Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

"Lop-eared" is an adjective used to describe an animal, most commonly a rabbit or dog, that has ears that droop or hang down. This is a common trait in certain breeds.1

In terms of pathology, "lop ear" refers to a deformity of the outer ear where the ear protrudes excessively from the side of the head. While generally considered less serious than other ear conditions, it can be a cosmetic concern. Surgical intervention is sometimes pursued to reposition the ears for a more typical appearance.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. lop-eared
  2. ear disease - Lop ear

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.