Lionhead Rabbit

Lionhead rabbit is one of the newer breeds of domestic rabbits in the United States, and is undergoing the American Rabbit Breeders' Association presentation process. The Lionhead rabbit has a long wool mane encircling the head, reminiscent of a male lion, hence the name. Other characteristic traits of the Lionhead include a high head mount, compact upright body type, short well-furred ears, and weight usually between 2 1/2 pounds but no more than 3 3/4 pounds.

The Lionhead rabbit originated in Belgium. It is reported to have been produced by breeders trying to breed a long coated dwarf rabbit by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf. Though there are many, many other reports similar to this, for example that the lionhead has been bred from a Netherland Dwarf and a Jersey Wooly. The Lionhead seemed to have been more popular than the long coated dwarf, and so breeders carried on this trend in breeding them intentionally, and so came what we know today as the Lionhead rabbit.

The Lionhead has a small body, and the head is bold, although not quite round from all sides, with well-developed muzzle. Their legs are of medium length and they are of medium bone. Their ears are not to exceed 3½ inches long. Their mane is at least 2 inches long and is to form a full circle around the head, extending to a 'V' at the back of the neck. It may fall into a fringe between the ears, creating a "wool cap". Lionheads may have longer fur around their back legs. Some Lionheads have noticeably longer wool on the cheeks and chest. They are to have a dense, roll back coat, of medium length and even all over body in adults. The Lionhead rabbit has a shy but gentle temperament and loves to lick.

The breed has been recognized since 2002 by the United Kingdom's British Rabbit Council. It is in "Certificate of Development" status with the American Rabbit Breeders' Association (ARBA). The current breed presenter is Theresa Mueller of Seattle, WA. She made her first successful presentation at the 2010 ARBA Convention in Minneapolis, MN in November, 2010 in the varieties of REW, Black Tortoise and Black. In November, 2011, at the 88th ARBA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, the Mueller Lionhead presentation was assessed one fail in each variety (REW, Black Tortoise and Black) due to disqualification of one junior animal in each variety having transitional wool on the flanks that exceeded the allowable maximum length. The ARBA Standards Committee allowed Theresa to make a few changes to her proposed working breed standard, and have also allowed the grouping all four varieties of Tortoise (black, blue, chocolate and lilac)for her 2012 presentation. Theresa must make a successful attempt in 2012, and pass in at least one of the 3 remaining varieties on her active COD in order for the breed to continue on toward a 3rd approved presentation in 2013. Only the varieties assessed a pass in 2012 will be eligible to be presented in 2013. Any of Theresa's varieties making it to a successful 3rd pass in 2013 will be deemed recognized within the ARBA as those of the official Lionhead breed.

In October, 2012, at the 89th ARBA Convention, the Ruby-Eyed White (REW) and Black Tortoise were accepted, but the Black failed and Theresa's COD for that variety expired.

Should Theresa fail to pass in at least one variety in 2012, presentation rights will pass to the next COD holder in line, and the process will start over again. COD holders in line behind Theresa include (in chronological order) Dawn Guth(OH), Lynne Schultz(NE), Lee A. Nevills(IN), Regina Mayhugh(OH), Marilyn Stevens(PA), Melissa Kelly(PA), Joe Horacek(CA)/Nita Shannon(WA) and Lydia West(CA). Arden Wetzel (MN) was the first Lionhead COD holder, whose presentation of the Black Tortoise Lionhead failed after several attempts. Presentation rights then passed to Gail Gibbons (KS), who failed in her presentation attempts and whose COD was revoked. ARBA then passed presentation rights to the current presenter. Bob Whitman (TX) and Kim Croak (PA), both deceased, also held Lionhead breed CODs during their lifetime. If the breed attains recognized status within the ARBA, those with active CODs on file with ARBA will be eligible to present their varieties to the Standards Committee for consideration through the presentation process.

The North American Lionhead Rabbit Club (NALRC) holds its annual Lionhead Exhibition Specialty show in Columbus, OH on the first Saturday in May of each year. Typically, the Lionhead breed is represented by approximately 500 entries and around 80 exhibitors from all over the United States and Canada.

Read more about Lionhead Rabbit:  Mane Types, Temperament

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