Rabbit: Lionhead

Andrea — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:08:47 +0000

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.

Rabbit: Lionhead Lop

Andrea — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:29:02 +0000

Origins: Lionhead Lops were bred by crossing Lionhead rabbits with Holland Lops to get a bunny with the pronounced mane of the Lionhead, but with the floppy ears of the Holland Lop. They were introduced at around the same time as the Lionhead, in the late 1990’s. It is still not recognized in most countries as having a consistent breed type.

Size: Small. Usually around 3 pounds.

Physical Appearance: Cobby, well-rounded body with lop ears and a distinct mane. Head well-formed and seems big in proportion to the body. Appearance is not always consistent as the breed is still being improved ad standardized.

Characteristics: Generally affectionate, friendly, love attention.

Colors: Various colors, mainly still being developed by crossing with other breeds.

Special Facts: The Lionhead Lop’s mane can be more prone to matting than that of the Lionhead. And just because a young rabbit has a mane, it does not mean it will keep it for life. Some individuals’ manes may molt and then never grew back.

The Pets City » Lionhead Lop

Rabbit: Lionhead

Related Topics

Rabbit: Lionhead Lop

Related Topics