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Lionhead Lop

Lionhead Rabbit ~ European Lionhead Rabbit

Family: LeporidaeOryctolagus cuniculusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Lee Densa

   The Lionhead Lop, like the Lionhead Rabbit, is a very friendly little critter. They enjoy people and are sweet and easy to handle!

   The Lionhead Rabbit is the newest breed of rabbit, first imported into the United States in 1999. Along with the introduction of this adorable little rabbit with its erect ears, the cute little Lionhead Lop was developed!

See More about Pinche Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Lee Densa

   A Lionhead Lop is a hybrid rabbit developed by crossing a Lionhead Rabbit with a Holland Lop. Lionheads crossed with the Mini-Rex are referred to as Velvet Lionheads. Their are many hybrids of the Lionhead and they are all very cute, very unique, and will make excellent pets!

   The outstanding characteristic of the Lionhead Lop and the Lionhead Rabbit is that they have a 'mane'. These small rabbits are much easier to care for than longhaired or wooly rabbits like the Angoras, because their mane only needs to be combed out every couple of days. The mane on the Lionhead Lop does tend to mat a bit more than on the erect eared Lionhead Rabbit.

  One thing to keep in mind when getting a young Lionhead is that this is a very new breed, and you won't know what your pet will look like until it grows up! There is no absolute certainty that it will keep its mane. The mane may molt and disappear for good or it may grow back even fuller than it was before.

For more information about Rabbits and their care see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Background:    The Lionhead Rabbits were first brought into the United States from Europe in 1999, mostly from England and Sweden. It is generally thought that the Lionhead Rabbits were first bred in Belgium in 1996 and then imported to England in 1998 where they were crossbred with other small animals to develop what is today called the European Lionhead Rabbit; Lionhead Lops were also being developed.
   There are a couple of thoughts on where the Lionhead Rabbit originated. Some think they were the result of crossbreeding a Swiss Fox and a Belgian Dwarf, while others think they are from the Dwarf Angora.
   To help get more uniformity in type and size, breeders have been crossing the Lionhead Rabbit with a variety of other rabbits.

Description:    The Lionhead Rabbit is a small bunny that has a 'mane'! The Lionhead Rabbit is unique to all other "new breeds" of rabbits. It has the first major mutation in rabbits since 'satin' fur first appeared in a litter of Havana's in the early 1900's. Unlike most fur mutations that are recessive genes, the Lionhead has what seems to be a dominant mutation that causes the 'mane'. So only one parent is required to have this gene to produce more Lionheads and it cannot be recreated using other breeds!

Color differences:    The Lionhead Rabbits come in many patterns and color varieties. Sixty colors are approved for showing in England!

Lastest Comments on Lionhead Lop Rabbit View all 77 comments on Lionhead Lop Rabbit Add Your Comment

Louria - 2011-01-27 Do lion heads live in Melbourne? And are they allowed to live in Melbourne? If they do, please post a "Link" with Lionhead bunnies for sale. Since my daughter's bunny died, She wants a "lion head" bunny. I can't find any results for lion head bunnies in Melbourne.. Kathy - 2011-02-14 Hi, Louria I have 4 lionhead lops, I live in melrose florida, my name is Kathy and if you are still interested, please call me at 386-659-2512. Thanks. Leslie Alava - 2012-05-23 I recently had an accidental mating between our new mini rex which was supposed to be male but I didnt double check and my lionhead buck Mufassa.. If you are still looking for a bunny they will be available in 10 weeks. I live in Vero Beach Florida and go to Melbourne frequently. Flwrgrl0224@yahoo.com Reply

Roc - 2012-04-28 I am looking for a young lion lop rabbit. Can anyone help direct me (DC, MD area) Thank you! 202 210 5227 Reply

Ashlee G - 2011-07-12 I'm only 15 and I really wanted a pet I can call my "own", even though I had 2 little shelties (females) which I adore. I got a cute 7 month old bunny (Chloe) which was all white, unfortunately she died today from a seizure, I only had her for 2 days and I immediately loved her. Sadly, her life ended, but she will never be forgotten. My mom thought it would be best if I got another bunny to cope, so we went to the spca and I found a white lionhead bunny that was a stray, the age was unknown, but she's so playful and lovable! I couldn't take her home today, because it's a policy that all their animals get spayed/neutered before adoption. So I should have her in a week or 2! I didn't give her a name, because bunnies are very sensitive towards anesthesia (not sure if I spelled that right, sorry!), so I don't want to give her a name in case god forbid something should happen. But please email me at agianfarcaro@aol.com, I would love to hear about what you feed your bunny, how you groom it, train it, anything! It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Charlie Roche - 2011-07-12 This is a link to Animal Worlds Care and feeding information regarding your bunny. I am soo sorry that you lost a little one but happy for you that you found another. You will always love the first but you will love the second and she will ove you. There is information regarding everything from Feeding to Ailments. http://animal-world.com/encyclo/critters/rabbits/RabbitProfile.htm Let us know how you are doing and send us a photo. kathy - 2012-03-15 Ashlee I have two rabbits a lionhead and a holland lop.They are both so cute. They play eat hop. It's so cute I need your advice Reply

Anonymous - 2011-07-31 My white lionhead Maisy recently had babies! We accidentally had her breed with my Dutch rabbit Eddie! So they are pretty much look like a dutch with spiky fur at first they weren't really cute but now they are growing on me! Their names are (all boys) Pepe, Romeo, and Humpfrey. Charlie Roche - 2011-08-01 They sound cute though kristen - 2011-12-12 I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your lionhead bunny. I personally have 4 bunnies myself, and they make such wonderful pets. Your bunny was likely traumatized by the transport from the pet store/breeder to your home, causing the seizure (and yes, you did spell anesthesia right!). Any reputable vet will only use isoflorine to anesthetize a rabbit. Their systems are very sensitive, and I am very careful not to use any chemicals near them. Bunny staples are Timothy Hay (or Alfalfa Hay, for younger bunnies) in unlimited quantities. Also Timothy Hay-based pellets. Give them carrots, cilantro, parsley, apples (NO SEEDS!), broccoli, cauliflower, and you will have thriving bunnies. Good luck to you!!! kristen - 2011-12-12 Please have your female rabbit spayed. It prevents uterine cancer by 80%. I have 3 females and all are spayed. Please do your research and get this done. We don't need any more pets that need homes. LUVURBUNS - 2011-12-24 @kristen That is totally wrong. You do not get your rabbit altered just by a dog/cat vet. Altering a rabbit is VERY dangerous when the vet is not experienced. Please....look around and think about your answer before you post it. Reply

Rose - 2011-10-02 Hi. I raise lionheads my self. I love the look of them. I will sell the bunnies. Charlie Roche - 2011-10-03 They are amazingly adorable. jennifer - 2011-11-27 I am looking for a baby lionhead bunny for my sister for Christmas...do you have any available or know where I can buy one, I live in Wisconsin and don't know where to start looking. Reply

Pat Shales - 2010-09-08 We bought our lionhead in July 2009. We named her Chewey because she looked like Chewbacca. She died two weeks ago. She had a heart disorder and problems breathing. She was so much fun. She had a GREAT personality. The whole family enjoyed her and we miss her dearly. Ashlee Gianfarcaro - 2011-07-12 I just lost my little bunny today. I'm only 15 and Chloe was my first bunny. She was white, tiny and loved to be held. I had her for a short time. But I love her :( Reply

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