Having the king of the jungle in one’s house is rather improbable, but we can get close by adopting a fluffy and funny Lionhead rabbit. This variety of bunny is not as famous as its Dwarf cousins, however thanks to its appearance and its sweet nature, everyone goes crazy for these rabbits, being captivated with a single glance!
The Lionhead is a small rabbit that weighs about 1.3–1.7 kg. Its name derives from the long mane that grows around the head and which, in fact, recalls that of a lion. It is precisely this characteristic that makes it so gorgeous and admired! Despite this, it is a relatively new breed, born from crossing the Angora rabbit, from which derives the thick fur, and the Dwarf rabbit, responsible for the animal’s (minute) size.
In addition to the mane, which can grow to lengths of 5 to 7 cm and extend along the chest, it is distinguished by its particular ears, being short but straight and similar to two little antennas, which have the important task of regulating body temperature. The fur is medium length, soft and may be one of a variety of colours. The most common is golden cream, but it can also be red, black, chocolate or, in rare cases, white. The latter variety is best represented by a famous character, namely the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland!
The Lionhead rabbit is very intelligent. It may initially seem shy and wary, but soon builds trust with people, becoming playfully lively and outgoing. This variety marks the members of its human family through the Jacobson organ, which is activated by rubbing the animal’s chin. It is their way of considering the members of the family as part of their group!
Despite its small stature, it is quite resilient, meaning it can happily live both inside and outdoors, even during winter – naturally by taking all necessarily precautions in this case. The important thing is to never leave it alone for too long as they, in fact, love to be amongst company.
The Lionhead rabbit uses its teeth to communicate with us. Through the incisors, it emits sounds to express its moods. Chattering the teeth means that it is tranquil and relaxed, whilst grinding the teeth is a clear sign of disquiet. It is imperative to take care of their choppers by keeping them well filed, hence it is important to provide them with toys to chew on. The toys in Ferplast’s Tiny & Natural range are a great solution, also being completely safe as they are made with natural non-toxic and biodegradable components that do not cause problems if ingested.
The Lionhead rabbit is a pet that adores children. The important thing is to explain to kids that it is not a toy, but a living being to respect and to love!