A Guide to the Types of Lionhead Rabbits
Differences Between Lionheads, Lionhead Lops, and Mini Lionhead Lops
The name lionhead is given to the rabbit because of this characteristic ‘mane’ around the head. It is much longer and softer than the rest of the coat, however does not require extreme maintenance. A brush or comb through once every seven to ten days should suffice, and as with most rabbits, the occasional check under the legs is advisable incase of any knots that need untangling.
The standard lionhead has a very rounded head and quite short, unfurnished ears (no fluffy bits on them), which stick up proudly, giving the rabbit a very cute appearance. They make good pets for children as they are very friendly and love attention. They constantly bounce aroung their hutches whenever they see a person who may want to cuddle them.
Problems With Lionhead Rabbits
Occasionally lionhead rabbits are born with a double-coat. This is when the fur on the body of the rabbit is so dense (and sometimes slightly longer than usual), that it has a ‘fluffy’ appearance all over it’s body, and an even fluffier mane. This may not seem like a problem as it makes them look even more cute! (see picture), but if wanting to show / exhibit rabbits, this can cause problems.
Sometimes when a lionhead rabbit reaches adulthood, it will lose it’s mane. This is more prominent in female lionheads. If a female has lost it’s mane through a heavy moult and it has not grown back, then it is advisable not to use that rabbit to breed, as there is the chance that any youngsters from the litter may have the same genetic defect. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling whether a rabbit has this defect when purchasing it. The best way to buy a lionhead therefore is to make sure that you have seen both parents.
Lionhead Lop Rabbits and Mini Lion Lop Rabbits
As it’s name suggests, this breed is a cross between the standard lionhead rabbit and the lop rabbit. Usually it is a dwarf lop that has been bred with a lionhead, however the miniature lop is more frequently being bred with lionheads to produce the mini lion lop. Both lionhead lop rabbits and mini lion lop rabbits have the traditional coat and body and ears of the lop eared rabbit, but still have the mane from the lionhead.
Having lopped ears does mean that the mane gets tangled more easily, and so it is recommended that these breeds are brushed or combed at least every five to seven days.
double coat lionhead
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