About the breed
The English Lop, the breed after which lop ears themselves are named, is the oldest recognized breed of lop-eared rabbit. Its defining feature is a set of ears that can be longer than the rabbit's own body, which for two centuries made it both a showcase of breeding skill and a star exhibit at rabbit shows. Despite its imposing size and unusual look, the English Lop is known for an exceptionally calm, patient temperament that suits it to experienced keepers willing to take on its special needs, above all the care its long ears demand.
Breed History
The English Lop is considered the oldest recognized lop-eared rabbit breed and the foundation from which breeders later developed other lop varieties, including the French Lop and the Mini Lop. The breed took shape in England in the first half of the 19th century, during the Victorian craze for exhibiting lop-eared rabbits, when breeders competed above all on the length and carriage of the ears. Today the breed standard is maintained by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council, which gives it its own show class within the Lop section.
Record-Breaking Ears
The English Lop holds the world record for the longest ears of any rabbit breed. According to Guinness World Records, the record was set on 1 November 2003 at the ARBA National Show in Wichita, Kansas, USA, when the ears of a rabbit named Nipper's Geronimo, owned by Waymon and Margaret Nipper, were measured at 79 centimetres (31.125 inches) in complete span from tip to tip, with a width of 18.4 centimetres at their widest point. In ARBA show judging, ear length and width are scored as an official part of the breed standard, and most individuals carry ears of roughly 50 to 70 centimetres, still considerably longer than in any other rabbit breed.
Ear Care and Related Health Risks
Such long ears are not merely decorative; they bring real health challenges. Because the ears drag along the ground, they are exposed to dirt, injury, scrapes and friction, and in cold weather to frostbite, given the large surface area through which the animal loses heat. Research from the Royal Veterinary College in London found that lop-eared rabbits are statistically more likely to have problems with the ear canal, which is narrowed and partly obstructed by the lopped position of the ear, creating conditions favourable to wax build-up and middle-ear infection. Owners must therefore check and clean the ears regularly, set up housing so the ears are not dragged over rough or dirty surfaces, and keep nails trimmed so the rabbit cannot injure an ear if it steps on it.
Temperament and Behavior
The English Lop is known for an exceptionally calm, devoted temperament that has earned it the nickname 'the dog of the rabbit world'. It is sociable, curious and attached to its people, and rarely aggressive or timid. Because of its size and long ears it is less agile and more sedentary than smaller breeds, so it appreciates a calm environment free of sudden surprises and prefers to explore slowly rather than bound around.
Living Space and Everyday Care
Because of its size and ear length, the English Lop needs a noticeably more spacious cage or enclosure than an average rabbit, one where the ears will not catch or drag over sharp edges. Its short, dense coat is undemanding in itself and needs brushing only about once a week, but that is only part of the overall routine -- a weekly ear check, with cleaning as needed, is a mandatory part of care for this breed, not an optional extra. Because it is less active, diet and body weight also need attention, since the breed is prone to putting on excess weight.
Suitability for Families and Beginners
Thanks to its calm, patient temperament the English Lop is considered a family-friendly breed, but its large body weight and extremely sensitive, easily injured ears mean contact with young children should always be supervised by an adult. It can appeal to beginners for its easygoing temperament, but the actual care involved -- regular ear checks, more spacious housing and attention to weight -- is more demanding than for most other breeds, making it better suited to owners ready for that extra commitment.
Quick Facts
The English Lop remains one of the most recognizable rabbit breeds in the world, not only for its record-breaking ears but for the role it played in the development of numerous other lop breeds. Whoever chooses one gains a large, gentle and devoted companion, along with a commitment to the regular, careful care its famous ears require throughout its 5- to 8-year lifespan.
Temperament
The English Lop is known for an exceptionally calm, patient and devoted temperament, earning it the nickname 'the dog of the rabbit world'. It is sociable and curious, rarely aggressive or timid, but its weight and long ears make it less agile and more sedentary than smaller breeds, so it appreciates a calm environment free of sudden surprises.
Suitable for
Experienced rabbit keepers and fans of large, calm breeds who are ready for regular long-ear care and more spacious housing; less suitable for families with young children without supervision.
Living environment
Needs a large cage or enclosure, considerably bigger than standard, where the long ears will not drag over rough or dirty surfaces or catch between bars. A soft, clean floor covering and enough room for slow movement are recommended.
Grooming
The short coat needs only weekly brushing, but the main part of care is a weekly ear check and cleaning because of the risk of wax build-up, dirt and infection. Nails need regular trimming so the rabbit cannot injure an ear, and body weight needs watching because of its lower activity level.
Pros & cons
Advantages
exceptionally calm and devoted temperament, suitable for beginners willing to provide extra care, recognizable look with record-breaking ears
Things to consider
demanding regular ear checks and cleaning, needs considerably more spacious housing, prone to ear infections and ear injuries
