Cashmere Lop

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: February 27th, 2017

About Cashmere Lop

Size

Small

Size

Small

Weight

4-5 lb

Lifespan

8-12 years

Body Shape

Compact

Best Suited For

Rabbit owners of all experience levels, including families with older children

Temperament

Intelligent, friendly, social, playful

Comparable Breed

Mini Lop

Cashmere Lop Breed History/Origin

The Cashmere Lop is a newer breed that was discovered within the nest of Dwarf Lop rabbits by Miss Turner of Wales in 1980. She realized that there was something different about a few of the kits within the nest, as some of them had thicker, longer, and more luxurious coats than the rest.

Six years later, the Cashmere Lop started gaining popularity. By the middle of the ‘90s, the breed began appearing in shows, gaining a bigger audience, and breeders started working on developing the breed so that it could get standardized.

When the National Cashmere Lop Club was founded, it recognized the breed in every color, and the breed is still popular and found in shows around the world. The Cashmere Miniature was first seen about a decade later and the breed was eventually standardized in all colors.

The Cashmere Lop Standard and the Cashmere Mini are recognized by the British Rabbit Council (BRC), but not by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).

The coat of the Cashmere Lop is silky, long, and thick.

Overall Description

The Cashmere Lop features a compact, firm, and thickset shape. The body, which is powerful despite being small, is described as broad, well muscled, and short, and there is little neck visible. The rump is also well muscled, well rounded, and short, while the chest is deep and broad.

This rabbit’s front legs should be straight, short, and thick, while the hind legs will be powerful, strong, and short, as well as carried parallel with the body. The breed’s tail is also well furred and strong.

The head is broad, bold, and strong, and the cheeks are well developed. The ears should be well furred, long, rounded at the ends, thick, and broad, and they’re carried close to the head. The insides of the rabbit’s delicate ears shouldn’t be visible from any angle. The eyes are bright and bold and the crown is prominent across the skull.

Coat

The coat of the Cashmere Lop is silky, long, and thick. It should be about 1.5 to 2 inches in length, but it should lie beautifully on the animal’s body. This rabbit’s fur should not be woolly. The topcoat is heavier and longer than the undercoat.

Because of their unique coat, these rabbits do require more work than other breeds, especially while they’re young. Until your rabbit is roughly 5 months old, his coat will have a tendency to become matted and knotted, so regular grooming sessions will be necessary using a wire comb suitable for longhaired cats and dogs.

When grooming your Cashmere Lop, you shouldn’t comb out all of the density from the undercoat. Don’t use a comb to thin the coat out; instead, use it to gently break tangles and mats apart. Once your Cashmere Lop is an adult, you should groom him weekly, as well as trim his nails. Pluck out tangles and dead hairs to keep the coat beautiful and keep your pet comfortable.

Colors

The Cashmere Lop showcases all possible colors. These include the self colors, which are ruby-eyed white, blue-eyed white, lilac, chocolate, blue, and black, as well as the agouti colors, which are Chinchilla, lynx, cinnamon, opal, squirrel, and agouti.

Other possible colors include the tan colors, which are marten sable, fox and otters (blue, lilac, chocolate, and black), and marten smoke. You will also find these rabbits in shaded colors, including iron grey, seal point, Isabella, blue point, Siamese smoke, sooty fawn, and Siamese sable. And you will even find Cashmere Lops in any other variety of colors, such as chocolate tort, steel, orange, fawn, and butterfly.

Cashmere Lops make great family pets.

Care Requirements

You can house your Cashmere Lop in a secure environment inside your home or apartment or in your garden. If you are going to set up an outdoor hutch, it should be waterproof and weatherproof, and it should be placed in area that is out of direct sunlight and wind. On the other hand, an indoor rabbit can be trained to use a litter tray, and he can have a crate or cage that he can use to rest in.

Your Cashmere Lop should have access to fresh, clean water at all times, and he can be fed rabbit pellets, a variety of hay, some fruit, and fibrous vegetables, such as kale, dandelions, and cabbage.

