The velveteen lop is a medium-sized rabbit with drooping ears and a short, dense, plush coat. It is the result of crossing lop ears with rex-type fur. Adults usually weigh 5 to 7 pounds, and care is much the same as for other pet rabbits: unlimited grass hay, a calm indoor space, gentle grooming, and a vet who knows rabbits.
This guide covers how to recognize a velveteen lop, what to expect from its personality, and how to look after it day to day.
Velveteen Lop at a Glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult weight | 5 to 7 lb; ARBA lists an ideal senior weight of 6½ lb |
| Ears | Lopped (hanging) |
| Coat | Short, dense, plush, rex-type |
| Body shape | Semi-arch |
| Typical lifespan | Sources vary (one breed profile says 5 to 11 years; house rabbits generally 8 to 12). Needs verification for this breed specifically |
| Rarity | Uncommon; not a fully recognized ARBA breed |
What Does a Velveteen Lop Look Like?
Size and weight
The current ARBA standard for senior bucks and does is 5 to 7 pounds, with an ideal weight of 6½ pounds. That puts it above the tiny dwarf lops and well below giants like the Flemish Giant.
The coat
The coat is what gives the breed its name. It should feel short and plush, and it is meant to be uniformly dense. If you have touched a Mini Rex, you already know the texture.
Ears and body shape
The ears hang down beside the face rather than standing upright. The body is described in the ARBA standard as semi-arch, meaning a gently curved back line rather than a flat or fully rounded shape.
Colors
The breed comes in many colors. In ARBA’s standard, the color groups are agouti, pointed white, self, shaded, ticked, and wide band, and rabbits are shown in solid pattern. Check the ARBA color guide if you need an exact color name.
Origin and Breed Status
The velveteen lop was developed in the United States and is regarded as the first American breed to combine lopped ears with rex fur. It was named after the children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit.
Breed status is where many articles get confused. The velveteen lop holds a Certificate of Development from ARBA. That means it can be entered in ARBA-sanctioned shows as an exhibition animal, but it cannot compete for Best of Breed or Best in Show. Some older breed profiles say it is “not recognized”; the ARBA documents are more precise.
Temperament
Breed profiles describe velveteen lops as friendly, curious, and social. Treat that as a general tendency, not a guarantee. Individual personality depends on genetics, early handling, and how much attention the rabbit gets. Reliable, first-hand temperament data for this rare breed is limited, so meet the specific rabbit before you commit.
Practical points that apply to almost any rabbit:
- Rabbits usually prefer to be approached at floor level.
- Many dislike being picked up and cuddled. Always support the hindquarters if you lift one.
- Daily floor time and chewing toys prevent boredom.
How to Care for a Velveteen Lop
Feeding
Follow the standard house rabbit diet recommended by the House Rabbit Society and its chapters:
- Unlimited grass hay. Timothy, orchard, or oat hay should make up most of the diet. San Diego House Rabbit Society puts hay at about 85% of an adult’s daily intake.
- Fresh leafy greens. Offer a variety daily, introducing new ones one at a time.
- A small portion of plain pellets. One HRS care sheet suggests about ¼ cup per day for an average medium-sized rabbit. Ask your vet to adjust for your rabbit’s weight.
- Fresh water, always available.
Alfalfa hay is for young, growing rabbits (roughly under 6 to 8 months). Adults should move to grass hay.
Housing and space
Keep your velveteen lop indoors if you can. Indoor housing protects against predators, parasites, and temperature extremes. Whatever setup you choose:
- Use solid flooring, never a bare wire bottom.
- Provide a hiding spot, a litter box with hay, and chew toys.
- Place the enclosure away from heat and drafts.
- Give daily time outside the enclosure.
A 5 to 7 pound rabbit needs far more room than most store-bought cages offer. To estimate a suitable enclosure, try our rabbit cage size calculator.
Grooming and coat care
The short plush coat is low maintenance, but it still needs attention:
- Brush gently once a week, and more often during a molt.
- Use a soft brush; harsh tools can irritate skin.
- Never bathe a rabbit in water. Spot-clean only, and see a rabbit-savvy groomer or vet if there is a problem.
Ear, teeth, and foot checks
These three checks are worth building into a weekly routine:
- Ears. Hanging ears can hold wax and moisture. Look inside for redness, odor, or discharge. Lop-eared rabbits are often said to be more prone to ear problems; ask your vet whether this applies to your rabbit.
- Teeth. Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Plenty of hay keeps them worn down. Drooling, dropping food, or eating less needs a vet visit.
- Feet. Look at the undersides of the hind feet for sore or bald patches. Rex-type coats are often described as having thinner foot fur, so soft, solid flooring is a sensible precaution. This is a general rule of thumb and should be confirmed with your vet.
Veterinary care
Find an exotics or rabbit-savvy vet before you need one. Plan a yearly checkup, and ask about spay/neuter and vaccination options for your area. If your rabbit stops eating or produces no droppings, treat it as an emergency and call a vet right away.
Common Mistakes
- Feeding mostly pellets instead of mostly hay.
- Keeping a rabbit in a small cage 24 hours a day.
- Using wire-bottom flooring.
- Assuming a rare breed has predictable behavior.
- Skipping weekly ear and foot checks.
- Ignoring a drop in appetite.
Is a Velveteen Lop Right for You?
It may suit you if:
- You want a medium-sized rabbit with an unusually soft coat.
- You can provide indoor space and daily interaction.
- You are prepared for vet care and a long commitment.
Think twice if:
- You need a guaranteed lap rabbit.
- You want easy availability. The breed is rare, so finding a reputable breeder may take effort, and prices should be confirmed with the breeder directly.
- You cannot afford regular rabbit-savvy vet visits.
Weekly Care Checklist
- Fresh hay available at all times
- Greens offered daily
- Litter box cleaned
- Brushed gently
- Ears checked
- Feet checked
- Eating and droppings normal
- Daily exercise time given
Conclusion
A velveteen lop pairs lop ears with a plush rex-type coat, and its care needs are those of any healthy house rabbit: hay first, space to move, regular health checks, and a good vet. Because the breed is rare and information is thin, always verify claims about temperament and lifespan with the breeder and your veterinarian. For official size and color details, read the ARBA velveteen lop standard.
FAQ
How big does a velveteen lop get? ARBA lists 5 to 7 pounds for adults, with 6½ pounds ideal.
Is a velveteen lop the same as a Mini Rex? No. A Mini Rex has upright ears. The velveteen lop has lopped ears and was developed to combine them with rex-type fur.
Is the velveteen lop an ARBA-recognized breed? It has a Certificate of Development and may be shown as an exhibition animal, but it cannot compete for Best of Breed or Best in Show.
Do velveteen lops make good pets? Profiles describe them as friendly and curious, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. Meet the individual rabbit first.
How long do velveteen lops live? Sources differ. One profile says 5 to 11 years, while house rabbits in general are often cited at 8 to 12 years. Verify with your vet and breeder.
