The Mini Lop is a small rabbit breed that is one of the most popular domestic rabbit breeds in the country. Take one look at the Mini Lop and it is easy to see why it is such a beloved pet – round and compact, it has adorable floppy ears that give it a ridiculously cute appearance.
While a small breed of rabbit, the Mini Lop does have an impressively robust build. Its rounded appearance often hides just how thick and muscular the rabbit breed is!
In fact, a lack of neck definition often makes Mini Lops appear like they are all body, with a large round head similar in girth to its chunky body.
As its name suggests, the Mini Lop is known for its large ears that flop to either side of its head. Much like its body, the Mini Lop’s ears are thick and robust, only adding to its adorably round appearance.
Are you interested in adopting a pet rabbit and are considering a Mini Lop? Then our comprehensive guide has you covered. Below, you’ll find all the most useful facts you need to know about the Mini Lop, from how much they cost to taking care of these beautiful little rabbits!
A Brief History of the Mini Lop Rabbit
The Mini Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit first bred in Germany during the 1950s. Originally known as a Klein Widder, the Mini Lop was bred from several rabbit breeds including the English Lop, Dwarf Lop, and French Lop.
The breed was first officially recognized in Germany in 1972, eventually recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1980. ARBA officially named the new breed the Mini Lop, helping to distinguish it from the other Lop breeds it was bred from.
The Mini Lop takes on many of the characteristics of other Lop breeds. For example, Lop-eared rabbit breeds are generally friendly, laid-back, and outgoing, getting along with adults and children.
That said, some Mini Lops display a more energetic nature, while others are a combination of both, so it often depends on the individual animal.
In any case, the Mini Lop has established itself as one of the most-beloved Lop rabbit breeds in the US. They’re great family pets with few complex care requirements, living long and healthy lives as fantastic companions.
How Much Does a Mini Lop Rabbit Cost?
There are various factors that determine the cost of a Mini Lop rabbit. For example, if purchasing from a renowned rabbit breeder, then the Mini Lop is likely to cost more compared to adopting one from a shelter.
Furthermore, the purpose of the rabbit also influences its overall cost. For instance, a Mini Lop bred as a show rabbit costs significantly more than one bred for as a house pet.
However, in most instances, a Mini Lop doesn’t cost too much to buy. Rescue rabbits and rabbits found at general pet stores typically cost between $20-$30, while private breeders may charge closer to $40. Some rarer breeds may cost upwards of $50, often up to $100
It only really show quality, purebred Mini Lops that cost a significant amount of money, averaging several hundred dollars.
Of course, most of us are just looking for a lovable pet companion at home, so expect to pay around $30 in most cases.
Additional costs of buying a Mini Lop rabbit include a cage, food, litter, and bedding. Like most rabbit care products, most of these won’t cost more than $10-$20, although the rabbit cage is a bit higher – more on that below!
Choosing the Right Mini Lop Rabbit
It is always a good idea to spend some time with a Mini Lop’s mother before adopting. Doing so gives an idea of what to expect in terms of their size and temperament, characteristics that are passed on through generations.
While most Mini Lops are regarded as being calm and lovable pets, there are some slight variations in their temperament depending on their parents. For example, some are more outgoing and energetic, while others have a more reserved nature.
Also, seeing their mother gives the best indication of their adult size. Mini Lops average around 3-4lbs fully grown, making them one of the smaller Lop rabbit breeds.
However, it’s worth noting that the breed alone doesn’t guarantee a certain temperament. Mini Lops temperaments are influenced by many external factors early in life, including how much socialization they have and how often they’re handled.
Mini Lop Appearance
The Mini Lop is a compact yet muscular rabbit breed, typically weighing between 3-4lbs. A male Mini Lop (buck) is generally larger than a female (doe). They have a short and stocky build, showcasing a lot more muscle than many people anticipate.
Their rounded head and short neck only add to their cute ball-like appearance, accentuated by their large, flopped ears. The rabbit’s ears also feature a soft, fuzzy fur. Speaking of fur, the Mini Lop has what is known as rollback fur. This fur slowly rolls back into its original position when petted from head to tail.
