Lionhead
A small rabbit with a woolly mane framing its face, recognized by ARBA in 2014.
Origin
The Lionhead’s early history is not fully certain. A widely held account traces it to Belgium, where a cross between a Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf rabbit produced a mutation that gave the first form of the mane; small wool breeds may also have been involved, and development continued in England. The first Lionheads used for serious breeding in the United States were imported in 2000 by JoAnne Statler of Minnesota. The North American Lionhead Rabbit Club was founded in 2001, and ARBA recognized the breed in 2014.
Typical Adult Size
A small breed, with an ARBA maximum of 3¾ pounds (about 1.7 kg) and a short, compact body.
Coat Type
The defining feature is the mane, a ring of longer wool around the head that can extend into a "skirt" along the flanks; the rest of the body has normal fur. The mane gene is dominant. Rabbits with two copies (often called double-maned) usually keep a fuller mane and may have a skirt, while single-maned rabbits often have a thinner mane that can lessen as they mature.
Colors
A growing range of colors. Tortoise and ruby-eyed white were among the first varieties ARBA recognized, and more have been added since, so the breed club is the best place to check the current list.
Temperament
Often lively, curious and people-oriented, though personalities vary. Gentle handling from a young age helps a Lionhead grow confident.
Grooming and Care
The mane and any skirt need regular combing, at least weekly and more during molts, to prevent mats. The short body fur is easy to keep. Plenty of hay helps a rabbit cope with the fur it swallows while grooming.
Distinctive Features
The lion-like mane framing the face, a bold, rounded head, short upright ears and a compact body.
What Makes It Notable
The North American Lionhead Rabbit Club calls the mane the first true new gene mutation in rabbits since the 1930s. The breed has risen quickly in popularity, and in 2018 a Lionhead won Best in Show at the ARBA Convention.