At a glance the quick version
UK and Australian standards give about 2.95-3.85 kg (roughly 6.5-8.5 lb).
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense roll-back normal fur; thickset, muscular lop
A chunky, heavily muscled rabbit with broad shoulders and hindquarters and a neck that barely shows. The strong head has a Roman-nosed profile and full cheeks, and the thick, broad ears drop straight down just behind the eyes, usually about 28-35 cm from tip to tip. Its dense coat rolls back into place when stroked.542
Personality what they are like
German Lops are known as calm, easygoing rabbits that enjoy attention from their people. Gently handled, they are sweet and affectionate, and they do well both on the show bench and as household pets.213
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate; give it daily free time in a safe area and some toys to keep it busy.16
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Light weekly grooming is usually enough, with extra brushing during moults. Spot clean rather than bathe, and check ears and nails regularly.21
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully. Solid flooring is recommended.61
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.61
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.6
The story where it all began
German breeders wanted a lop that sat between the big French Lop and the dwarf lops, and crossed French Lops with smaller rabbits to get it. In Germany it is known as the Deutsche Klein Widder. It reached Britain in the early 1980s and was recognised by the British Rabbit Council around 1990.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its German name, Deutsche Klein Widder, translates roughly as 'German little ram' (lop rabbits have long been likened to rams).1
- 2
Its standard asks for a 'Roman nose' head with well-developed cheeks.5
- 3
Size-wise it fills the gap between the dwarf lops and the much larger French Lop.2
- 4
Many enjoy playing with cat toys, especially ones with bells or rattles.1
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed (one source dates recognition to 1990).5
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in 1990.1
- West Australian Rabbit Council
- Breed standard published, 2.95-3.85 kg.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Lop. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
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The breed atlas is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show ads. If it helped you, a small tip keeps the research going. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Hepper: German Lop Rabbit articles.hepper.comused for lifespan, history, recognition year, temperament, housing, fun facts
- Everbreed: German Lop Rabbit guide everbreed.comused for origin, coat, colours, temperament, grooming
- Fur & Feather: German Lop furandfeather.co.ukused for UK arrival, development, weight, colours
- West Australian Rabbit Council: Breed Information warci.com.auused for weight, type, colours
- German Lop (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition, type, head, ears
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.