Mini Plush Lop

The current ARBA list contains 53 rabbit breeds and does not include Mini Plush Lop. The working standard itself says the breed has not been presented to ARBA. A breeder-community account attributes the project to Devie D’Anniballe in the United States from 1995 and describes Holland Lop, Mini Rex, Mini Lop and Netherland Dwarf ancestry over many years. Without an official registry archive, those details should be labelled community history, not treated like an ARBA acceptance record. The database’s 2014 “recognition” date is therefore misleading and has been removed from this editorial profile.

The breeder-maintained standard sets a senior maximum of 4.5 lb (2.04 kg), not the database’s 1.8–3.2 kg range. It calls for a short, balanced, compact body; full rounded hindquarters; a moderate pear-shaped face; a developed crown; fully lopped ears; sturdy straight legs; and dense, soft, lustrous rex-type rollback fur around 1/2 inch long. Many solid, broken and modified colors are included in that working system. A peer-reviewed study identified a recessive LIPH deletion responsible for one rex hair phenotype, characterized largely by soft down hair, but this does not prove that every rabbit sold as Mini Plush Lop carries the same tested genotype.

No recognized standard or controlled behavioral study proves that every Mini Plush Lop is docile, sweet or dependent on frequent human handling. Behavior reflects pain, fear, hormones, early experience, socialization and housing. Provide hiding places, foraging, predictable routines and a compatible rabbit companion. Interact at floor level and use rewards. Avoid forced cuddling and never lift by ears or skin; if lifting is necessary, support the chest and complete hindquarters. A sudden change in behavior should prompt a health and environment review.

Provide a permanently connected living and exercise area for several full hops, upright standing, stretching, turning, exploration and retreat. Use dry, stable, non-slip flooring and inspect the thinly protected feet frequently. Feed unlimited grass hay and constant fresh water, suitable leafy greens and a measured complete pellet adjusted for age, condition and reproduction. Short rex-type fur still moults; use gentle hands or a soft grooming tool and avoid abrasive over-brushing that can damage skin or hair. Check weight, appetite, feces, teeth, nails, soles, ears, skin, coat and movement.

A 2019 rescue study of 30 rabbits found more ear-canal stenosis, cerumen, inflammation, examination pain and dental abnormalities in the 15 lop-eared rabbits. A much larger 2024 VetCompass study of 161,979 records found dental disease common overall but no significant increase in odds from lop ears, showing why results must not be oversimplified. Routine ear and dental examination remains prudent, especially with discharge, odor, scratching, head shaking, reduced eating or weight loss. Rex fur does not make a rabbit hypoallergenic: researchers identified allergens in saliva, urine and fur, with saliva the most potent extract. Allergy or asthma risk needs medical advice before acquisition.

Because there is no ARBA-recognized standard or closed authoritative registry, record the working standard version, breeder and line, complete ancestry, mature weight, body and head shape, crown and ear carriage, fur density and texture, feet, bite, ear findings, matings, every birth and loss, growth and doe recovery. Do not label a first-generation lop × rex cross as an established line merely from appearance. The LIPH study informs rex inheritance but does not replace line-specific testing and records. Select open ear health, sound teeth, feet and movement before extreme head shape or coat. No evidence validates a fixed litter of four, universal friendliness or a production timetable.

• State clearly that the working standard is not ARBA recognition.
• Record line, ancestry, coat phenotype, ears, teeth, feet, births and losses.
• Do not market rex fur as hypoallergenic or a cross as verified purebred stock.