Chill, big and floppy.
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Also called Bélier Français
French Lops are known for being laid-back and good-natured.
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 lb)12 |
| Lifespan | 5 to 12 years12 |
| Coat | Dense, soft normal coat; heavy, thickset body with lop ears |
| Origin | France, 19th century, from crosses of English Lop with large French stock (the Giant Papillon and/or Flemish Giant).13 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
French Lops are known for being laid-back and good-natured. They can live alongside cats, dogs and children when introductions are handled well. Does are often described as the more curious explorers, while bucks tend to be even more easygoing. Their size and strong back legs make them a better match for owners who are confident handling a large rabbit.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a French Lop. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
dense, soft normal coat; heavy, thickset body with lop ears
A big, chunky rabbit with a short, solid body and a large, broad head, the bucks rounder in the face than the does. Its lop ears, usually about 13-20 cm (5-8 in) long, hang down beside the face below the jaw. The fur is thick and soft to the touch.1
Needs plenty of daily exercise outside the sleeping area, in a large, safe run or rabbit-proofed room where it can hop, stretch and explore.24
Brush weekly, and daily during moulting seasons. Full baths are not recommended. Support the heavy body and hindquarters when lifting.21
Welfare guidance for two medium rabbits is a combined living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, where each rabbit can stand upright and stretch fully; a large breed like this needs at least that. As a minimum for the sleeping hutch alone, breed guides suggest about 6 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft (roughly 180 x 90 x 60 cm) per rabbit, plus a run.42
Hay or grass should make up most of the diet (over 70%), available at all times along with fresh water, topped up with leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Ask a vet about exact portions for a rabbit of this size.42
Should not live alone. Keep it with at least one compatible rabbit, ideally a companion of similar size, and give it regular calm time with people.42
French breeders began developing the French Lop around 1850, mainly as a meat rabbit. The breed most likely came from crossing the long-eared English Lop with big French stock, usually named as the Giant Papillon (French Butterfly rabbit) and the Flemish Giant, which gave it its size and heavy build. Ten French Lops were sent to Britain in 1933, and by the 1960s the breed had become a familiar sight on the British show bench. It reached the United States in 1970-1971, and today it is recognised by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the British Rabbit Council.13
The French word for a lop-eared rabbit is 'bélier', which means ram.5
Lop ears droop because a longer or heavier ear is more than the ear's base can hold upright.5
The French Lop's ancestor, the English Lop, has the longest ears of any rabbit breed; one named Nipper's Geronimo set a Guinness World Record in 2003 with ears measuring 79 cm tip to tip.3
Charles Darwin studied the skull of a half-lop rabbit in 1868, making lop rabbits part of early scientific work on domestic animals.5
Its whole spread to the English-speaking world started with just ten rabbits exported from France to the UK in 1933.1
There is no maximum show weight for the breed, so bigger is not penalised.1
French Lops can be litter trained, much like a cat.2
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Hay and fresh water should always be available, as hay makes up most of the diet. Offer a large handful of leafy greens daily and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Ask your vet for exact portions for a rabbit of this size.426 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be about 85% hay or grass, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets. Safe greens include a variety of leafy vegetables. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, muesli mixes, and any processed human food. Always avoid grapes, raisins, and xylitol. Fresh water must always be available.4267
Full baths are not recommended for rabbits. They can stress your French Lop and damage their coat. Instead, spot-clean any dirty areas with a damp cloth if needed.21
Yes, brush your French Lop weekly to keep its thick, soft coat in good condition. During moulting seasons, brush daily to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.21 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your rabbit's nails every six weeks or as needed. Check its teeth weekly, as they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay and chew toys to help wear teeth down. Ask your vet for guidance on nail trimming and dental care.24 Pet Wiki plan
Your French Lop needs a large living space, at least 3m x 2m x 1m for two rabbits, plus a safe run. Provide at least four hours of daily exercise in a rabbit-proofed room or secure run where it can hop, stretch, and explore.42 Pet Wiki plan
French Lops should not live alone. They need at least one compatible rabbit companion, ideally of similar size. They also enjoy calm, regular time with their human family.42
With proper care, a French Lop can live between 5 and 12 years. A good diet, regular vet check-ups, and a safe, loving home help them reach the upper end of that range.12
French Lops are laid-back and good-natured, and can get along with children when introductions are handled well. However, their large size and strong back legs mean they are best for owners who are confident handling a big rabbit. Supervision and gentle handling are important.12
Always support the heavy body and hindquarters when lifting. Use one hand under the chest and the other under the rump, keeping the rabbit secure and calm. Never lift by the ears or scruff.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
English Lop
Continental Giant
Flemish Giant
Holland Lop
Mini Lop