The mini lion lop rabbit was formed as a result of the cross between lion lop rabbits and beliers or dwarf rabbits. It was possible to obtain a dwarf rabbit with that characteristic mane of lion lop rabbits, obtaining a precious specimen that was affectionate and ideal as a life partner.
Like all rabbits, the mini lion lop must be cared for properly to prevent disease and provide the best quality of life possible. If you are thinking of adopting a rabbit of this breed or you already live with one, keep reading this article on our site to learn about all the features of the mini lion lop, its origin, character, care and he alth.
Origin of the rabbit mini lion lop
The origin of the mini lion lop rabbit dates back to 2000 in England. This breed is very similar to the belier dwarf rabbit breed, but with a mane on its head and tufts on its chest that gives it the name "lion."
Breeder Jane Bramley is responsible for her appearance, which she got by crossing lionhead rabbits with mini lops and crossing their hybrids with other dwarf rabbits. In this way, she created the lion-headed dwarf rabbit breed.
Today, it is a purebred by the British Rabbit Council, but not yet by the American Rabbit Breeders' Organization.
Characteristics of the mini lion lop rabbit
This breed is a miniature version of the lionhead rabbits, so specimens weigh no more than 1.6 kgWhat differentiates them from other beliers is the mane they have and that is established with a dominant inheritance, that is why they are considered as a dwarf version of the lion lop rabbits.
The main physical characteristics of the mini lion lop rabbit are as follows:
- Definite, firm, short, wide and muscular body.
- Neck not possible.
- Short croup.
- Broad and deep chest.
- Front legs thick, short and straight, hind legs strong and short, parallel to the body.
- Dangling ears.
- Fluffy, straight tail.
Despite the above, without a doubt, what most characterizes these rabbits is their mane similar to that of a lion, which measures about 4 cm.
Colors of the rabbit mini lion lop
The color of the fur of this breed of rabbit can be of the following shades and patterns:
- Black.
- Blue.
- Agouti.
- Sooty fawn.
- Fawn.
- Fox.
- Black Otter.
- BEW.
- Orange.
- Siamese sable.
- Butterfly pattern.
- REW.
- Opal.
- Siamese smoke pearl.
- Steel.
- Beige.
- Iron fray.
- Chocolate.
- Seal point.
- Blue point.
- Cinnamon.
Mini lion lop rabbit character
Mini Lion Lop rabbits are Friendly, calm, active, playful and social They are very affectionate and love to be around their keepers, so frequent daily care is very important to them. As they like to play and explore so much, we must not forget to dedicate time to carry out these activities and thus get them to release their energy.
Without a doubt, they are ideal companions to share day to day, they are also sociable with people, other animals and get along well with children, as long as they respect them. However, they can sometimes be suspicious and skittish, especially when children yell, hear loud noises, or raise their voices.
Mini lion lop rabbit care
The main care of the lion lop rabbits are the following:
- Medium-sized cage spacious enough for the rabbit to move and jump freely. The mini lion lop, as with all rabbits, needs to be able to leave the cage several hours a day and contact its keepers, as well as explore the environment. In addition, they will ask for it by being so active, sociable and playful. Keeping an animal confined in a cage 24 hours a day is not only harmful to it, it is a cruel act. The cage must be cleaned frequently and remove the remains of urine and feces.
- Feeding a balanced diet for rabbits, based mainly on hay, but not forgetting fresh vegetables and fruits and rabbit feed. Discover the List of fruits and vegetables recommended for rabbits. The water should be ad libitum and better in drinkers than in containers.
- Hygiene of the fur: it is necessary to brush our mini lion lop rabbit frequently several times a week in order to avoid obstructions due to excess of ingested hair. The bathroom will only be necessary if it is very dirty, although you can choose to clean them with a damp cloth.
- Care of the teeth: as the rabbit's teeth and nails grow daily, the animal must be accustomed to having them cut the nails and the use of a wood or object to gnaw to ensure that the teeth do not cause growth problems or asymmetry that can cause injuries.
- Routine vaccination for rabbit diseases: myxomatosis and haemorrhagic disease.
- Frequent deworming to avoid parasites and the diseases that these parasites can cause in the rabbit.
Mini lion lop rabbit he alth
Mini Lion Lop rabbits have a life expectancy of about 8-10 years, as long as they are cared for properly, are taken to veterinary check-ups and routinely vaccinated and dewormed. However, keep in mind that mini lion lop rabbits can suffer from the following diseases:
- Dental malocclusion: when the teeth do not wear down evenly, asymmetries and consequent injuries to the gums and mouth can be caused of our rabbit. In addition, it predisposes to infections.
- Skin myiasis: The skin folds and long hair of these rabbits may predispose a fly to lay eggs and form a myiasis by fly larvae that destroy the rabbit's skin. It causes itching, secondary infections and skin lesions due to the excavation of tunnels by the larvae.
- Fungi: such as dermatophytes or sporotrichosis that can cause alopecia, hives, circular areas, papules and pustules on the skin and hair of the rabbit.
- Myxomatosis: A viral disease that causes nodules or bumps called myxomas on the skin of rabbits. They can also cause otitis, palpebral inflammation, anorexia, fever, respiratory distress and seizures.
- Hemorrhagic disease: this is a viral process that can become very serious, causing the death of our rabbits and producing fever, opisthotonos, shrieks, seizures, hemorrhages, cyanosis, nasal discharge, pneumonia with respiratory distress, prostration, anorexia, ataxia or seizures, among others.
- Respiratory problems: caused by Pasteurella or other microorganisms. Causes respiratory signs such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing, or shortness of breath.
- Digestive problems: if the rabbit does not eat a balanced diet, it can suffer disorders that cause digestive signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain.
