Do you know that there is a rabbit with a mane like a lion? Yes, it is the lionhead rabbit, which has a crown of hair that makes it look like a true king of the jungle, at least for a while. These graceful lagomorphs arose by chance in Belgium a long time ago, although until recently they have not become popular beyond European borders.
Origin of the Lionhead Rabbit
Although the breed may not have been known worldwide until relatively recently, the lionhead rabbit is a long-lived breed that originated in Belgium. This breed is the result of the crossing of Netherland Dwarf rabbits and Swiss Fox rabbits, the first specimens emerging with that particular lion's mane.
Although the breed arose in Belgium, its development took place more in the United Kingdom, the first country where the breed was made official in 1998Currently, many other countries have also collected the official standard of the lionhead breed, although many others have not yet officially recognized it.
Features of the Lionhead Rabbit
Lionhead rabbits are small rabbits classified toy, ranging in size from 1.3 to 1.7 kilograms, although specimens have been found that weigh up to 2 kilos. For this reason, there is no dwarf lionhead rabbit variety, since they are all toy. The average life expectancy of a lionhead is approximately 8 or 9 years.
The body of the lionhead rabbit is compact and short, rounded and with a broad chest. What stands out the most, apart from his mane, are his long ears, which can measure about 7 centimeters. The tail is straight and covered by a good coat of hair. Its head is oval and relatively large, with a quite long snout and wider in males. He has round eyes that protrude slightly and are very bright.
However, the lion rabbit's most notable feature is its mane. The coat is what has made it famous and is the badge of the lionhead breed. Undoubtedly, the most remarkable thing is the mask of hair that covers their head when these rabbits are still young, because when they are fully grown this mane disappears, so which is a very characteristic trait as well as ephemeral. This mane can be of two types, which are determined by the rabbit's genes:
- Simple-maned lionhead rabbits: less bushy and short, disappears early. These rabbits are typical of crosses between a Lionhead and other breeds.
- Double-Maned Lionhead Rabbits: Really bushy and bushy. These tend to preserve some mane even in adults.
The hair of the lionhead rabbit is of medium length, except on the head, where when they are born the hair is extremely long and thick compared to the hair on the rest of the body, since it reaches 5- 7 centimeters in length. But, as we have mentioned, this will only last until the lionhead is approximately 6 months old, at which time this hair begins to shorten and become scarce until it disappears. In very rare cases it grows back a bit, but never like when they are born.
Lionhead Rabbit Colors
According to the various associations and official organizations, such as the British Rabbit Coincil or ARBA, this breed includes all accepted colors always and when they are recognized colors (already existing, not new). Likewise, in this breed it is mandatory that the color of the outer layer of hair is the same as that of the undercoat of that area.
However, the most common Lionhead rabbit colors and color patterns are as follows: black, sable, sable Siamese, chocolate, white, blue, chinchilla, orange, chestnut, tan, butterfly, bicolor combined with white and tricolor combined with white.
Baby Lionhead Rabbit
As we have mentioned, the peculiarity of the baby lionhead rabbit is its full mane around its head Without a doubt, this It is one of the ways to identify the breed of the rabbit from birth, something quite complicated in general, since the most common is to identify the breed once it reaches adulthood.
Lionhead Rabbit Character
These funny bunnies have a very special character, as they are extremely affectionate and continually seek the affection of their humans, the way they ask for the caresses they enjoy so much is adorable.
They are ideal to have as a pet, as they are calm and sociable Of course, if they live with children it is vitally important that they they are educated to treat the bunny with respect and above all with much affection, since due to their size they are a little more delicate than other rabbits.
Rabbits in general are animals sensitive and quite fearful, so in the face of new noises or situations our lionhead rabbit may feel stressed. This is normal, although we must limit this stress as much as possible, since it can affect the he alth of the animal, which will be upset and sometimes too elusive or even aggressive.
