Lionhead Rabbits – THE BUNNY BREAKTHROUGH
Having a cat or a dog as a companion can be rather cliché but if your deepest desire is to have a fur ball friend who looks like a miniature version of a lion, the Lionhead Rabbit is sure to make you weak in the knees.
Just one look at this adorable little bunny and one run of your fingers through its fluffy, lion-like mane around his head are enough for you to pack him up and take him home.
These little guys are one of the newer breeds of domestic rabbits that came into being as a result of certain genetic mutations, fixed with the use of selective breeding. Because of this, this particular breed of rabbits has a luxuriant mane on the top of their head which makes them look like a male lion, and have been known as Lionhead Rabbits ever since.
The Lionhead rabbit is also featured on our list of the best types of rabbits for pets.
Lionhead Rabbit Facts
Weight: Around 1.3 – 1.7 kg or 2.8 – 3.75 lb
Color: White, Tortoise Mini Satin (Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac), Chinchilla, Blue Mini Satin, Silver Marten Satin (Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac)
Notable Features: Large Furry Mane that forms a full circle around the head.
Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
MAINLY ABOUT THE MANE
It was only in the year 2002 that the Lionhead rabbit was acknowledged as a recognized breed of rabbits in the United Kingdom, and in 2014 in the USA by ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association.)
The genetic mutation that gave rise to this breed of rabbits is a dominant gene characteristic. In other words, if a Lion head rabbit breeds with a ‘normal ‘rabbit, the kits (offspring) will display the characteristic ‘Lionhead mane’.
Male Lionhead Rabbit and Male African Lion
Lionhead rabbits have different mane types. Some rabbits have single manes i.e. only around the face and head and resemble more of a sunflower. Others have double manes that are much thicker and have a long, wool skirt around their haunches and are also often seen to have too much wool with their mane extending onto their face. Many lion-head rabbits could be a mix of both to result in a rabbit breed with the perfect mane.
FUZZY, FURRY, AND FRIENDLY
Usually, a healthy Lionhead rabbit may weigh around 1.3-1.7 kgs (2.8 – 3.75 lb) and comes in shades of lilac, blue, sable, white, sable point, fox, squirrel, chinchilla, agouti, harlequin, frosted pearl, and red.
Lionhead rabbits are much loved and favored for their gentle, inquisitive dispositions and willingness to play, although these small fellows are easily frightened. They are similar in this way to the gentle and playful Holland Lop. Being so small and fluffy they are one of the best house rabbits. Handling them tactfully with love and care from a young age helps these fluff balls gain the trust of humans and increases their friendliness.
Unlike most rabbits, lionhead rabbits have rather thick, dense wool that requires more care. Regular grooming sessions and checking for knots in their wool can help keep them safe, comfortable, and looking their best at all times. You could face some shedding issues along with wool block because of the long wool they own. To avoid the matted fur from getting out of hand it is best to brush their fur with a cat brush or other grooming tools at least twice a week.
Do you have a Lionhead Rabbit? If so, please tell us about your lion head. If you have a pic of your lion head and you send us a link to the pic in the comments below, we’ll add it to this article. Thanks!
I have always loved rabbits. A rabbit was my very first pet. Since owning my first rabbit I have gone on to own many more. I look forward to being able to get my kids their very own pet rabbits.
I am thinking about getting one for my house
In Spring months by the raising temperatures, my rabbit lion-head one lost the most of his fur. Will it grow back with the Winter months?
Thank you for your question.
Their fur will grow back before winter comes again, there is nothing to worry about.
I have a Lionhead and Flemish Giant mix. She us 5lbs7ozs at 8 months.
I have a lionhead female and another female not sure the breed. They chase each other fight with each other they often also try to hump each other. They have both become very aggressive you can hardly put you’re hand into change the bedding or feed them. i had rabbits growing up but never had this issue.
I’m sorry that your having some troubles with your female rabbits. Your rabbits behavior towards each other could be better answered by one of our rabbit vets, schedule a call with them and get all your questions answered by a professional. https://www.petrabbits.org/veterinary-video-call/
Thank you for your comment.
Our son has a lionhead Sable point Doe for his 4H project rabbit. Does anyone else have issues with their teeth? We have to trim every week due to over growth. There is more than enough chew toys for her. Any help would be great.
Hello Sandy, make sure the bunny is eating enough hay. Their diet should be 70% or more hay. That should help keep the teeth in check as the hay wears down their teeth as they grow. 🙂
Thanks for the insight!
Interesting, thank you!
Really good content I love my rabbit and I love this site
Thanks so much!!