is believed to be the first breed of lop rabbit developed by humans, and possibly one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit...
and the Butterfly Rabbit of France. The Butterfly Rabbit is still bred in France and can be seen at the Grand Prix Show in Paris. This rabbit closely resembles our Flemish Giant of today, but is shorter in body length and weighs approximately 15 pounds.
The French Lop increased in popularity in neighbouring countries such as Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Holland. In 1933, it was reported that ten French Lop Rabbits were brought over from Holland and exhibited in the UK, although it was not until the 1960s
1960s
The 1960s was the decade that started on January 1, 1960, and ended on December 31, 1969. It was the seventh decade of the 20th century.The 1960s term also refers to an era more often called The Sixties, denoting the complex of inter-related cultural and political trends across the globe...
that French Lop Rabbits became a popular mainstream rabbit breed in the UK. French Lop Rabbits were imported into the USA in 1970-1971.
Appearance
The French Lop is a very large rabbit, weighing more than 10 lb (4.5 kg) with lop ears of between 5 to 8 cm long that hang down below the jaw, and an almost cubic appearance with a short thickset body and large head. The front legs are short and straight and the hind legs are carried parallel to the body. The French Lop has a dense, soft coat that comes in two color varieties: solid and broken, and within these categories can be found a number of different rabbit colors, including agouti, black, broken marked, chinchilla and sooty-fawn.Breeding
The ideal age for the female French Lop rabbit to start breedingAnimal husbandry
Animal husbandry is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock.- History :Animal husbandry has been practiced for thousands of years, since the first domestication of animals....
is 9 months of age, but the first litter must be born before the female is one year old, due to the fusing of the pelvic bones that would hinder her ability to give birth naturally. It is recommended that they should not have any more litters after the age of three years. The French Lop rabbit can produce large litters, usually between 5-12 with a gestation period
Gestation period
For mammals the gestation period is the time in which a fetus develops, beginning with fertilization and ending at birth. The duration of this period varies between species.-Duration:...
of between 28–31 days. On average they give birth at 30–32 days.
Behavior
Due to their relatively larger size in comparison to other breeds, the French Lop may require a large hutch/run to move around freely, but it is far better to keep them indoors as freerange House rabbits. They are known to have a placid and relaxed temperament, and can tolerate other species. When socialised well at a young age they are a wonderful family pet, and are very gentle with children. As a social animal, it is recommended that a French lop rabbit be housed with a companion rabbit, but it is not considered acceptable to house them with a different species (such as a guinea pig) due to the risk of injury, and a difference in dietary need. French Lops have very strong back legs, and can cause injury without meaning to, so care should be taken.Lifestyle
A French Lop is able to live outside and inside; a water-proof hutch that shelters the rabbit from any rain, snow, or heat is acceptable. If kept inside, a hutch or a cage can be used. If you are not spending regular time with your Lop, consider getting two rabbits, as a lonely rabbit that does not get regular exercise or have companionship can be anti-social and depressed.Diet
Like the majority of rabbits, the most important component of the diet of a French Lop rabbit is hayHay
Hay is grass, legumes or other herbaceous plants that have been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for grazing livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. Hay is also fed to pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs...
, a roughage that reduces the chance of blockages and malocclusion whilst providing indigestible fiber
Fiber
Fiber is a class of materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to lengths of thread.They are very important in the biology of both plants and animals, for holding tissues together....
necessary to keep the gut moving. Grass hays such as timothy are generally preferred over legume hays like clover
Clover
Clover , or trefoil, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the leguminous pea family Fabaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution; the highest diversity is found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, but many species also occur in South America and Africa, including at high altitudes...
and alfalfa
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae cultivated as an important forage crop in the US, Canada, Argentina, France, Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, and many other countries. It is known as lucerne in the UK, France, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, and known as...
. Legume hays are higher in protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
, calories, and calcium
Calcium
Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078 amu. Calcium is a soft gray alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth-most-abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust...
, which in excess can cause kidney stones and loose stool. This type of hay should be reserved for young kits or lactating does.
It is recommended that the French Lop, like other rabbits, receive a standard intake of 2 cups of chopped dark, green, leafy vegetables per 6 pounds of body weight (although this should be provided after four months of age to prevent enteritis
Enteritis
In medicine, enteritis, from Greek words enteron and suffix -itis , refers to inflammation of the small intestine. It is most commonly caused by the ingestion of substances contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, dehydration and fever...
