Klein-Widder
Germany’s medium-small lop, and the rabbit that became the American Mini Lop.
Origin
The Klein-Widder, known in Germany as the Deutsche Kleinwidder ("German small lop"), was bred in the mid-20th century by German fanciers who wanted the look of the big German Lop in a handier size. The best-known pioneer, Erhard Diener of Bischmisheim, began crossing in 1954, combining German and English Lops with small colored breeds, Hermelin (Polish), Small Silver, Himalayan-marked Russians, New Zealand Whites and wild rabbits. After years of work, the breed was accepted into the German standard in the late 1960s (sources give 1968 to 1973) and was shown at the 1972 German national show in Essen.
Typical Adult Size
Medium-small but solid. The German standard sets a minimum of 2.5 kg and a maximum of 3.5 kg (about 5½ to 7¾ pounds), with full points from 3 kg up.
Coat Type
Medium-length fur with a very dense undercoat and even, not-too-harsh guard hairs. The ears are well furred.
Colors
The German standard accepts every color recognized for German breeds, judged against the description of the breed each color comes from. Gray (agouti) was the original color, followed by black, white and broken patterns.
Temperament
Lop breeds of this type are generally described as calm, sociable and easy to handle, and the Klein-Widder is valued as a family rabbit as well as a show breed. As always, individuals vary.
Grooming and Care
The coat needs a weekly brush, more during molts. Like all lops, the Klein-Widder should have its ears checked regularly for wax and debris, since lopped ears get less airflow. It needs a roomy enclosure and daily exercise to stay fit.
Distinctive Features
The classic "ram" head: short, strong and broad, with a wide muzzle, full cheeks and a Roman nose. A thick crown at the base of the ears, ears 30 to 36 cm (about 12 to 14 inches) from tip to tip worn in a horseshoe shape close to the head, and a stocky, broad-shouldered body with no visible neck.
What Makes It Notable
The Klein-Widder crossed the Atlantic and became a new American breed. Bob Herschbach saw it at the 1972 show in Essen, brought rabbits home, and first showed them at the 1974 ARBA Convention as the "Klein Widder". Renamed the Mini Lop and bred somewhat smaller, it was recognized by ARBA in 1980.