A Mini Lop comes in various colors, with the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizing several variations. ARBA recognized colors for the Mini Lop include Agouti, Shaded, Pointed White, Broken, Self, Ticked, and Wide Man.
Mini Lop Temperament and Behaviors
As previously discussed, Mini Lops are generally laid back and friendly, while sometimes being quite energetic. Again, their temperament is influenced by several things, including their parentage, handling, and socialization.
In fact, it’s highly recommended that you spend lots of time bonding with a young Mini Lop. Doing so ensures that they are used to human interaction, making them more open to handling. It won’t take long before your pet rabbit is comfortable being cuddled!
Mini Lops are popular family pets, for obvious reasons. Small, round, and fluffy, their floppy ears and easy-going nature makes them a firm favorite with kids. If handled from a young age, most rabbits are fine with being held and petted by kids.
Of course, it’s important to explain to children how to carefully handle the rabbit to avoid causing stress.
Like any rabbit, a Mini Lop is extremely sensitive to stress. Too much noise or forceful handling may cause a lot of stress for the rabbit, leading to various health issues.
So, a delicate hand and early socialization are highly recommended to get the best out of your lovable Mini Lop rabbit!
Care Tips for a Mini Lop Rabbit
Caring for a Mini Lop rabbit is easy enough – follow the tips below to ensure a healthy and happy rabbit!
Adopt a Pair of Mini Lops
Like most rabbits, Mini Lops are incredibly sociable animals. They love spending time with other rabbits, so it’s recommended that you adopt a pair of Mini Lops.
By adopting two Mini Lops, you ensure that each animal has a companion to bond with. Bonded rabbits tend to live much longer than solitary rabbits!
So, if you want to give your rabbits the best care possible, we suggest adopting a pair. Remember, these cute animals average around $30 each, so buying a pair isn’t too expensive! Most people choose for a male and female Mini Lop when adopting a pair.
Choose a Large Cage or Hutch
A simple of rule of thumb for any rabbit cage or hutch is the more space it offers, the better.
A Mini Lop with at least 12 square feet of space in their cage should be fine, but it’s always best to offer more when possible. Rabbits greatly benefit from having access to large, open spaces, so if you have the budget and space available for a larger cage, we recommend it.
As mentioned above, these rabbits benefit from being a bonded pair, so if adopting a pair, you’ll need a bigger cage!
Also, rabbits prefer to have a separate section to sleep in. So, consider a hutch or cage with multiple spaces, allowing them to use one for sleeping and another for eating and relaxing in.
Consider An Outdoor Enclosure
If you have space in your yard, we highly recommend investing in an outdoor enclosure for the rabbits. This can be an extension of their cage, or a separate enclosure if keeping their cage indoors.
All rabbits greatly benefit from spending time outside. While the Mini Lop is a domestic rabbit breed, so doesn’t live naturally in the wild, they still love the outdoors. Fresh air and the feeling of grass is great for the mental wellbeing, while also encouraging plenty of exercise.
Yes, you could take your rabbits outside yourself and watch over them, but they feel much safer in an enclosure. Remember, they are prey animals so may get targeted by birds, foxes, cats, and other larger animals
By offering a safe outdoor enclosure, you give your rabbits the freedom of the outside without any risks!
Choose Suitable Food and Bedding
Mini Lop rabbits try to eat anything they get their teeth around, although there are certain foods they should be given. For example, a Mini Lop diet is mostly hay, although there are also special rabbit food pellets that are also available.
Not only do Mini Lops enjoy eating hay, but they also use if for bedding! So, providing a constant supply of fresh hay is essential for day-to-day care of your rabbits. There are various types of rabbit-friendly hay available, including brome hay and timothy hay.
You don’t need to worry about placing their food in a bowl – simply place it around their cage or hutch and they’ll eat as needed. Also, make sure to change their water daily!
While a Mini Lop diet is mostly hay, they benefit from some added nutrition from various types of vegetables. For example, rabbits love spinach and collard greens, benefiting from a few cups of each in their diet.
Don’t Forget a Litter Box
A Mini Lop will likely use a litter box inside their try, saving you a lot of hassle cleaning up their mess!
