Lop-eared rabbits are some of the world’s most adorable pets. Their gigantic floppy ears give them a charming appearance. It’s easy to see why people love them. However, most people don’t realize why lop-eared rabbits have their distinctive aesthetic. They also don’t know that there’s, unfortunately, a dark side to this. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about why lop-eared rabbits have floppy ears and how to care for them.
Floppy Ears Result from Selective Breeding
Lop-eared rabbits don’t normally exist in the wild. Most wild bunnies, such as the European rabbit, have extra cartilage in their ears. This allows them to stand erect, so they have excellent hearing. These rabbits can control the movement of their ears, like satellites.
Sometimes, wild rabbits may suffer from a mutation that causes floppy ears. They have less cartilage in their ears, and their ears droop. Breeders harnessed this genetic trait in the 18th and 19th centuries to create distinct rabbit breeds, including the English lop. Lops often have bigger, heavier ears than rabbits with regular, erect ears. They are popular at conformation shows, and many people believe they are more docile because of their selectively bred traits.
Other Factors Can Cause Floppy Ears
Erect-eared rabbits can suffer floppy ears in response to overheating. Flemish giant rabbits are very susceptible to this. If you notice that your normally erect-eared rabbit has drooping ears, first relocate them to a cooler, milder area, such as indoors. If you suspect hyperthermia, do not soak them in water, as this could prove too stressful on their system. In the event that drooping ears in your rabbit persist, consult a veterinarian who specializes in small animal care.
Is Breeding Lop-eared Rabbits Ethical?
One of the biggest questions people have about keeping lop-eared rabbits is whether it is ethical. The reality is that many lops suffer from health issues because of their breeding. Often, unethical breeders prioritize aesthetics over bunnies’ well-being. This may include breeding a female rabbit (called a “doe”) over and over again or not screening for genetic incompatibilities.
Potential owners should do their due diligence before bringing a lop-eared rabbit home. They should investigate whether extreme breeding practices caused the lop’s appearance and what health issues it may face. Ultimately, lop-eared rabbits can be surprisingly challenging for new owners to care for, as we’ll explain shortly.
Poor Breeding Has Caused Serious Health Problems
Unfortunately, lop-eared rabbits are susceptible to many health issues because of unethical breeding. Yes, they have adorable appearances, but this comes at a cost. For example, many lops suffer from ear infections because moisture can easily build inside their folded ears and attract bacteria. What’s more, wax can build up inside their ears, which can eventually lead to hearing loss.
Meanwhile, lops can also suffer from other health issues that commonly affect rabbits. They have more molar problems than other rabbit breeds because of their unique anatomy. Misaligned teeth are a serious issue and can impact their ability to eat properly. Many lops also have balancing issues when they walk or stand because of their large ears or infections. This can negatively impact their quality of life.
Floppy Ears Increase the Risk of Ear Infections
As noted, lop-eared rabbits aren’t considered good pets for beginners. One of those reasons is because they’re likely to suffer serious ear infections, and without noticing the symptoms, a rabbit could suffer long-term hearing damage. If you notice pus leaking from your pet’s ear, head-tilting, or a sudden loss of appetite, consult a vet. You can expect them to:
- Perform a visual exam, which may include peering into the rabbit’s ear canal
- Take the animal’s vitals (such as its temperature)
- Take a sample and analyze the bacteria
- Prescribe medication based on their findings
Depending on the seriousness of the infection, your veterinarian may take other steps beyond what’s listed here. For example, they may flush the rabbit’s ear with saline if they suspect an obstruction or feel that it’s necessary.
Surgery may be necessary if the infection progresses or if the bunny has a narrow ear canal. Another potential issue is if they have a middle ear infection. These are serious complications and can cause nerve damage. The vet will likely perform a CT scan to analyze the issue before operating on the rabbit. Permanent damage to the nerves can impact the rabbit’s balance and control over its facial muscles.
Other Unique Features Rabbit Breeds Have
Floppy ears are just one of many traits that rabbit breeders aimed to capture through selective breeding. Other characteristics of some domesticated rabbits include:
- Larger-than-average size. The Flemish giant is one of the largest rabbit breeds, clocking in at more than 15 pounds. They were originally bred for fur and meat, then became beloved family pets.
- Smaller-than-average size. If a 15-pound rabbit sounds too big, consider the Netherland dwarf, a small mammal weighing under three pounds.
- Long, silky hair. Meet the Angora rabbit, a silky, longhaired rabbit with flowing locks. Similar to the Flemish giant, these rabbits were bred for their plush pelts.
There are countless other rabbit breeds with amazing traits that resulted from selective breeding. There’s one for everybody!
