Just one look and you'll fall in love. Small, fuzzy, intelligent, sociable; what more could you want in a pet?
The American Fuzzy Lop, aka Fuzzie or AFL, is still a bit of a newcomer on the show rabbit circuit, having made its debut in 1985 at the American Rabbit Breeding Association, or ARBA, and officially approved as a breed in 1988.
Pioneers’, Patty Green-Karl, Gary Fellers, Kim Landry and Margaret Miller are to thank for these tiny bundles of joy. The American Fuzzy Lop originated from selective breeding with the Holland Lop and a dash of Angora. The result was a small, fuzzy bunny with a non-matting coat.
The Breed Standard
The breed has a maximum weight of 4 lbs. with a preferred weight of 3 1/2 lbs. They have soft wool fur about 1 1/2" to 2" long, and long floppy ears that extend 1/2" to 1" below the jaw. Their bodies are short and round, and they have a round head and flat muzzle.
There are 19 recognized show colors that fall into groupings of Agouti, Broken, Pointed White, Self, Shaded and Solid. If you’re just looking for a pet, you can skip the show standards and pedigrees and probably find a breeder willing to sell to you at a reduced price.
Cute, Clean, and Smart
With proper care, Fuzzies will generally live to be about 10-12 years old and provide years of love and entertainment. They each have their own unique personality, with the bucks being a bit more mellow than the does. Spayed or neutered, both sexes are very amicable.
Aside from a proper diet, grooming, and cage cleaning, Fuzzies require a lot of love, which they will return in kind. Keep this in mind if you don't have many free hours during the day to devote to your little bundle of love.
Fuzzies are very intelligent and can be litter box trained. Some Fuzzies even go on to learn their names and a few commands. Properly socialized, it’s common to have your Fuzzie chasing along after you through the house, or learning to play fetch with you.
Even though they are small, you’ll want to give them a cage where they have quite a bit of room to move around in. You’ll also want to have a nest box so they have a cozy place to sleep, and a litter box for easy cleanups.
So Much Love in Such a Little Bitty Bunny
Expect to socialize with your bunny every day. The more love and attention you can give them, the more rewarding your new family member will be. But it’s hard to imagine not wanting to snuggle up with such a cute little angel.
Once you acquire your American Fuzzy Lop, you may develop an overwhelming urge to acquire more. You might even want to start showing them in competitions, or breeding them. If you do, you’ll be happy to know that there are clubs you can join that will help fuel your addiction.
