The Velveteen Lop rabbit breed, inspired by the beloved character in Margery Williams' novel The Velveteen Rabbit, boasts a rich heritage spanning almost four decades. These rabbits offer a unique combination of traits in a medium sized build. Their plush rex fur is an inheritance from Mini Rex and Rex rabbits. Their distinct semi-arch body shape and elongated ears hail from their English Lop ancestry; today's Velveteen Lop closely resembles a miniature English Lop.
The breed's journey towards formal recognition with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) began in the late-1980s. Initially conceived by Virginia Menden, a California breeder, the responsibility for formally developing the breed passed through the hands of several dedicated fanciers, including Mary Crawford and David Kabela of Texas. Despite achieving several successful breed presentations, hurdles in meeting specific elements of a working standard impeded the breed from achieving full ARBA recognition.
Presently, under the stewardship of Lana Westerfield and Chase Austin of Texas, Velveteen Lops are on track for their first breed presentation at the 2024 ARBA National Convention. An updated breed standard was drafted with feedback from experienced judges and includes the first Velveteen Lop-specific guide to the wide array of colors within the breed.
The breed's journey towards formal recognition with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) began in the late-1980s. Initially conceived by Virginia Menden, a California breeder, the responsibility for formally developing the breed passed through the hands of several dedicated fanciers, including Mary Crawford and David Kabela of Texas. Despite achieving several successful breed presentations, hurdles in meeting specific elements of a working standard impeded the breed from achieving full ARBA recognition.
Presently, under the stewardship of Lana Westerfield and Chase Austin of Texas, Velveteen Lops are on track for their first breed presentation at the 2024 ARBA National Convention. An updated breed standard was drafted with feedback from experienced judges and includes the first Velveteen Lop-specific guide to the wide array of colors within the breed.