That said, some rabbits require litter training. It’s easy enough to achieve with a bit of patience, rewarding them with positive reinforcement anytime they use the litter box.
A basic cat litter box works fine for rabbits. Add the box inside of their cage or hutch, lining it with a layer of newspaper before adding some hay on top. Rabbits love eating so much that they do so when going to the toilet, so adding hay to their litter box will encourage them to use it!
Offer Them Plenty of Toys
An often-overlooked aspect of rabbit care is providing them with toys! Rabbits love being stimulated by toys inside their cage, preferably something with a nice texture to encourage chewing. Add some old newspapers, phone books, or pieces of cardboard for them to chew down on!
Rabbits also enjoy toys that encourage them to explore and hide. Simple tunnels and hideaways are great stimulants for rabbits, being suitable for use inside their cage or outdoors.
Specialist toys include food dispending balls, engaging their logical skills, and rewarding them with tasty treats. While these toys do force the rabbits to think, they also keep them engaged and motivated.
Spend Time with Them Each Day
Mini Lop rabbits greatly benefit from daily interaction, even if you choose to adopt a bonded pair. So, make sure to dedicate some time each day to your pet! Daily interactions not only ensure a happy and healthy rabbit but also helps strengthen the bond you share.
Rabbits that are held daily are more open to human interactions, so taking the time to hold and cuddle them daily is a good idea.
Because they love being held and cuddled every day, Mini Lops are especially great pets for children, although it’s important to handle them gently!
Consider Spraying/Neutering a Pair of Rabbits
While it is possible to breed a pair of Mini Lops, this is best left to professional breeders. Rabbits breed at exceptionally fast rates, so you could quickly end up with a lot of bunnies!
Therefore, if opting for a pair of bonded Mini Lops, it’s worth getting one or both animals spayed or neutered. Spraying/neutering is best done at an early age, with most vets recommending around 6 months.
Bucks are often neutered from an even younger age, although this is done to curb aggressive behaviors. However, because Mini Lops are typically laid-back, gentle pets, neutering a buck isn’t always necessary.
In either case, always have a chat with your vet to see what options are best suited to your pets.
Clean Their Cage Weekly
It’s recommended that you clean your rabbit’s hutch or cage once per week. When cleaning out, you’ll need to remove the rabbits from their home, so it’s a good idea to get someone else to keep an eye on them as you clean it.
Cleaning a rabbit’s cage is quite straightforward. Simply remove all the old hay, pellets, and toys, then clean over the surface with hot soapy water. Allow the cage to dry and then some fresh hay.
Water bottles/ bowls need to be replaced daily with fresh water, but keep an eye for any signs of dirt, washing as needed. Similarly, their litter box should be cleaned out daily, replacing newspaper and hay each day.
Occasionally Groom the Rabbits
While Mini Lop rabbits bathe themselves, they do benefit from the odd grooming. Using a soft-bristle brush, gently brush their fur until it’s soft and shiny. As adults, the rabbits also molt, so if large clumps of hair develop then use a wire brush to remove the excess fur.
How Long Do Mini Lops Live?
If you follow all the care tips above, then you give Mini Lop rabbits the best chance to live a long, healthy life. Mini Lops have an impressive lifespan, living between 5-10 years, often longer in some cases.
The animals aren’t susceptible to major disease or illness, with most health issues relating to their teeth and/or ears. Regular visits to the vet for health checkups should help you stay on top of any health issues.
Again, providing them with the best care, love, and companionship increases the likelihood of a long lifespan.
Are You Thinking About Adopting Mini Lop Rabbits?
Anyone looking for a small, lovable pet that’s low maintenance, then look no further than the Mini Lop rabbit. These compact rabbits are laid back and easy-going, taking great to kids and enjoying plenty of love and affection.
A small ball of fuzzy cuteness, Mini Lop rabbits don’t have the most complex care requirements. They enjoy a nice spacious cage, daily interactions, and munching on plenty of hay. A robust rabbit breed, they live long lives, often over 10 years, providing their owners with years of wonderful companionship.
Just make sure they have plenty of space, get to spend time outside, and have access to fresh food and water. Mini Lops do need some daily love and affection, which isn’t too difficult considering how adorable these small animals are!