If you’re into everything-rabbits, eventually, you will come across the absolutely adorable wide-eyed, floppy-eared Plush Lop. What you might not know is that it comes in two different sizes—miniature and standard. So, you could own one your very own, ogling over their incredibly soft fur and upstanding sociability in the size of your choosing.
While Plush Lops are slightly different from other rabbit breeds, there are still many similarities in terms of care. They have their particular personalities and features, too. Let’s discuss a little about this specific breed to see if they’re a good match for you and all of the other critters in your home.
Quick Facts about Plush Lop
| Species Name: | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Care Level: | Beginner |
| Temperament: | Docile, sweet |
| Color Form: | Solid, shaded, white point |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Size: | 2-5 pounds |
| Diet: | Herbivore |
| Minimum Cage Size: | 24” x 36” |
| Cage Setup: | Singular level |
| Compatibility: | Very agreeable |
Plush Lop Overview
The extremely soft Plush Lop was created in 1995 in the United States by a breeder named Devie D’anniballe. Her idea was to create a breed that fit the perfect vision of what she thought a bunny should look (and act) like.
She chose a Miniature Lop and Miniature Rex when she started. As litters weren’t producing the perfect specimen, she added in the Holland Lop.
Later, to create an even smaller rabbit, D’anniballe added the Netherland Dwarf into the mix. She worked diligently to breed out any problems associated with these breeds as time progressed—and the result?
D’anniballe did what she set out to do—create the perfect rabbit.
The Plush Lop is extraordinary in both temperament and structure. They have compact, sturdy bodies that are resilient and strong. They make terrific playmates for children and ideal companions for other bunnies, too.
Plush Lops are curious and playful, but they also love hanging out on your lap. They are compatible with any experience level, being ideal picks for just about any home. Because of their relaxed temperament, they also make great cage mates for other lax bunnies.
A few years after the mini Plush Lop was perfected, another breeder named Christine Toyer developed the standard Plush Lop breed. This variation is often described as having the fur of the Rex but the Holland Lop’s spirit.
How Much Do Plush Lops Cost?
The cost of Plush Lops depends on the quality of the rabbit. Always make sure to buy from a reputable breeder with a history of successful litters. Price may vary depending on the rarity of their markings and the temperament of the parents.
Breeders will have their prize breeders. So, try to shop around until you find a bunny that’s both healthy and in your price range.
As we mentioned, Plush Lops come in mini and standard variations.
You might also get lucky and find someone trying to rehome their plush pet. Some local rescue groups might also have Plush Lops from time to time. The good news about adoption is that it usually includes supplies like a cage, bedding, and other essentials.
Plush Lops at rescues will likely have all medical care covered, too. So, not only can you give a bunny a second shot at a forever home—you cut corners on costs this way, too.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
Plush Lops are admired for being gentle and calm rabbits with positive personalities. They aren’t skittish or nippy like some breeds can be. They love the interaction with their humans, so you won’t feel like you’re holding the bunny against their will.
When this breed was created, they went through several stages to create an ideal personality, breeding out undesirable traits. Hard work paid off since these rabbits are adored for their sweet, curious demeanors.
These rabbits aren’t commonly known for being territorial aggressive, even in same-sex pairs. Although, it can happen with any bunny pair—so, don’t bank on that completely. It’s best to get two bunnies at the same time so they can grow up together.
Appearance & Varieties
How to Take Care of Plush Lop
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Cage Size
It would be best if you bought a cage that is four times the size of your rabbit. For a Mini Plush Lop, you should have a cage that’s 24” x 36”. Keep in mind that this is a minimal measurement—and your Plush Lop will absolutely enjoy a much larger cage if you can get one.
Rabbits really love to explore, so having more space makes for an even happier Plush Lop. As long as your bunny has plenty of cage space, they should be quite content.
Bedding
Every bunny needs appropriate bedding, so they don’t get sick.
Even though it smells great, you should always stay away from certain types of wood bedding. It has toxins that can be very harmful to your bunny.
Hides & Huts
It’s important for your rabbit to feel safe in their enclosure. If they feel too exposed and have nowhere to run when they feel vulnerable, it can cause a more anxious bunny.
Make sure you have one or more little huts to hide in so that they can escape what they perceive as potential danger.
Toys & Entertainment
Your Plush Lop needs activities to fill their time.
Your Plush Lop might have a preference. You may have to buy a few things before you figure out what they enjoy the most. But having a variety of activities to keep them occupied will only help the living situation.
Rabbits have ever-growing teeth called incisors. They have to have lots of hard objects to chew through to file their teeth naturally.
Do Plush Lops Get Along with Other Pets?
Plush Lops are ultra-agreeable, so they make perfect roommates for other bunnies. Since these critters are technically still prey animals, they could scare easily with larger animals around. But if they are raised around a particular species, they will likely do just fine.
Bunnies get lonely. Having a friend is very important, especially if you can’t spend quite as much time with them as they need. Plus, who wouldn’t want double the bunny love?
What to Feed Your Plush Lop
All rabbits are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Domesticated rabbits eat a diet quite similar to what they would find in nature. The only thing they would lack is basic wild root foraging.
Like all domesticated rabbits, Plush Lops do best with pellet-based nutrition from any local pet store. They also need lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and Timothy hay to stay healthy. Since rabbits have longer teeth, they need to keep them at an appropriate level.
You should never feed your bunny wild grasses or fruits. There is too much potential for an unknown toxin or chemical on wild plants.
Keeping Your Plush Lop Healthy
When you buy your Plush Lop, keeping them their healthiest is probably your main mission. A few different factors come into play here. You need to cover all aspects of care, from mental to physical.
- Tip: All rabbits need to have routine vet care and vaccinations. Vaccinations for rabbits protect them from fatal illnesses like myxomatosis.
Common Health Issues in Plush Lops
Plush Lops are generally very sturdy and healthy rabbits. However, they can develop dental problems just as any rabbit can. Dental health is a super crucial aspect of rabbit care.
If your Lop isn’t able to properly file their teeth, it can lead to bigger issues down the road. Both diet and positive chewing habits play a role in teeth filing.
Your rabbit needs lots of crunchy garden vegetables and chewing sticks available to them. Timothy hay is a vital chewing favorite, too.
Breeding
Like many other domesticated rabbits, Plush Lops will reproduce as long as they’re in heat—which happens year-round. These rabbits are sexually mature as early as 5 months.
The gestation period for Plush Lops lasts roughly 31-33 days. They can have up to five bunnies in a singular litter.
They tend to recover very quickly after birth, so they are capable of having multiple litters with no harsh side effects. However, that’s not to say that there can’t be real complications sometimes.
Are Plush Lops Suitable For You?
With their attractive features, modest temperament, and good health—it’s no wonder that these rabbits are so admired.
Plush Lops work in almost any home—with the right conditions, of course. Whether you are very young or advancing in years, these bunnies are agreeable, sweet choices to add to your home. They won’t be nearly as skittish or jumpy as some other picks.
Featured image credit: SpiritBunny, Pixabay
