The lionhead rabbit is one of the lesser known, new, and well-domesticated breeds that one can find in the United States.
Well, pet owners have been imported since the late 1990s. However, until 2014, the American rabbit breeders association officially recognized this breed.
If you are considering getting a lionhead rabbit for your household, you must understand the pros and cons.
Advantage Of Lionhead Rabbit | Disadvantage Of Lionhead Rabbit |
They have a longer lifespan | They have to keep an indoor |
They don’t grow too large | They can be expensive |
They are affordable | You need to brush their mane |
They are very friendly | They might have dental problems |
They are very easy to train | They are prone to ticks and fleas |
You can teach them tricks | Take time to understand |
They are cute and fearless | They are too curious |
It’s easy to carry them | |
They are sociable |
Advantage Of Lionhead Rabbit
To understand if lion head rabbits are for your household or not, and to consider them as pets, here is the list of pros that you should know.
They Have Longer Lifespan As Compare To Other Rabbits
The average lionhead rabbit can live between 8 to 9 years. However, they require to have the proper care at home. That means you have to provide the housing which should be suitable.
Along with that, it needs the right food and attention. These bunnies don’t like the environment if it gets too stressed. So they need to be removed from such spaces.
Lionhead Don’t Get Grow Too Large
The lionhead rabbit is one of the breeds which are the smallest domesticated bunnies which is available today. This breed even weighs only three pounds. The maximum weight of an adult bunny needed to be around 3 pounds 12 ounces in this particular breed.
The rabbits are bigger as compared to dwarf bunnies but smaller than typical household rabbits.
They Are Affordable As Pets
The purchase of these rabbits is much more affordable for most families.
They depend on pedigree; here you can choose whatever you prefer and find within budget.
Also, you need to choose what you prefer as geographic and quality of bunny.
If you want them as your pet, you can invest in pedigree which is not needed.
They Are Easy To Train
You are going to love these rabbits as they are friendly in general. You can train them using the small litter without having much difficulty.
If you stay patient, most of these rabbits even start responding to basic commands you give.
They are obedient and much more gentle, but sometimes they want to play with you. This makes you strict when it comes to training them.
Also, avoid being too harsh, as you can confuse and scare them. As with cats and dogs, you need to consider spaying or neutering unless you are okay with breeding.
Lionheads Are Friendly
Lionheads can be extremely friendly. However, you can find occasional individuals to have independence instead of having human contact.
Most of them also prefer to have some snuggling. You see their noise twitch happily if you are giving them a gentle pat.
Also, you need to ensure you are not picking them, as some of them don’t prefer it. Lionhead can get scared when they are far from the ground, but once they feel secure. They feel much okay
They Are Fearless And Cute
Lionhead rabbits are fearless and cute; these are adorable furry companions, which is a mixed breed of dwarf size rabbit breed.
However, understanding which breeds of dwarf rabbits is still up to debate. But some believe they are a cross breed between a Netherland dwarf rabbit and a swiss fox rabbit.
You Can Easily Carry Them Around
Lionhead rabbits are generally bigger and heavier, especially compared to the rabbits which are dwarf-sized. However, they are lightweight champions.
They weigh around 2.5 to 3. 75 pounds. Since they are easy to carry around, even the kids can carry them to different places.
They Have Varying Bushiness
Aside from offering a wide range of colors, they also have a level of bushy fur.
You can get the lionhead rabbit which has either a single or double mane. However, this is determined by the parent’s gene, and since it’s all about genes, there might be some rabbits that don’t have any mane.
For these rabbits who are non-maned, there are many more different rabbits.
A single-maned lionhead rabbit looks like a simple rabbit at birth. On the other hand, double-maned rabbits have a V shape at the top of their heads between their ears.
Well, double-maned rabbits are very bushy and are closest to the lion, which is much more than others.
Grooming Lionhead Can Be Fun And Relaxing
Because of having a unique farm, they need much more attention instead of the rabbits when it comes to grooming.
This lion head includes no water and baking time because they don’t handle it well.
According to Doctors, Web rabbits can easily get sugar, cold from pneumonia, hypothermia, respiratory infections, and life-threatening issues.
Also, this causes stress which leads to spine damage and thrashing.
Instead of that, you should brush their fur weekly. This simple gesture avoids the wool blocks, and this can also cause the rabbits.
They Are Social And Amicable
These rabbits can be easy to tame and friendly. They have the versatility of different activities that they prefer to do. These fur rabbits love to snuggle on a chilly day. Also, you can play with active playtime in summer.
Disadvantage Of Lionhead Rabbits
You should know different cons about having a lionhead rabbit as a pet.
It’s crucial as you should know how to deal with them or if they fit the lifestyle.
Here is the list of cons that you can consider.
You Must Keep Them Indoors
Lionhead rabbits can stay outside when they have a well-constructed cage. However, they might lure their predators to the yard.
It’s important to keep an eye on them as you don’t want other animals to attack your fur friend.
These rabbits have no defenses when it comes to predators; that’s why you need to keep them in the door and inside so they can stay safe.
They Are Not Good For Ferrets And Dogs
Well, those with pets such as dogs and ferrets at home. Well, it recommends not investing in Lionhead rabbits.
They might not be the right pet to consider. Your bunny can’t stay in a cage the whole day, so you need to balance time with other pets too. Since they are too defenseless, they might hurt themselves.
Taking Care Of Lionhead Rabbit Can Be Upset
The amount of money that you need to spend on the lionhead rabbit depends on different factors, however, the quality of merchandise you are investing in.
However, the overall cost that you can consider is $300 to $750 per year. Well, this includes their food, grooming, medicine, etc., costs.
If you decide to get the rabbit for yourself, you need to make sure that you have the right budget.
You Require To Brush Their Fur On Daily Basis
Many people like to have lion-head rabbits because they require cuddling sessions from time to time.
They don’t make a fuss where other bunnies either; this is another defined advantage that you can get.
You have to brush their mane at least once per week, so you can avoid matted situations.
They can get a bit jumpy, so it’s a big hectic thing to handle.
Lionhead Can Run Into Dental Issues
You will need to keep these bunnies on the regular dental check, as it’s one of the ongoing care that you need to take care of.
Although they are bigger than dwarfs, at the same time, they have the same issues with their teeth.
They Are Prone To Fleas And Ticks
You will love how friendly these rabbits are. You might have how dare to longer fur in the mane.
This is important for them to take care of the mane so they don’t get fleas and ticks.
However, these rabbits are bound to get these fleas and ticks; they are sensitive.
It Will Take To Know Them And Their Behavioral
Lionhead rabbits growl when they are in an angry mood. They can bite your fingers and do aggressive sniffing; these signs that they want to be alone.
Also, you need to be attentive to the teeth-grinding noises of these rabbits. If it vibrates softly, it means they are happy. Also, if there is a loud scraping, it indicates that they are in pain.
If you see them lying around, their ears are raised, which means they are just listening to the environment without paying much attention.
They Are Too Curious
Lionhead rabbits love exploring the environment. They have too much curiosity and are always on display, as their neck is stretched out, their ears in a forward direction, and their eyes widened.
They are too curious about what you need to be. This might be an issue for you.