Mini Lop Breed History/OriginSome people think that dogs are the only pets who have a diverse world of breeds to boast with – canines of all shapes, colors, and sizes to make any family happy. Well, that’s definitely not the case, as many other popular pets have been bred selectively to produce all types of animals to suit different lifestyles and families, including rabbits. From giant breeds created to be docile and calm, to petite dwarf bunnies that make exceptional companions for owners of all ages to show bunnies with prized fur or striking appearance, there is a rabbit breed to match anyone’s preferences.In other words, these remarkably cute and desirable little pets have been taking the world by storm for decades and none of them are more popular or beloved than the Mini Lop. This breed was developed with the sole intention of creating a perfect companion or show rabbit, and it really shows, both through their cute appearance and loveable temperament. With their irresistible looks and plenty of positive character traits, they make great pets in so many ways. And in the end, one thing remains certain – if you like cute, cuddly, and infinitely fluffy, you will adore a Mini Lop rabbit.The Mini Lop originated in Germany when a German Lop was bred with a small Chinchilla rabbit. The newly developed breed became known as the Klein Widder or “Little hanging ear.” Due to the distinct parent breeds, the Mini Lop has quite a unique look, mixing that fluffiness and rounded look of a Chinchilla, with the rabbit features of a German Lop. Besides the Klein Widder nickname, these rabbits have many names, but no matter what you choose to call them, these little darlings are certain to melt your heart. The soft and cuddly looks are hard to resist, as is their personality.In the early ’70s, a Californian breeder named Bob Herschbach spotted this newly developed breed at a show in Essen, Germany, and consequently brought a trio of them to the United States. He began breeding them and crossing the breed with a Standard Chinchilla rabbit. The first rabbit of this kind was presented to the American Breeder’s Association (ARBA) with the name “Klein Widder,” but the name changed to the Mini Lop in 1974. The Mini Lop was successfully accepted into the ARBA later in 1980 by a man named Herby Dyke. Ever since then, bunny lovers everywhere have been seeking out Mini Lops to fill the rabbit sized holes in their hearts. Their “rise to fame” amongst show rabbit breeds was nothing short of stellar, and the Mini Lop soon became a favorite of many.The Mini Lop makes an excellent pet for families with children and seniors.Overall DescriptionYou might not find the words “fuzzy basketball with a head” in the ARBA Standard of Perfection for the Mini Lop, but it really does sum up how an ideal representative of what this breed should look like. The Mini Lop has a compact body type and is among the smaller rabbit breeds. An adult Mini Lop should weigh anywhere from 3 to 6 pounds, with the does being smaller than bucks. Regardless of their ultimate size, they all share a signature rounded body type: little furry balls of joy. Their legs are short and stocky, as well as their tails, which also contributes to their fluffy ball look, and of course, only makes them more irresistible for potential owners.When it comes to the official standard for showing Mini Lops, an overall rounded appearance is not enough to describe them – the criteria are much more precise in the world of show bunnies. According to the standard, their body should be massive and thickest, despite its relatively small size. It is heavily-muscled and well-rounded, and dewlap is permitted for the females of the species. The neck should be as short as possible, with the broad head sitting close to their compact bodies (often it appears like they don’t have a neck at all). As the name of the breed suggests, the rounded and well-furred ears sit lopping vertically to the sides of the head. Coat