Lionhead History

They originated in Belgium, a result of cross breeding of a Swiss Fox and a Belgium Dwarf. They took Europe by storm, and England, and now here. They were developed because of a new mutation gene that causes the mane to grow and requires one parent to have the "mane gene", to produce more Lionheads. It is unlike any other new breeds of recent years.

These are small rabbits with manes of wool encircleing their heads. They are friendly and seem to be easy keepers. The bunnies look like all other bunnies until 3 weeks old and then the mane starts to fill out. Most carry wool all over their bodies till they shed it out at 6-7 weeks, leaving only a skirt. They will start to shed some of this at about 10 to 16 weeks.

The quality of the mane between purebreds and crossbreds varies, but at present, makes no difference. Some have dense manes, others carry a long mane, but thin in density. Some adults lose all but a wispy mane. Some lose it and then grow it back. The rest of the coat is normal fur after the baby fizz sheds off.

The mane seems to be a dominate gene with 50% of the offspring from maned x non-maned. But do cross these hybreds back to a purebred lionhead to double gene the mutation.

Here in the USA the first 2 certificates of developement are for the Erect Eared Lionheads. The 1st certificate of Development with the ARBA was secured by Arden Wetzel of Minn. in 2001 and have the 1st presentation in 2004 during the ARBA Conv. that year.

Until that time Lionhead Rabbits CAN be shown under the PURPOSED working standard, only if the show sec. accepts your entry for them. Once the breed has passed one showing with the ARBA at Conv. then they must be allowed to be exhibited at the ARBA shows.

Currently most of my stock is from England, and will add will add to it when possible. In England the breeders are developing the Velvet Lion, and the Lion Lop. Some are working on them here also. So watch for a few of these cool Lions here too.