Health

The Cashmere Lop is a breed that is generally hardy. Like other breeds, this rabbit’s teeth will grow continuously, so you should provide him with foods like fibrous green veggies and hay to wear the teeth down and keep them from overgrowing.

Another common issue is flystrike, which is more likely to occur if your rabbit is overweight and can’t groom himself. You can also have your pet vaccinated against VHD and myxomatosis, and you can treat your rabbit for ticks, fleas, and worms.

Cashmere Lops are intelligent and can even learn their names.

Temperament/Behavior

Cashmere Lops and Mini Cashmere Lops are great family pets, as they get along well with adults and older children. These animals are engaging, bright, and smart. They will greet the humans that they learn to recognize, and they can even learn their names. Many enjoy being stroked and held as well. Plus, you can train your pet to use the litter tray. Overall, you can expect these rabbits to be friendly and playful.

Photo credit: korovin/Bigstock; oscity/Bigstock

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Why Do Dogs Burrow in Their Blankets?

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There has been much discussion on social media recently about the importance of understanding your dog’s body language and recognizing a problem situation before it happens. For example, acknowledging when a dog is becoming frustrated and upset, leading to a potential bite.But what you may not know is that your dog uses many far more subtle behaviors to communicate that they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable.Understanding these cues is crucial for protecting your dog’s safety and well-being and building a solid bond. After all, we all want our dogs to know we are here to protect them from any dangers they face!Let’s examine these subtle behaviors, known as dog appeasement behaviors, in-depth. We will discuss the signals to watch out for, what your dog is trying to communicate, and the best response in these situations.What Are Dog Appeasement Behaviors?As mentioned, dog appeasement behaviors are subtle actions your dog takes to signal that they are feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. Many of these behaviors serve two purposes: communicating their feelings to those around them and acting as a self-soothing activity to try to calm themselves.Appeasement behaviors are an attempt to acknowledge a threat that they are encountering and signal that they have no desire for confrontation.Picture yourself out for a walk in your favorite local park with your dog when you come across another dog. If that dog demonstrates a dominant or aggressive posture, they may be non-verbally questioning your dog’s intentions in that space. To avoid conflict, your dog may use appeasement signals to tell this dog that they are just passing through and aren’t trying to start any trouble.From here, the situation can go one of two ways – either both dogs go their separate ways with a clear understanding that no conflict is needed, or (if the problem isn’t addressed) it continues to escalate into something potentially dangerous for all involved.As dog parents, we are responsible for learning what to look out for, understanding our dog’s attempt to communicate with us, and responding quickly to keep our best friends safe.Common Dog Appeasement Signals and BehaviorsThe first step in keeping our dogs safe is to learn how to understand their non-verbal communication.While it would be FAR easier if our dogs could speak with us in clear English (I'm not denying this), they use many different methods to “talk to” us. They rely on body language to tell us what they are thinking and feeling—using their ears, tails, body posture, eye contact, and other physical signals.Here are some of the more common appeasement signals to watch out for:Avoiding Eye ContactOne of the more widely recognized ways of communicating that you are challenging someone is to look them directly in the eyes. Therefore, it makes sense that a dog trying to avoid conflict would avoid eye contact entirely. Your dog may avert their gaze to the ground or appear to be looking around, their eyes moving to everything but the perceived risk.

