English Lop
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The English Lop is a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in England in the 19th century through selective breeding. It is believed to be the first breed of lop rabbit developed by humans,[1] and it may be one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit.[2] Averaging 5.5 kg (12 lb), the English Lop is characterised by its distinctively long lop ears, bold head, and large body size.
History
As the first lop breed, the English Lop was developed in England in the 19th century for exhibition as an early "fancy" breed—in response to the rising
Appearance
The English Lop, though longer and more slender in body than other lop breeds, has ears up to 32 inches (81 cm) in length tip to tip—the longest ears of any rabbit breed. The ears of English Lops reach the end of their growth at approximately 5 months of age, although the ears of males can gain as much as an inch as their skull matures[clarify].[4]
English Lops are bred in both solids and brokens (colors broken by white) and within this, they can come in several different colours, including (but not limited to) Black, orange/fawn, blue, agouti/opal, chinchilla, Red Eyed White, and blue and black torts. The American Rabbit Breeders Association allows all recognised lop colours to be shown in either Solid or Broken groups other than pointed whites. English lops have a smooth, 'flyback' short coat, and their ears should be properly furred and silky to the touch. In body they should resemble a mandolin cut in half, a wide nose and broad head with no visible crown, long, loose hanging ears, strong shoulders and a rise that results in a round, deep body over the hips and flanks.
Breeding
The female English Lop rabbit is known to be particularly prolific, with rich
Records
On 1 November 2003 the ears of an English Lop called Nipper's Geronimo were measured at 79 cm (31.125 in) in a complete span at the American Rabbit Breeders Association National Convention in Wichita, Kansas, USA and are recorded as the largest measured ear-span of a rabbit, and a Guinness World Record.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "English Lop For Sale | Rabbits | Breed Information | Omlet". www.omlet.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ Pet Place – Small Animals – English Lop[full citation needed]
- ^ "English Lop Rabbits | USA Rabbit Breeders". Rabbit Breeders.
- ^ GoPetsAmerica – Small Animals – Rabbits – English Lop[full citation needed]
- ^ a b Central Pets – Mammals – Rabbits – English Lop[full citation needed]
- ^ "World's longest Rabbit Ears". thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com.
Further reading
- Dean, Warren M. (2016) [1995]. Small Animals Care & Management (4th ed.). Cengage. p. 288. ISBN 978-1-285-42552-8.