ARBA senior bucks 4.5-6.5 lb (ideal 5.5 lb); Wikipedia lists senior does at 3-6 lb, while ARBA gives 6.5 lb as the breed maximum. Rabbitbreeders.us gives 4-6 lb overall. The German Kleinwidder is heavier, about 3.0-4.0 kg.
dense rollback coat of medium length on a thick, rounded, compact body
A chunky, well-muscled little lop with a short neck, broad head with a pronounced crown, and thick ears that hang down beside the cheeks, usually reaching a little below the chin. Its body is deep and rounded all over, often compared to a ball with a head attached. The fur is dense with a soft underlayer and rolls slowly back into place when brushed against the grain.124
Mini Lops tend to be easy-going and people-friendly, often bonding with the whole household and enjoying both play sessions and calm lap time. Personalities vary: some are lively explorers, others are more laid-back. Gentle handling from a young age helps them become confident, sociable pets.264
Active and curious; plan for around three hours or more of supervised free-roam time outside the enclosure each day so it can run, hop and explore. Outdoor play should be supervised and predator-safe.26
Brush about once a week, increasing during moults. Trim nails every one to two months and check the ears regularly, since lop ears hang down and benefit from a quick weekly look.264
Needs a roomy enclosure with space to stretch out fully, stand up and hop, plus a litter box, hay and water. One breed guide suggests at least about 12 sq ft (1.1 sq m) of floor space; the RSPCA recommends a combined living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits. Can live indoors or outdoors if protected from predators and weather.472
Unlimited grass hay (such as timothy or orchard) should form the bulk of the diet, with daily leafy greens (roughly 1 cup per 2 lb of body weight), a small measured portion of plain pellets (about 1/3 cup) and constant fresh water. Fruit only as an occasional treat.246
A sociable breed that likes daily interaction with people and usually does best in a bonded pair with another compatible rabbit.247
In Germany, breeder Erhard Diener began creating a smaller lop in 1954 by crossing colour dwarfs with French Lops, showing the result in 1957; the German Kleinwidder was recognised in 1968. American breeder Bob Herschbach came across these small lops, shown as 'Klein Widder', at the German national show in Essen in 1972 and brought agouti and white animals home to breed. He presented them at the 1974 ARBA convention in Ventura, California. Herb Dyke (also spelled Dyck) took over the breed's sponsorship in 1977, and in 1978 the pair launched a correspondence club that gained more than 500 members within a year. The name was changed to Mini Lop to give it wider appeal, and the breed was accepted by ARBA at the 1980 convention in Milwaukee, after which the Mini Lop Rabbit Club of America was formed.1325
Breeders often describe the ideal Mini Lop shape as 'a basketball with a head'.1
The breed was first shown in America under its German name, Klein Widder, and only became 'Mini Lop' after a rename meant to catch the public's eye.1
Within a year of its correspondence club starting in 1978, more than 500 fans had signed up.1
Name confusion alert: in the UK the name 'Mini Lop' usually refers to a different, smaller breed, while the British Rabbit Council recognises the Dwarf Lop separately.8
Despite the 'mini' in its name, it is noticeably bigger than the Holland Lop.4
Its drooping ears typically hang about an inch below the chin.2
The German forerunner, the Kleinwidder, is bred to a heavier 3-4 kg and has an ear span of 30-36 cm.3
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mini Lop. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
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
Your Mini Lop needs unlimited fresh grass hay every day, plus daily leafy greens and a small measured portion of plain pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label and your vet for exact pellet amounts.246 Pet Wiki plan
Unlimited hay and daily leafy greens are the main diet, with a small portion of plain pellets and constant fresh water. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, muesli mixes, or any human treats like dairy or processed food.246910
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it stresses them and can cause health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty fur with a damp cloth and check the tail area daily, especially in summer. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brush about once a week, and daily during moulting, to keep its dense coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan includes weekly brushing with extra care when shedding.264 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every one to two months, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden toys to help wear down teeth naturally.264 Pet Wiki plan
Your Mini Lop needs a roomy enclosure with at least 12 sq ft of floor space, plus three or more hours of supervised free-roam time daily. The RSPCA recommends a combined living area of 3m x 2m x 1m for a pair.2647 Pet Wiki plan
Mini Lops are sociable and usually do best in a bonded pair with another compatible rabbit, plus daily interaction with you. A single rabbit needs extra attention from its human family.247
With good care, a Mini Lop typically lives 8 to 10 years. Regular vet check-ups and a proper diet help ensure a long, healthy life.24
Mini Lops are generally easy-going and people-friendly, but they need gentle handling and calm supervision around young children. They can be wonderful family pets with proper introductions and respect for the rabbit's needs.264
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully, never lift by the ears or scruff. Gentle handling from a young age helps them feel secure and confident with you.264
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.
Holland Lop
French Lop
German Lop
American Fuzzy Lop