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This is particularly common if you have just come home (like returning from work) or either you or your cat just entered a room. Cats often use this behavior to greet other cats. Seeing you as part of their family/colony, your cat is telling you they are happy to see you by using the same greeting. Checking You Out As your cat rubs against you, they put their face close to the surface of your clothing or skin. Considering how much your cat relies on their sense of smell to navigate the world they live in, it likely comes as no surprise that, in doing this, they are checking out what smells they can pick up on you. Where have you been? Who have you been interacting with? This is also a common reason cats rub against people they don’t know. For example, if your cat rubs against a new guest in your home, they are trying to learn about this new individual who has entered their space. 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Letting You Know They Need SomethingCats are creatures of routine. They will notice if you are late for something typically scheduled, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they let you know. For example, if you are late filling their food dish, they may try to remind you that it’s mealtime. The head rubbing may be accompanied by little nips demanding your attention. My two cats, Pippen and Jinx, will use head rubbing to ask for many different things, including letting me know they would like a treat, alerting me that their water dish is running low, or asking me to clean the litterbox. Pay attention to whether your cat is just head rubbing against you or if their attention appears to be torn between you and something else. A cat asking for treats may rub against the cupboard where they are kept, while a cat wanting their water dish filled may wander over to check the dish. Marking Their “Territory” As I mentioned above, pheromones are often used to communicate with other cats. 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Litterbox Setup/Location There are several common mistakes that cat parents make when setting up a litter box in their home. Just like people have preferences, so do our cats – including preferences regarding where they go about their business. This includes their preferred type of litter, the size/shape of their box, or the location in the home. One error I hear about a lot is setting up the box in a less-than-ideal location in the home. This could be because the area is too busy, making it uncomfortable for your cat (would you want to conduct business with everyone moving around you all the time?) or that there is an unpleasant smell or sound in that area. Or your cat’s litterbox could simply be too out of the way, making it inconvenient to have to make the trip to the box when they need to go. 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If your cat’s box is tucked into a corner or a small room, like a closet, the confined space may keep the odors out of your home in general – but it is trapping them in that area which can absorb into the walls over time. It may also discourage your cat from entering the space to go to the bathroom, leading to more accidents in other areas of the home. Instead, it would be best if you chose a well-ventilated area. A box in a high-traffic or central area of the home could also contribute more to the noticeable odors. This isn’t to say the box actually smells more, but that the constant movement around it can stir up the unpleasant odors in a location where you’re more likely to notice them. Asking your cat to use a box that is too small or shallow may prevent your cat from being able to cover their waste. While one may not think a layer of litter could effectively trap odors, you would be surprised! 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What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

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Curious Doggo Spotted on Top of the Great Egyptian Pyramid

Dogs really do get in the most awkward of places. Curious and mischievous, they never fail to surprise us with their antics. But one doggo from Egypt broke all records. A team of U.S. paragliders, led by Marshall Mosher, flew one morning over the famous Great Pyramids at Giza, enjoying the stunning views below them. However, they did not expect to spot a stray doggo on the pyramid's very top, some 138.5 meters (454.4 ft) high."We noticed something running back and forth on top of the pyramid," Mosher said in an interview with CNN Travel. "One person thought it was a mountain lion."Surprised at the unexpected discovery, the floating paragliders zoomed in on the doggo, trying to preserve the moment. Much to their surprise, the dog was simply chasing the birds that stood atop the Pyramid of Khafre, seemingly unaware of the great height he was at. "Maybe he was stuck up there," Mosher thought at the moment, recalling his worry. But he at once realized the situation. "If he got himself up, he can get himself down unless he found some secret portal that helped him teleport to the top of the pyramids," he said jokingly. The very next day, the paragliding team once more flew over the area, hoping to learn of the dog’s situation. They did not spot him this time. However, a fellow adventurer filmed the doggo earlier, seeing him safely descending the steps of the great pyramid. Dogs near the pyramids are a common sight. There are many strays in Giza, and they often roam near the pyramid complex. However, they don’t always climb all the way to the top. Mosher said that the number of strays was worrying, and that he is actively looking for animal shelters in Cairo that could accommodate all these dogs. Mosher also shared the video of the dog on social media, and the sight quickly became viral. Almost overnight, his Instagram posts gained millions of views. Needless to say, he was surprised with all the attention."I thought the opportunity to fly over the pyramids was decently interesting news, but no one cares about that," he said jokingly, noting that the sight of the doggo was far more unique. Some commentators on Instagram went as far as to draw a connection between the dog and the Ancient Egyptian deity, Anubis, who was often depicted as a man with a jackal’s head. Was it a simple coincidence, the roamings of a curious dog, or something much more mysterious? You be the judge.

