English Lops
The English Lop may be the oldest breed of domestic rabbit known to man. It's origin is lost in the mist of time. Research has found it existed by 1700. Records indicate that it was exhibited in the British Isles in 1846. Little is known of the development of this fascinating breed of rabbits which is know as the "King Of The Fancy". Like most breeds, there are many interesting stories about them. The English Lop is probably the best known breed of Lop. There are others, among them being the Swiss Ram, Danish Lops and French Lops. At one time, there were even varieties such as the Half Lop, a rabbit with only one ear lopped over; Horn Lops, Lops with ears twisted such as those on a Ram; and many that were created or shown for one reason or another. English Lops revoked the most favor in England and for many years, it was almost unheard of for any rabbit but the Lop to take the coveted "Best In Show" award. The English Lop is a challenge to all who raise them. Perhaps the English are a bit too fancy for the novice rabbit breeder, however the reward for breeding a show winning English Lop gives one self-satisfaction and accomplishment.
Recognized Colors:
Chinchilla (Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Sable, or Smoke Pearl), Chestnut Agouti (Black or Chocolate), Lynx, Opal, Broken, Tri-color, Pointed White (Black, Blue, Chocolate, or Lilac), Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Ruby-Eyed White (REW), Blue-Eyed-White (BEW), Frosted Pearl (Black, Blue, Chocolate, or Lilac), Sable, Sable Point, Seal, Smoke Pearl, Tortoise, Silver/Silver Fox (Black, Blue, Brown, or Fawn), Gold or Silver Tipped Steel (Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Sable, or Smoke Pearl), Cream, Fawn, Orange, Red.
An English Lop will not be show quality if it has ears less than 21 inches (tip to tip), there are holes, tears, or bumps on the ears which are obviously noticeable and detract from the appearance of the rabbit, the toenails on a solid colored animal do not match on all four feet, a lack of any markings on the head of a broken colored rabbit, less then than 10% of a color other than white on its body, an abnormal or malformed chest, very fine bones (most noticeable on its legs), or any ARBA general all-breed disqualifications as listed in the ARBA Standard of Perfection.
The English Lop is considered a 6 Class Breed (Senior Buck, Senior Doe, Intermediate/6-8 Buck, Intermediate/6-8 Doe, Junior Buck, Junior Doe) and is shown as either a Solid Pattern or Broken Pattern.
In order to be able to be shown at an ARBA sanctioned show, an English Lop which is over 8 months of age must weigh more than 9 1/2 pounds (buck) or 10 1/2 pounds (doe). An English Lop which is between 6 and 8 months of age must weigh under 10 pounds (buck) and 11 pounds (doe). If the English Lop is under 6 months old they must weigh more than 4 3/4 pounds, yet not over 9 1/2 pounds. English Lops can be bumped up to a higher age group if their weight exceeds the maximum for their current age (i.e. A 5 month old which weighs 10 pounds may be shown as a 6-8/Intermediate).
Recognized Colors:
Chinchilla (Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Sable, or Smoke Pearl), Chestnut Agouti (Black or Chocolate), Lynx, Opal, Broken, Tri-color, Pointed White (Black, Blue, Chocolate, or Lilac), Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Ruby-Eyed White (REW), Blue-Eyed-White (BEW), Frosted Pearl (Black, Blue, Chocolate, or Lilac), Sable, Sable Point, Seal, Smoke Pearl, Tortoise, Silver/Silver Fox (Black, Blue, Brown, or Fawn), Gold or Silver Tipped Steel (Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Sable, or Smoke Pearl), Cream, Fawn, Orange, Red.
An English Lop will not be show quality if it has ears less than 21 inches (tip to tip), there are holes, tears, or bumps on the ears which are obviously noticeable and detract from the appearance of the rabbit, the toenails on a solid colored animal do not match on all four feet, a lack of any markings on the head of a broken colored rabbit, less then than 10% of a color other than white on its body, an abnormal or malformed chest, very fine bones (most noticeable on its legs), or any ARBA general all-breed disqualifications as listed in the ARBA Standard of Perfection.
The English Lop is considered a 6 Class Breed (Senior Buck, Senior Doe, Intermediate/6-8 Buck, Intermediate/6-8 Doe, Junior Buck, Junior Doe) and is shown as either a Solid Pattern or Broken Pattern.
In order to be able to be shown at an ARBA sanctioned show, an English Lop which is over 8 months of age must weigh more than 9 1/2 pounds (buck) or 10 1/2 pounds (doe). An English Lop which is between 6 and 8 months of age must weigh under 10 pounds (buck) and 11 pounds (doe). If the English Lop is under 6 months old they must weigh more than 4 3/4 pounds, yet not over 9 1/2 pounds. English Lops can be bumped up to a higher age group if their weight exceeds the maximum for their current age (i.e. A 5 month old which weighs 10 pounds may be shown as a 6-8/Intermediate).
All information was taken from my general knowledge as a rabbit breeder and the LRCA website.
