Rabbit breed

French Lop

Also known as: French Lop-Eared Rabbit

A large, calm lop-eared rabbit with a laid-back personality.

Written by E. S.· Updated October 2026

  • Calm
  • Gentle
  • Sociable
  • Laid-back
  • Friendly

The French Lop is a large lop-eared rabbit bred in France in the 19th century. French Lops are calm, gentle and sociable, but their size means they need substantial space, careful handling and attention to joints and feet.

At a glance

Origin
France
Size
Large
Weight
10–14 lb (4.5–6.5 kg)
Lifespan
5–8 years
Coat
Short, dense, rollback fur
Colours
Agouti, Broken, Solid, Sooty Fawn and many more
Average cost
$80–$140 / month

Breed ratings

Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.

Energy level
Exercise needs
Intelligence
Trainability
Affection

Wants close contact with people

Independence
Good with children

Patient and tolerant with kids

Good with other pets
Apartment friendly
Beginner friendly
Shedding
Grooming needs
Noise level

Temperament

French Lops are relaxed and sociable but need careful handling because of their size.

Care & upkeep

Exercise

A large enclosure plus 4 hours or more of free-roaming daily.

Grooming

Brush weekly, more during moult. Check ears weekly. Never bathe.

Training

Litter train well. Handle gently and always support the hindquarters.

Feeding & diet

Typical diet
Hay-based herbivore diet
Daily amount
Unlimited hay, 2 cups greens, 1/4 cup pellets
Meals per day
Hay always available; greens and pellets daily

Hay must make up most of the diet. Keep pellets limited to avoid obesity.

Foods to avoid

  • Iceberg lettuce
  • Muesli-style mixes
  • Large amounts of fruit
  • Bread and cereal
  • Onion family vegetables

Who this breed suits

A good match for

  • Adults and older teenagers
  • Homes with space
  • House-rabbit keepers

Probably not for

  • Small homes
  • Hutch-only housing
  • Young children

Common health problems

This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.

  • Sore hocksHeavy rabbits need soft, solid flooring.
  • Ear infectionsLop ears drain poorly — check weekly.
  • Dental malocclusionA hay-heavy diet is the main prevention.
  • GI stasisNo eating or droppings for 12 hours is an emergency.
  • FlystrikeCheck the rear daily in warm weather.

Find a rabbit-savvy vet before you need one.

Interesting facts

  • Developed in France in the 1850s.
  • Ears can measure over 40 cm tip to tip.
  • One of the largest lop breeds.

Diet & Feeding

Unlimited timothy hay should make up 80–85% of the diet, plus around two cups of leafy greens daily and a measured quarter cup of pellets. Keep them lean — excess weight stresses joints.

Exercise & Enrichment

French Lops need a large enclosure (at least 2 x 1 m) and 4 hours or more of free-roaming time daily in a rabbit-proofed space. Provide large tunnels and low platforms.

Grooming

Brush weekly, more during moult. Rabbits cannot vomit, so swallowed fur risks gut problems. Never bathe a rabbit. Check the lop ears weekly and trim nails every 6–8 weeks.

Health & Vet Care

Watch for sore hocks, ear infections, dental malocclusion, GI stasis (an emergency) and flystrike. Spay females to prevent uterine cancer. Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RHD.

Living with a French Lop

French Lops are gentle and calm but heavy. Always support the hindquarters when lifting. Keep them in bonded pairs where possible.