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There are few tales as heartwarming as the magic of the human-animal bond shared by dogs and their people. This love and loyalty that inspires Arizona-based nonprofit, Soldiers Best Friend, to bring together combat veterans and local homeless dogs for their happily ever after. The organization was founded by veterinarian John Burnham following the passing of his father in 2007. At this time, he realized he wanted to do something bigger to honor his father while using his personal and professional talents, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since its establishment in 2011, Soldiers Best Friend has remained unwavering in its commitment to its mission of 'touching 2 lives at once'. The organization pairs veterans with combat-related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries with dogs from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together, giving both a second chance at the quality of life they deserve while also allowing them to create the close bond that will strengthen their relationship moving forward. Not only do dogs find a forever home, helping to address the current pet overpopulation problem, but veterans are also provided with a unique and effective source of support free of charge. While John has stated that he will continue his mission until these service dogs are no longer needed, he also acknowledges that the time will likely never come—at least not in his lifetime. To date, Solder’s Best Friend has connected with and served over 400 veterans, an impressive feat. These dogs not only offer the veterans more independence at home, but they also make the greater world feel more accessible. Tiffany Batura, a retired Navy veteran who served for four years, shared her story. After retiring, Batura was faced with the incredible challenge of recovering from PTSD from her service. “I had not very many women on my boat,” she explained. “The military has changed a lot, but at the time, there was a lot of harassment.” When asked about Soldier’s Best Friend and her service dog, a lab named Deadly, she was happy to share how much the dog has made a difference in her life. “So far, I’ve noticed that I am more willing to go out in public. I’m not homebound all the time,” Batura stated. While that may not seem like a lot, it’s a life-changing difference for Batura and others who are faced with PTSD from their military experiences. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7% of veterans will have PTSD. However, that rate is nearly double among female veterans, reaching a concerning 13%. If you’re interested in helping Solider’s Best Friend in their noble mission, you can show your support in several ways. Those based in Arizona can volunteer to help with various tasks, including administrative duties, building maintenance, fundraising events, and even fostering a dog. For those who live outside of Arizona or who have a busy schedule that prevents them from committing to volunteer work, the organization is an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization. Simply make your donations using QCO code 22497. Alternatively, they also have an Amazon Wish List with many items needed to continue their work. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

Goldfish Named Merlin Gets Life-Saving Surgery

Risky removal of facial tumour means starving goldfish can eat again.

What Should I Do If My Dog Is Anxious Around Holiday Guests?

The holiday season is nearly here! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year—these festive celebrations bring joy, delicious food, and cherished moments with loved ones. But amidst the laughter and excitement, the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for your dog. Unfamiliar faces, loud noises, and changes to their routine might leave them feeling stressed or anxious. So how can you ensure your furry friend enjoys the holidays as much as you do? Here are some tips to help.Recognizing Signs of Anxiety in DogsBefore you can ease your dog’s anxiety, it’s important to recognize the signs of distress in your pet and act quickly. The sooner you realize your pooch is uncomfortable in this new environment, it will be easier for you to make sure you can help them calm down and feel at ease once again. Here are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety in dogs:Pacing: Walking nervously and struggling to settle down.Hiding: Retreating to a quiet corner or another room.Vocalizing: Excessive barking or whining as a signal of distress.Trembling or Panting: Shaking or heavy breathing unrelated to heat or exercise.Aggression: Snapping or growling unexpectedly.If you notice these behaviors, it’s a sign your pup is feeling overwhelmed.Preparing for the HolidaysThe best way to reduce holiday stress for your dog is to plan ahead! Even if you’re unsure if your pet will be uneasy around festive activities and guests in your home, it pays to be prepared in case they do. #1 Create a Safe SpaceDesignate a quiet, comfortable spot where your dog can relax away from the commotion. Include essentials like water, treats, toys, and a cozy bed to make the space inviting.

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