English lop rabbits: ears, space and care

What are English lop rabbits?

English lops are one of the oldest rabbit breeds. They were developed in England in the 1800s, when keeping fancy rabbits first became popular. Both the British Rabbit Council and the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognise them. The welfare charity UFAW notes that they are kept mainly for showing, where the longest ears win, and less often as family pets.

"Lop" means any rabbit whose ears hang down. In lops the ear cartilage is weaker than usual, so the ear bends at the base and falls. Our guide to rabbit breeds shows how the English lop compares with the French lop and the much smaller mini lop.

English lop rabbit size

PDSA gives an average adult weight of 5 kg (11 lb), so this is a big rabbit, though not a true giant like the Flemish. People sometimes call them "giant English lops" because the ears make them look enormous. The ears are unusual in another way: UFAW explains that they don't scale with the body. They are longer than the kit's body by four weeks old and full size by about four months, while the body keeps growing until about 12 months. Bucks usually have bigger ears than does.

English lop temperament

Petplan describes the English lop as a friendly and calm pet with a placid, intelligent nature. That gentleness is real, but it is partly enforced: UFAW points out that the heavy ears make running, jumping and climbing awkward, so many English lops are less active than other rabbits. Give them reasons to move with scattered food, tunnels and low ramps, and let them choose how much they do. PDSA notes that, like most rabbits, they don't enjoy being picked up, and their backs can break if they kick and are dropped.

Caring for English lop ears

The ears are the centre of English lop care. UFAW lists five problems: the ears get trodden on or caught, they drag in dirt, they make the rabbit trip, they lose heat fast enough to get frostbite, and the folded ear canal traps wax and leads to painful outer-ear infections. The RSPCA reports that in one study about 25% of lop-eared rabbits had ear conditions, against 10% of upright-eared rabbits.

1. Look daily. Run each ear gently through your hand. Check the edges for nicks, scabs and tears, and the tips for dirt.
2. Check the canal weekly. Lift the ear at the base and look in. Clean and pale pink is normal. Dark wax, crusts, wet discharge or a smell needs a vet.
3. Keep nails short. UFAW advises regular nail trims, because long back claws scratch the ears. Every one to two months suits most rabbits.
4. Clear the floor. Remove sharp edges, wire mesh floors and narrow gaps the ears could catch in. Choose hides with wide, smooth doorways.
5. Raise the water. UFAW suggests a bottle rather than a floor bowl, so the ears don't trail in water.
6. Ask for an ear exam. The Rabbit Welfare Association asks owners to request an ear check at every routine vet visit, even when the rabbit seems well.

How much space does an English lop need?

More than a small rabbit. The Rabbit Welfare Association minimum of 3 x 2 m (10 x 6 ft) and 1 m (3 ft) high for a pair is for average-sized rabbits, and larger breeds need more room. UFAW specifically advises lots of exercise space and a large shelter so an English lop can move about without damaging its ears. Our guides to rabbit hutch size and rabbit playpens and runs show how to plan it.

• A rabbit room, shed or pen bigger than 3 x 2 m (10 x 6 ft)
• Non-slip flooring: rugs, vet bed or textured lino
• Large, low-sided litter tray
• Hides with wide, smooth openings
• Low ramps instead of high shelves
• Draught-free, insulated sleeping area
• A neutered rabbit friend

Keeping an English lop warm

Big ears lose heat. UFAW warns of frostbite in cold weather, and Petplan advises keeping English lops indoors for this reason. Rabbits are most comfortable at about 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F). If yours lives outside, the shelter needs draught-proofing and insulation, and the rabbit should come in when frost is forecast. Our rabbit temperature guide has the danger signs for heat and cold.

What English lops eat

The same as any rabbit, with a closer eye on weight. Petplan says English lops tend to overeat and get overweight, and UFAW links this to their quieter lifestyle. PDSA's daily guide is hay at least their own body size, a handful of greens twice a day and nuggets twice a day for a rabbit over 3.5 kg (7.7 lb), one tablespoon each time. Keep fruit and carrots to a small piece once or twice a week. Our rabbit diet guide covers safe greens in full.

English lop health and lifespan

PDSA and Petplan both give a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. Alongside ear disease, PDSA lists the same risks as all rabbits: dental disease, flystrike, myxomatosis, RHD and E. cuniculi. The Rabbit Welfare Association's summary of a Royal Veterinary College study of 435 pedigree rabbits found lops more likely to show 9 of 11 ear problems, and larger rabbits had more ear trouble too. Yearly vaccinations, neutering and checks under the tail every day in summer cover most of the rest. See our rabbit health guide.

Should you get an English lop?

Go in with open eyes. The Rabbit Welfare Association asks people not to buy baby rabbits from breeders, and especially not lops, while accepting that many rescue rabbits are lops and need homes. PDSA puts the average price at about £30 and the lifetime cost at £5,800 to £7,900 per rabbit, doubling for a pair (as of November 2026). If an English lop is for you, start with our guide to where to get a rabbit.

For cleaning, enrichment and everyday routines, see our complete guide to rabbit care.