) and up to 2 tablespoons of fruit
Fruit
In broad terms, a fruit is a structure of a plant that contains its seeds.The term has different meanings dependent on context. In non-technical usage, such as food preparation, fruit normally means the fleshy seed-associated structures of certain plants that are sweet and edible in the raw state,...
or carrots per 6 pounds of body weight daily. It is common for some owners to provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a few pellets, a slice of strawberry
Strawberry
Fragaria is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, commonly known as strawberries for their edible fruits. Although it is commonly thought that strawberries get their name from straw being used as a mulch in cultivating the plants, the etymology of the word is uncertain. There...
, or other healthy foods. Commercial treats are available in the pet stores in shops and can be occasionally used, although even more sparingly, since they typically feature a higher sugar
Sugar
Sugar is a class of edible crystalline carbohydrates, mainly sucrose, lactose, and fructose, characterized by a sweet flavor.Sucrose in its refined form primarily comes from sugar cane and sugar beet...
and starch
Starch
Starch or amylum is a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined together by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy store...
content.
Some of the vegetables that rabbits enjoy are romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce
Romaine or cos lettuce is a variety of lettuce which grows in a tall head of sturdy leaves with a firm rib down the center. Unlike most lettuces, it is tolerant of heat...
, escarole, turnips, collard, kale
Kale
Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and reasonably rich in calcium. Kale, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contains sulforaphane , a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties. Boiling decreases the level of sulforaphane; however, steaming,...
, parsley
Parsley
Parsley is a species of Petroselinum in the family Apiaceae, native to the central Mediterranean region , naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and widely cultivated as an herb, a spice and a vegetable.- Description :Garden parsley is a bright green hairless biennial herbaceous plant in temperate...
, thyme
Thyme
Thyme is a culinary and medicinal herb of the genus Thymus.-History:Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage...
, cilantro, dandelion, and basil
Basil
Basil, or Sweet Basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum , of the family Lamiaceae , sometimes known as Saint Joseph's Wort in some English-speaking countries....
. The green, leafy tops of radish and carrot
Carrot
The carrot is a root vegetable, usually orange in colour, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties exist. It has a crisp texture when fresh...
s also are excellent sources of nutrients—more than the vegetable itself. New vegetables should be introduced slowly due to the delicate digestive systems of rabbits. It is recommended that cauliflower
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed...
, broccoli
Broccoli
Broccoli is a plant in the cabbage family, whose large flower head is used as a vegetable.-General:The word broccoli, from the Italian plural of , refers to "the flowering top of a cabbage"....
and cabbage
Cabbage
Cabbage is a popular cultivar of the species Brassica oleracea Linne of the Family Brassicaceae and is a leafy green vegetable...
be avoided, as they cause gas and can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal. Vegetables such as potatoes and corn
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
should also avoided due to their high starch
Starch
Starch or amylum is a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined together by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy store...
content. French Lops also require an unlimited amount of fresh water
Water
Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state . Water also exists in a...
, usually provided for in a water crock, tip-proof ceramic pet dish, or hanging water bottle.
See more
- Flemish GiantFlemish GiantThe Flemish Giant is a very old and popular breed of domestic rabbit, most famous for its large size compared to other rabbits.-History:The Flemish Giant is an old breed of domesticated rabbits, originating from the Flemish region. They have been bred as early as the 16th century around the city of...
- English LopEnglish LopThe English Lop is a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in England, in the 19th century through selective breeding, and is believed to be the first breed of lop rabbit developed by humans, and possibly one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit...
- Netherland DwarfNetherland DwarfThe Netherland Dwarf is a popular breed of domestic rabbit originating in the Netherlands. Smaller than most rabbit breeds, Netherland Dwarf rabbits weigh 500 g to 1.6 kg and are usually kept as pets or exhibition animals...
- List of Rabbit Breeds
- Domestic RabbitDomestic rabbitA domestic rabbit, or more commonly known as simply the rabbit, is any of the several varieties of European rabbit that have been domesticated....
Information
- Pet Planet Small Breed Profile
- Beale Park Wildlife - French Lop Rabbit
- Omlet Rabbit Breeds Info - French Lop