Lionhead

Coat and looks how to spot one

short normal body coat with a long woolly mane around the head (and on double-maned rabbits, longer fur on the flanks and rear)

A small, compact rabbit that sits upright with its head carried high, topped by short, well-furred ears of about 5-9 cm. Its trademark is a ring of thick, soft, slightly crimped wool around the head and neck, like a little lion's mane. Rabbits with two copies of the mane gene (double mane) keep a full mane and also grow longer fur along the flanks and hindquarters; those with one copy (single mane) have a lighter mane that may thin out as they grow up.123

Personality what they are like

Generally good-natured, lively and affectionate, often bonding closely with its owners and happily accepting attention, play and cuddles. It is clever and can learn simple training. Like many small rabbits it can be easily startled when it feels unsafe, so calm handling and careful introductions to other rabbits help it settle.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic breed that needs plenty of room and daily time outside its enclosure to run, hop and play.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The mane needs regular attention: brush two to three times a week, and daily during the spring and autumn moults, to keep the woolly fur tidy and free of tangles.2

Home where they are happiest

PetMD gives a minimum enclosure of about 18 x 24 inches (46 x 61 cm) with enough height to stand up, and prefers solid flooring; generous extra exercise space is recommended.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unlimited timothy or other grass hay every day, about one cup of leafy greens per 2 lb of body weight, and a small portion of pellets (around 1/8 cup for an adult), with fresh water always available.2

Company who they like around

Highly social: it enjoys human company and tends to thrive when living with another compatible rabbit, introduced gradually.21

The story where it all began

The Lionhead emerged in Belgium and France, where breeders trying to produce a long-coated dwarf crossed a miniature Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf. A new mutation, the so-called mane gene, gave rise to the woolly ruff that defines the breed. Britain's BRC recognised it in 2002, followed by the Nordic countries in 2003. Lionheads reached the United States in the late 1990s, and after years of development work the ARBA accepted the breed in 2013 in Tortoise and Ruby-Eyed White, with full show eligibility from February 2014. Germany's national federation recognised it on 1 October 2014 under the name Löwenköpfchen.132

Recognised by the official bits

British Rabbit Council

Recognised in 2002.1

Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden

Recognised in 2003.3

ARBA

Accepted in 2013 in two varieties, Tortoise and Ruby-Eyed White; eligible for Best in Show and Grand Champion from 1 February 2014. Senior weight 2.5-3.75 lb.1

ZDRK (Germany)

Recognised on 1 October 2014, first as 'Zwergkaninchen-Löwenkopf', now named 'Löwenköpfchen (Lk)'; colours white with blue eyes, Rhön and Japanese.3

French Federation of Cuniculture

Not recognised (as reported by Wikipedia).1