Plush Lop Breed History/Origin
The Plush Lop Rabbit is a newer breed that can be divided
into the standard size and the miniature size, but the Miniature Plush Lop was
developed first.
Devie D’anniballe is credited with creating the Miniature
Plush Lop in the United States, starting in 1995. She was able to develop this
breed by crossing the Miniature Lop, the Miniature Rex, and the Holland Lop.
Her goal was to breed a pet rabbit that would showcase a combination of all of
the positive qualities of those breeds, while at the same time breeding out any
problems that were associated with them.
D’anniballe ended up creating a new breed that featured a
compact body, lopped ears, and hypoallergenic Rex fur. This new breed also has
a wonderful personality, as these rabbits are friendly, adventurous, outgoing,
affectionate, and playful, as well as docile and tolerable of being held.
The Standard Plush Lop was developed later, in 2002, by
Christine Toyer in Australia. She crossed the Standard Rex with the Dwarf Lop, creating
a breed that combined the short and velvety coat of the Rex with the endearing
personality of the Lop Rabbit.
In the United Kingdom and Australia, the Plush Lop Rabbit is
still considered in development.
Behavior/temperament
In addition to their luxuriant fur, the Plush Lop’s breeders
aimed for a rabbit with the best of all temperaments. The Plush Lop is a
friendly, playful, and docile breed. They are easy to handle, enjoy the attention,
and can be quite affectionate with their owners. They enjoy the opportunity to
run, jump, and play.
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 is 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.
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| Image: PetGuide |
Coat
For the Standard and the Mini, the soft coat of the Plush
Lop should be about ½ inch in length, and it should feature a fine and silky
texture that is free from wooliness. There should be good density, and it
should be level and smooth over the whole body. There should also be a lustrous
sheen, and the fur should be plush and firm without any projecting guard hairs.
The Plush Lop also does not shed excessively but will molt
two times a year.
Appearance/health
The Plush Lop comes in two sizes – Miniature and Standard.
The Mini Plush Lop was developed first by crossing the Mini Lop, the Mini Rex,
and the Holland Lop. The Mini Plush Lop is a small rabbit weighing about 3
pounds. It has a compact body, a broad face, and a short muzzle. The ears are
long and drooping.
The Standard Plush Lop is still in development and is
largely being developed with Mini Lops and Standard Rex Rabbits. Their size
ranges between the Mini Lop’s 4 to 6 pounds and the Rex’s 7 to 10 pounds. They,
too, are a relatively compact breed with long, droopy ears.
The Plush Lop is so named because it was developed to have a
Rex’s dense, velvety coat. The guard hairs of the Plush Lop are very short so
that the soft undercoat is more exposed to touch. Because of the Rex gene, the
Plush Lop may have curly fur in some areas. The Plush Lop comes in a wide
variety of patterns and colors.
Like other small mammals, Plush 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.
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| Image: Pets4Homes |
Diet
Plush 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.
Freshwater should always be available, either from a sipper
bottle or in a stable water bowl.
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| Image: Wix.com |
Did You Know
In addition to the Miniature and Standard Plush Lops, there
is another variety called the Canadian Plush Lop with the curly rex fur. This
new breed was created by crossing Astrex with Mini Rex and Holland Lop, and it
is in development.
The Mini Plush Lop, being docile, playful, and loving by
nature, allows you to hold it for a longer period as compared to some of the
other rabbit breeds.
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Reference:
https://rightpet.com/breed-species/small-exotic-mammals/rabbits/plush-lop-rabbit
https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/plush-lop/
https://www.thepetstep.com/plush-lop.html
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