| What Is A Lionhead Rabbit? | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 24 2011, 01:17 AM (214 Views) | |
| Flopsy | Feb 24 2011, 01:17 AM Post #1 |
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The Lionhead Rabbit is a relatively new breed. It is characterized by long fur, typically surrounding the face, which resembles a lion’s mane. The breed is thought to have originated from Belgium by the crossbreeding of a long coated Belgian Dwarf and a Swiss Fox. Continued crossing with other wool breed rabbits resulted in the Lionhead Rabbit, which was first imported into the USA in the 1990’s. It has been recognized as a breed since 2002 by the British Rabbit Council and the North American Lionhead Rabbit Club, but is not yet fully recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Due to further selective breeding, lop eared Lionhead rabbits are now becoming popular. Lionhead rabbits are available in a variety of colors. The Lionhead Rabbit is generally fairly small and stocky, with a rounded head and shorter ears than other breeds. The mane can vary in length and density, but typically extends around the head in a full circle and forms a fringe between the ears. The fur on the rest of the body tends to be medium length and quite dense. Some Lionhead rabbits will have very dense manes, whilst others will have much less mane. Some rabbits may lose their mane when they molt, although it usually grows back. Female rabbits (does) tend to pull out their mane fur to make a nest before they give birth. As the mane is caused by a gene mutation, some rabbits carry a double mane gene, which results in extra long fur on other parts of their body, such as the hindquarters. This is generally not desirable for showing but plays a useful part in breeding. The Lionhead rabbit is a very friendly breed, typically easy to handle and make good family pets. They are generally easy to care for, although will need regular grooming due to their long fur. The fur around their anus will need to be kept clean, and the mane should be brushed gently on a regular basis to avoid the rabbit ingesting the fur, particularly when molting. The fur can be pulled out if brushed to hard, which could be painful for your rabbit, so it is important to be gentle. The Lionhead rabbit appears to be easy to breed and raise, its average lifespan is typically around 7- 9 years. |
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4:25 AM May 21
