Rabbit: Lionhead

Origins: The origins of Lionhead rabbits are still under debate. They are believed to have been bred in Belgium in the 1990’s by crossing Swiss Fox and Belgian Dwarf rabbits, and possibly Jersey Woollies or Dwarf Angoras also. However, some experts believe the Lionhead dates back much further than that, and its exact ancestry is not certain.

Size: Small. Weighs about 3 pounds.

Physical Appearance: Cobby, well-rounded body with a well-formed head and muzzle. Ears are short-furred, and stand erect at no more than 3 inches long. The mane is long and distinct, forming a full circle around the head, with a “fringe” between the ears. The rest of the coat should only be of medium length. Eyes may be red or blue.

Characteristics: Good-tempered, friendly, gentle, loves attention and affection.

Colors: Many marking types including self, shaded, agouti, harlequin, pointed white and others, each of which may cover many color variations like black, blue, lilac, Siamese sable, chinchilla, opal, and others.

Special Facts: The gene that expresses itself in the Lionhead’s pronounced mane is the first dominant genetic mutation to be recorded by rabbit breeders in many decades. The last previous documented mutation in fancy rabbits was that for satin fur in 1932.