Background Information

Miniature Lops

I started breeding Miniature Lops in the Autumn of 1991 having been inspired by an article  entitled ‘Much Ado about Mini Lops’ in Fur and Feather written by Phyllis Chell.

Initially I faced the same problem as new breeders today of trying to get  good healthy  stock. I was present at the inaugural meeting of the NMLRC at Bradford in 1995. I am still on the Mini Lop committee and have been on the breeders judging panel for several years.

Miniature Lops are not easy but after some initial difficulties I began to line breed  and this led to some very promising rabbits being produced and to success on the show table. Careful record keeping was essential to familiarize myself, with  for example, average weight at any stage of development, and to plan future matings depending on detailed  notes on each litter. I have always kept to the traditional colours - sooty fawn being my favorite.  Unfortunately the stock became too small with the bucks struggling to reach 3lbs although they were sturdy and of good type. The decision was made to outcross to introduce some new blood into the line. This inevitably led to a set back but has paid off in the long run.