Velveteen Lop - Pictures, History, Health and Other Information | by Pets Planet...

The Velveteen Lop is a newer rabbit breed that was actually named after the famous rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit, a children’s story by Margery Williams. According to the Velveteen Lop Rabbit Club of America, Virginia Menden started to develop this unique breed in 1990. Her goal was to mix a mandolin body type with Mini Rex fur. She also wanted the breed to showcase lop ears and weigh around 4.5 pounds, so she bred the Mini Rex with the English Lop. Other breeders followed in Virginia’s footsteps, but the breed is not yet recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).

Appearance / Health

The Velveteen Lop is a medium rabbit weighing approximately 5 to 6.5 pounds. They have a classic “mandolin” shape, with lower shoulders curving upwards to rounded hips. The head is wedge-shaped with full cheeks and a broad muzzle. The Velveteen Lop’s ears droop to either side of the head and reach lengths of more than 15 inches long. The ears are well-rounded and wide at the tip.

What distinguishes the Velveteen Lop is their luxuriously soft coat. Short, dense, and plush, like the coat of the Mini Rex Rabbit, the guard hairs of the Velveteen Lop are no longer than the soft undercoat. The result is a smooth and silky texture with a springy feel. They come in a variety of self (solid) and broken colors.

Like other small mammals, the Velveteen Lop Rabbit can be susceptible to colds and viral infections. Exposure to draft, sudden changes in temperature and stress can lower the rabbit’s resistance to sickness. Rabbits are also vulnerable to conjunctivitis (a bacterial infection of the eyelids caused by smoke, dust, and fumes) and ear mites. Intestinal ailments like coccidiosis (parasites propagated by unsanitary conditions), bloat, and hairball obstructions are also common in rabbits.

Coat

The fur of a Velveteen Lop should be upright, short, straight, and dense. The ideal length is 5/8”, and the fur should be the same texture and length all over the body. The rabbit’s guard hairs should not protrude noticeably, and they should be evenly distributed and plentiful. The fur should also appear lustrous and plush, and it should be springy and smooth to the touch.

When it comes to grooming, the goal would be to keep the fur clean, and you can achieve that by brushing your rabbit at least once every day. This will serve to remove dirt and loose fur. Because the ears are long, it is also important to keep them clean.

Behavior / temperament

The Velveteen Lop Rabbit has a mild and affectionate temperament. They’re social and love attention and interaction, and are usually easy to handle. Though they have a playful personality, they’re generally calm and docile.

Rabbits are social animals, and are happiest when kept in pairs or trios. Rabbits may bond very closely to one another, forming a near-inseparable “bonded pair”. Non-bonded rabbits should have their own cage and should be carefully supervised until they get to know one another. A rabbit kept singly will need lots of time and attention from their human caretaker, though human companionship can never fully substitute for the interaction they have with each other. Ideally a single rabbit will be allowed plenty of free access to its owner, whether that’s cuddling on the couch or following them around the kitchen.

Rabbits are generally playful and curious and you may find that a free-roaming bunny will greet your guests at the door. They tend to get along well with other household pets, though some cats and dogs have a high prey instinct and may act aggressively towards the rabbit. Some rabbits are quite intelligent and enjoy learning tricks, and many rabbits can be trained to use a litter box. Rabbits also love to chew and dig, and it’s especially important for their dental health that they have something appropriate to gnaw on. It’s also important that anything they shouldn’t gnaw on be kept from their reach!

Rabbits may spray to mark their territory, though this behavior can be significantly reduced or eliminated by spaying or neutering. Spaying or neutering can also result in a calmer temperament and fewer behavioral issues.

Rabbits are a poor choice as a pet for young children. They may be soft and cute, but rabbits are easily stressed and frightened around loud noises and activity, and can be easily injured.

Colors

The colors of the Velveteen Lop’s fur and eyes should conform to any one of the Lop Color Guide descriptions. You should notice a nose marking, solid colored ears, and a dark circle that surrounds each eye. The color line begins behind the rabbit’s head, specifically on the shoulders, and it should sweep to the lower hips. The legs and feet should be white, though there are exceptions when it comes to elbow spots.

Diet

Velveteen Lop Rabbits are herbivorous and their diet will mainly consist of hay, pellets, and vegetables. Hay is very important for both digestive health and dental health. Grass hays such as timothy, orchard, and oat hay can be fed in unlimited quantities, but alfalfa is high in calories and should only be provided occasionally. Fresh pellets should also be made available daily – choose a pellet high in fiber and avoid mixes that include other foods like corn, seeds, or dried fruit. Fresh foods are also an important part of your rabbit’s diet. Dark, leafy greens like kale, romaine lettuce, spring greens, and some spinach should make up approximately 75% of the fresh food given to your rabbit daily, with vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, and summer squash making up the other 25%. Fruits and starchy vegetables should be limited in the diet, but make great treats! Make sure that all fresh foods are washed thoroughly, and uneaten fresh foods should be removed at the end of the day. Fresh water should always be available, either from a sipper bottle or in a stable water bowl.

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Source:

https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/velveteen-lop/

https://rightpet.com/breed-species/small-exotic-mammals/rabbits/velveteen-lop-rabbit