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My Lionhead Rabbit

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Is a Lionhead Rabbit Right for You?

Adorable White Lionhead Rabbit

Lionhead Rabbits make great pets. The outstanding characteristics and loving, bonding nature the LIONHEAD RABBIT displays towards his or her owner and family make the lionhead one of the fasted growing and most sought rabbit varieties in the history of rabbit breeding. Whether you currently own a LIONHEAD RABBIT, are thinking of owning one, or maybe investing in a companion to the lionhead you already own, this site was developed to help answer some of the questions you may have about the lionhead rabbit breed and what to look out for when purchasing one.

Background on the Lionhead Rabbit

The Lionhead Rabbit is considered by many to be one of the cutest most adorable rabbit breeds around. Though the exact origins of the breed have not completely been determined, it is generally accepted to have originated in Belgium during the early to mid 1990´s when breeders crossed a Belgian Dwarf and a Swiss Fox. A genetic mutation, or hybrid, produced a variation of the mane, which we now know as the LIONHEAD RABBIT. Breeders and mills quickly took action and successfully launched the breed throughout Western Europe, England and the U.K. Soon, these cuddly, exotic and intoxciously sweet Lionheads then made their way across the Atlantic to the United States and Canada. And now the LIONHEAD RABBIT can be found as far as Australia and New Zealand. The breed has become so enormously popular that buyers need to take caution when selecting a lionhead rabbit of their own. Currently there are 17 varieties of the lionhead rabbit that have received American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Certificates of Development (COD). And while there are many reputable LIONHEAD RABBIT BREEDERS, it can be challenging for the novice rabbit owner to buy a high quality specimen from a local pet shop or mill. Breed standards have been established in the U.K. and the U.S., and the breed is officially recognized in the U.K. by the British Rabbit Council (BRC). To date the breed has failed such recognition in the U.S. in presentations to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). In the meantime, while lionhead rabbit breeders seek official ARBA recognition, the following are simple, yet essential buying tips to help ensure that your new lionhead rabbit is a healthy one that meets general specifications for the breed.

Here´s How to Select Your Lionhead Rabbit

Overhead Body Condition: Lionhead Rabbits should be rounded, not overweight and not scrawny looking. The Lionhead Rabbit body is short and cobby with broad shoulders that give the lionhead its well-rounded stance.

Coat: The LIONHEAD RABBIT coat should be thick, dense and of medium length. Normally, lionhead rabbits have slightly longer fur running down the back to the tail with the mane averaging 2-3 inches in length around the head and neck. Look that the coat has been well groomed. You shouldn´t see any bare patches. Avoid lionhead rabbits with soiling around the ear as this could indicate intestinal problems.

Ears: While there are lop eared versions of the lionhead rabbit, buyers should opt for a straight eared lionhead to avoid potential problems when moisture and soil that get trapped in the ear resulting in infections and mite infestations. In general, ears should be upright, open and balanced with the head and body.

Eyes: Depending on the variety, Lionhead Rabbit eyes are generally blue or red in color, though other colors have been observed. Look to ensure the eyes are bold and bright. Pay attention to any staining on the coat around the eyes as the healthiest rabbits are free of eye discharge.

Head: There should be noticeable width between the eyes and the nose should be well formed and free of discharge. Good versions of the Lionhead Rabbit do not have noticeable necks. If you have a chance, take a look into the mouth at the teeth. A Lionhead Rabbit with malocclusions is generally disqualified from the breed standard and could indicate poor and careless breeding on the part of the breeder.

General Observations: Before selecting your Lionhead Rabbit, watch how the lionhead moves around. The rabbit should be lively and unstiff with quiet, non-labored breathing. The condition of the cage should be clean. Avoid lionheads that have been caged in overcrowded conditions with others as this can spawn diseases and contribute to stress. Ideally a Lionhead Rabbit´s demeanour should be courteous rather than cautious. Lionhead´s have a calm temperament and enjoy being approached, petted and held.

Taking these few steps and observations will help ensure that your LIONHEAD RABBIT will enjoy a long healthy life span, and that your new pet will form a tight bond with your family.

Funny Lionhead Rabbit Roar caught on tape!