<P> The English Lop is a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in England in the 19th century through selective breeding . It is believed to be the first breed of lop rabbit developed by humans, and it may be one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit . Averaging 11 pounds (5.5 kg), the English Lop is characterized by its distinctively long lop ears, bold head, and large body size . </P> <P> As the first lop breed, the English Lop was developed in England in the 19th century for exhibition as an early "fancy" breed--in response to the rising animal fancy of the time . During the Victorian era, the English Lop emerged as a mainstream household pet, marking a departure for such "fancy" breeds from the earlier role of the domesticated rabbit as a source of meat, fur, and wool production . Later, the English Lop was bred with other rabbit breeds from the continent, giving rise to new lop breeds that include the French Lop (from English Lop / Flemish Giant crosses) and the Holland Lop (from French Lop / Netherland Dwarf crosses). </P> <P> The English Lop, though longer and more slender in body than other lop breeds, has ears up to 32 inches (81 cm) in length--the longest ears of any rabbit breed . Ears reach the end of their growth after approximately 5 months of age, although males can gain as much as an inch as their skull matures . </P> <P> English Lops are bred in both solids and brokens (colors broken by white) and within this, they can come in several different colours, including (but not limited to) Black, orange / fawn, blue, agouti / opal, chinchilla, Red Eyed White, and blue and black torts . The American Rabbit Breeders Association allows all recognized lop colors to be shown in either Solid or Broken groups other than pointed whites . English lops have a smooth,' flyback' short coat, and their ears should be properly furred and silky to the touch . In body they should resemble a mandolin cut in half, a wide nose and broad head with no visible crown, long, loose hanging ears, strong shoulders and a rise that results in a round, deep body over the hips and flanks . Does can weigh anywhere from 10 - 15 lbs, with bucks generally weighing 9 - 12 lbs . </P>

How long can the ears of an english lop be