History of the French Lop

 

The French Lop rabbit was first bred in France around 1850 by a Frenchman

named Condenier.

There were several other breeders that bred the Lops during this time period,

however the credit is given to Condenier as the originator

of this breed. The French Lop breed resulted from a cross between the English

Lop and the Butterfly rabbit of France. The Butterfly

rabbit is still bred in France and can be seen at the Grand Prix Show in Paris.

This rabbit closely resembles our Flemish Giant of today,

but is shorter in body and weighs approximately 15 pounds. Between the period

of 1850-1910 there was great popularity of both the

French and English Lop on the continent of Europe and in England. In fact, they

were referred to as the "King Of The Fancy".

Mr. Woodgate of England contributes the downfall of the French and English Lops

due to the fact that they obtained such perfection

during this period that they lost their challenge to the breeders.

   

 

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