Lionhead rabbit: description and characteristics of the breed, rules of care

The lion-headed miniature rabbit is an amazing creature. It is difficult to remain indifferent when looking at a miniature figurine of an animal. Memories of favorite children's toys and heroes of fairy tales come to mind. In addition to the charming appearance, the pet has a friendly character and exuberant energy. The maned animal will become a friend for all family members.

Origin story

The history of the birth of the lion-headed rabbit breed is somewhat confused. According to one version, the first maned animals appeared randomly, as a result of a genetic mutation.

Other experts say that unusual animals appeared at the end of the 20th century thanks to Belgian breeders. As a result of crossing Belgian dwarf rabbits and representatives of the Swiss fox breed, an unusual maned offspring was born.

Due to the peculiarities of their appearance, the animals received a witty name - the lion's head.

Charming creatures instantly became popular in Europe. The breed received real recognition in 2002. Thanks to British specialists, the breed has gained official status. On the territory of Russia, lion-headed rabbits were recognized by the Breeders' Union only in 2010.

Description of the Lionhead breed

The animal has a non-standard appearance. Its short, muscular body is in harmony with straight, strong paws. The hind limbs are symmetrical with well developed shoulders. The round head, crowned with short erect ears, smoothly passes into a compact body.The illusion of the absence of a neck makes the pet look like a funny toy. The color of the bright, wide-set eyes matches the color of the animal.

Dwarf rabbit weighs only 1.5-1.7 kg. Small size and charming muzzle enhance the similarity of the animal with a plush hare. The neck and head of the animal are buried in a luxurious mane. Falling on the chest of a handsome man, the vegetation forms a decorative triangle. Soft, fluffy rabbit coat can be dyed in different colors. Chinchilla, lilac, blue colors are popular. Orange, opal or tortoise suits look spectacular.

An animal's mane can be of 2 types:

1. Single. In this case, the main decoration of the pet looks modest. Vegetation is sparse, sparse strands disappear over time.
2. Double. A thick, dense mane forms a border with the main coat of the animal.

The appearance of a pet's mane depends on the inheritance of a certain number of genes responsible for the lion effect by the rabbit. It is possible to determine whether a long-eared pet belongs to one of the groups at an early age of the animal. Owners of a single type of mane are overgrown like ordinary rabbits, while shaggy pets are covered with long hair unevenly. First of all, the strands grow on the head and in the back of the rabbit. In love and care, an eared pet lives up to 10 years. The rabbit readily responds to affection and literally languishes in an atmosphere of loneliness and stress.

Main pros and cons

Despite the abyss of charm, the lion-headed rabbit has not only a lot of advantages, but also some disadvantages. Pros include:

1. The accommodating, affectionate disposition of the pet turns communication with the animal into a real pleasure.
2. Rabbit does not need complicated care.
3. Due to its modest size, the pet does not take up much space and feels great in any apartment.
4. The animal rarely sheds.
5. The rabbit is endowed with a charming appearance, and a variety of colors allows you to choose a pet to your liking.

Negative qualities include:

1. Fussy eating.
2. Alertness, fearfulness.
3. Difficult adaptation to new containment conditions.

Rules for keeping and caring for animals

Despite the fact that the animal needs daily walks, most of the day the rabbit is in his own house. Therefore, for an eared pet, you need to prepare a spacious cage. For a lion-headed rabbit, apartments with an area of 7080100 cm are suitable.

The dwelling is equipped with a convenient feeder, drinker and a device for grinding teeth. A hypoallergenic bedding is placed on the floor. The cage is placed in full view of the owners, in a place protected from drafts.

Once a week, a shaggy pet is combed out. The procedure is carried out for 20-25 minutes. Manipulations will help to avoid the appearance of tangles in the animal's coat. Otherwise, the rabbit plucks out excess wool on its own. This leads to the accumulation of hairs in the pet's esophagus, and as a result, to the death of the animal. Every month, the pet's claws are trimmed. The cage is cleaned regularly and the bedding is changed.

Diet

A rabbit's daily diet consists of 80% grass (plantain, burdock, dandelion, alfalfa or clover) and 20% cereals (barley, oats or wheat). In winter, instead of juicy grass, the pet is treated with hay. Fruits and vegetables are added to the animal's diet daily. The rabbit is treated with pieces of pumpkin, carrot, turnip, apple or pear. To prevent diseases and dysbacteriosis, the animal is given vitamin supplements, chalk and bone meal.

Lionhead Rabbit Breeding

After reaching 7 months of age, the reproductive function of the female is fully formed. A he althy individual brings up to 6 rabbits. To obtain full-fledged offspring, representatives of the same breed of animals are crossed.

Preparing for breeding, the female spreads her own fluff around the corners of the cage. After mating, the pregnant rabbit is transferred to enhanced nutrition. The animal needs a lot of drinking water, so the drinker must be constantly filled. Otherwise, the female will eat the newborn rabbits.

After birth, offspring stay with their mother. It is impossible to move the newly-minted family anywhere. For a month, rabbits have enough nutrition in the form of mother's milk. Then a small amount of compound feed is gradually introduced into the diet of animals.

Possible diseases and prevention from them

Rabbits often suffer from stress. The reason may be loud noises, aggressive behavior of a domestic cat or incorrect handling of the owners. A frightened pet is stricken with diarrhea. Within a day, the he alth of the rabbit returns to normal.

Severe consequences threaten such ailments as stomatitis, scabies, pneumonia or constipation. Inflammatory processes in the eye area and urinary dermatitis turn into troubles.

Gastrointestinal stasis is especially dangerous. The disease is expressed in violation of the peristalsis of the intestines of the animal. In this case, the pet needs emergency help from a veterinarian-ratologist. To prevent diseases, the eared handsome man is vaccinated annually.

How to choose and how much?

Choosing a lion-headed rabbit is a responsible matter. A frivolous approach often leads to the purchase of an unviable animal. A he althy pet has a thick, long, shiny mane. The vegetation beautifully frames the head of the rabbit, without closing the eyes and nose. The ears are set vertically, the eyes and nose are clean. The well-being of the rabbit is indicated by the active behavior and curiosity of the pet.

Serious faults in the animal include:

• thinness;
• ears too long (more than 9 cm);
• narrow torso;
• low stance;
• dull coat.

A little rabbit is purchased as a pet. The cost of an animal ranges from 2000 to 3000 rubles. To participate in professional exhibitions, it is better to buy an adult rabbit. An elite pet will cost the owners 7,000-10,000 rubles.

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