Velveteen Lop

The Velveteen lop is a modern lop breed developed in the United States in the 1990s to combine the arched outline and long ear carriage of the English Lop with the short plush coat of rex-coated rabbits. It is a medium-sized rabbit with a semi-arched body, lopped ears carried low, and a dense, springy coat that feels different from normal fur because the guard hairs are shortened. Many colors and broken patterns are bred, including agouti, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla, and chestnut-based varieties. Recognition and show status have varied over time, so exhibitors should check the current standard used by their association.

The rex coat needs less combing than wool, but it does not mean the rabbit can be kept on rough or dirty flooring. Solid resting surfaces help protect the hocks, and the long ears should be checked for abrasions, wax, and soiling. Velveteen lops need room to move because the body is longer and more athletic than many compact lops. Breeders work to balance ear length, firm cartilage, correct arch, and true rex texture without producing weak shoulders or ears that drag excessively. For pet homes, a calm temperament and sound feet are more important than extreme ear length.

Colors: Agouti, Black, Blue, Broken, Broken Black, Broken Blue, Broken Chocolate, Broken Lilac, Charlie, Chestnut, Chestnut Agouti, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Harlequin, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Magpie, Marten, Opal, Orange, Otter, Pointed White, Red, Sable, Sable Point, Seal, Seal Point, Smoke Pearl, Squirrel, Tortoise, Tri-Color, Vienna Marked, White