Animals

Lionheads are, contrary to belief, small rabbits, equivalent to the size of a mini lop which is why I refer to my lionheads as the Mini Lionhead (which is my own term, not a BRC standard term, I have found that if they are referred to purely as the Lionhead, most people automatically assume that this breed is quite large, as they did once used to be when first introduced into the UK years ago).

Lionhead rabbits get their name from the mane they grow that looks very similar to the mane of a lion. I assure you, the similarity stops there. The manes can be double or single and of course, the double manes are the prettiest. Interestingly the gene that causes the mane seems to be a dominant mutation which means that only one parent is required to have the “mane gene” to produce more lionheads.

The average adult Mini Lionhead weight is approx. 3 1/4 lbs, which is less than the mini lop which is 3 1/2 lbs so they are an ideal sized rabbit for a child. Overall their fur is short so quite easy to maintain and look after (again, contrary to belief) although it is a little thicker than the coat of a lop rabbit.

The mane around the face is longer obviously, hence the name Lionhead, but again, it is very easy to maintain and does not require daily grooming, although an occasional comb through once a week/fortnight with a metal comb will keep any stray shavings or hay from causing tangles or knots, the rabbit will love this also, grooming is a good way to bond with your rabbit, even with short haired rabbits such as lops.

Mini Lionheads have lovely temperaments also, and I find that they are ideal ‘lapdog’ companions. Lionheads ears’ stand up rather than lop.