Lionhead rabbit care
Lionhead rabbits, having thicker and longer fur than other rabbits, need almost daily brushing, being the most Ideally do it 4-5 times a week. If we do not carry out this care with the hair, there is a risk that tangles and tangles will form that are practically impossible to undo. The lack of brushing not only has aesthetic repercussions, because if dead hairs are not removed from the eye area, there is a high risk of conjunctivitis and other conditions that alter the rabbit's visibility. Brushing is also important to prevent the formation of hairballs in the digestive system, which can be very dangerous, and can trigger a fatal intestinal obstruction, which can be fatal.
In the same way, we must extremely hygienic measures, removing dirt and remains of feces from the back of your body Otherwise, flies may be attracted that, if they lay their eggs, would cause myiasis or parasitization by fly larvae, which is very painful and complicated to treat. To keep these areas clean, we will use a damp cloth or wipe, we will never use the bathrooms for regular hygiene, as they damage the oily layer that protects the rabbit's skin.
Because of all of the above, the most important care for the lionhead rabbit is that related to hygiene and maintenance of the coat, since the consequences of poor hygiene are really negative. However, these are not the only precautions, since we must also monitor the feeding of this little rabbit. We must be very aware that rabbits are herbivorous animals, so foods of animal origin must never be included in their diet. Yes, vegetables and fruits must be present, as well as a good amount of fresh hay and clean water.
Finally, we highlight the importance of offering the lionhead rabbit a sheltered place to rest and shelter. In general, for this, a burrow is usually introduced in the cage, which must be large enough so that the rabbit can move without any problem and stretch out completely. Of course, it is essential that the lionhead rabbit enjoy hours outside the cage to exercise, explore and interact with its humans. In no case is it appropriate to keep the animal confined 24 hours a day. Also, do not forget to offer your bunny a suitable environmental enrichment, with toys that he can gnaw to wear down his teeth, enough hay, tunnels to exercise, etc.
See our Rabbit Care article for more details.
Lionhead Rabbit He alth
Due to the characteristics of its fur, the lionhead rabbit tends to suffer accumulation of hairballs in the digestive system, something very negative because it can cause an intestinal obstruction. On the other hand, and also as a consequence of the lack of hygiene and care of the coat, miasis is another of the most frequent he alth problems in this breed. Both problems can be avoided by offering proper care. However, sometimes it is very difficult, especially during the moulting season, for us to prevent our rabbit from ingesting large amounts of fur. In these cases, the important thing is that we turn to our trusted veterinarian, since he can help us by recommending products that facilitate the evacuation and dissolution of these hairballs.
Rabbits' teeth never stop growing, so in the lionhead rabbit, and any other breed, it is possible to observe oral problemsdue to this overgrowth, such as malocclusions. For this reason, we must provide him with toys and sticks or cardboard without ink so that when he gnaws on them they wear down his teeth adequately and sufficiently.
To confirm that our lionhead bunny's state of he alth is as optimal as possible, we must go for regular veterinary check-ups. In these check-ups, the veterinarian will be able to detect possible anomalies and propose the most appropriate treatment. In addition, it is recommended to be aware of the vaccines that exist to keep our rabbit as protected as possible from diseases such as myxomatosis, which is fatal in practically all the affected.
Where to adopt a lionhead rabbit?
Before adopting a lionhead rabbit, you need to consider carefully whether you can offer it all the care it needs. Remember that it is necessary to brush weekly and dedicate time to play, exercise and socialize. If after evaluating all the information shared here you are clear that you can assume all their care, then the best thing is that you go to protectors of animals and associations to adopt a copy of this breed. Although finding lionhead rabbits to adopt is difficult, and even more so if you are looking for a baby rabbit, it is not impossible.
Today in animal shelters where we find dogs and cats for adoption it is also possible to find other animals such as rabbits. Likewise, there are associations dedicated to the rescue and subsequent adoption of exotic animals or small animals, such as rabbits, chinchillas and ferrets. One of these centers is La Madriguera
