If you’re into rabbits, you’ve simply got to check out the Lionhead Rabbit Mix.
These adorable, round-bodied bunnies with their pointy ears and “wooly” lion mane are just too cute to overlook. Although the lion-mane is what distinguishes these rabbits from other breeds, it’s the Lionhead’s sprightly, outgoing nature that makes it special.
Lionheads enjoy being around their own kind as much as they do people, so rather than get one of these creatures, go for a pair!
The Lionhead Rabbit Mix has a rather confusing history as the breed’s origins are not really clear. It’s thought that this breed came about by crossing a Swiss Fox rabbit with a Belgian Dwarf with possibly some Jersey Olly or Dwarf Angora thrown in.
Somewhere along the line, there arose the genetic mutation responsible for the fluffy lion mane that makes this tiny breed stand out. The lion mane, however, is the only thing this creature has in common with the King of the Beasts.
In temperament, these bunnies are friendly, affectionate and playful, making them a joy to own. Their fluffy mane will need to be brushed several times a week to keep it from matting, so your furry friend can look his best.
Lionheads are social creatures and do better when they’re kept together in pairs or more. With proper care, these creatures can live a long, happy lifespan of 7 years or more as a family pet.
What Does A Lionhead Rabbit Mix Eat?
Feeding your Lionhead rabbit a healthy diet is essential to his growth and development – even though he’ll only grow to a small size! The right diet will keep your Lionhead healthy and spry.
A healthy diet for a Lionhead, however, isn’t one that’s rich in protein, calcium and fat. It’s actually a low-nutrition diet that’s easier for your bunny to digest, consisting mostly of high-quality pellets and fresh Timothy hay.
Approximately 75-80% of your Lionhead’s diet should be Timothy hay due to its balanced content of nutrients and fiber. Timothy hay is non-fattening, easily digested and provides dental benefits for your Lionhead pet.
As your rabbit chews on the coarse fibers of this hay, it wears down his teeth to avoid problems with overgrown choppers. A half cup of pellets daily along with all the Timothy hay your rabbit can eat and fresh water to drink will keep your Lionhead in tip-top shape.
If your Lionhead is under six months of age, start him off with Alfalfa hay as it contains more of the vitamins and minerals baby rabbits need to grow.
Once your rabbit crosses the 6 months stage, you can change him over to Timothy hay to keep him from gaining too much weight. Coarse Timothy hay is high in fiber and low in protein for good digestive health and low in calcium to protect your rabbit against urinary infections.
For variety, you can supplement this diet with rabbit-safe fruits and veggies like apples (sans the seeds), berries, carrot tops, broccoli greens, romaine lettuce and other greens several times a week.
How Big Do Lionhead Mix Rabbits Get?
Lionheads are a small rabbit breed, with adults growing up to 10 inches long and weighing around 3 lbs. at best. It’s not that far behind the Netherland Dwarf – considered one of the smallest domestic rabbits in the world – which may weigh between 1.1 and 3.5 pounds.
In fact, Lionheads are actually considered part of the dwarf rabbit family, known for their stocky bodies, fluffy coats, chubby faces and diminutive size and weight.
Generally speaking, Lionhead rabbits are small creatures and need to be handled gently and carefully so as not to inadvertently cause them harm.
Lionheads often appear bigger than they really are due to their fluffy lion mane, which can stick out as much as two inches around their head. Some Lionheads not only have wooly fur around their necks, but on their face, chest and hind-quarters as well.
What the Lionhead Rabbit Mix lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality, as these creatures are quite outgoing, affectionate and energetic.
They’re good with children, but children aren’t always good with them, due to not handling them gently enough. Lionhead rabbits are delicate in nature and need to be handled with care.
Small children, in particular, need close supervision when handling these creatures as rough behavior could cause their pet to become agitated and bite a little one’s finger or hand.
Are Lionhead Rabbits Aggressive?
Lionhead rabbits are gentle and well-mannered as a rule of thumb and enjoy spending time with their people family.
Too much handling or attention, however, could irritate your bunny and cause him to bite. You can avoid problems with aggressive behavior from your Lionhead by ensuring your children handle it properly and teaching them to recognize the signs of when their pet wants to be left alone.
Lionheads are not, by nature, aggressive, but they can snap at you if they’re feeling irritated or threatened in some way.
Under normal circumstances, Lionhead rabbits won’t attack their owners. They may act aggressively, however, if they’re irritated or feeling insecure.
Rough handling, lack of proper care, a painful injury or sickness could prompt aggressive behavior from your pet. A Lionhead that never learned social skills may become aggressive if too many people come near. Sometimes, a Lionhead may simply have an aggressive personality.
If your normally cheerful, friendly Lionhead starts exuding aggressive behavior, it would be good to stop and consider the causes. Check to see if your rabbit is hurt or sick as this could prompt aggressive behavior.
You should also review his diet, inspect his home environment and assess his level of care to see if changes need to be made in any of these areas to improve your pet’s quality of life. Aggressive behavior is often caused by insecurity. Finding out what’s causing your pet to feel insecure is the first step to rectifying the problem.
Conclusion
A Lionhead Rabbit Mix makes an enchanting pet but one that comes with its share of responsibility. Like all pets, Lionhead rabbits need a healthy diet, a safe, secure home environment and proper care to live healthy, happy lives. The time and attention you invest in your Lionhead pet will be reciprocated 100 fold in the affection and joy he will bring your family over the years.
