King of the carrot patch.
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Lionhead Rabbit, Löwenköpfchen, Löwenkopfkaninchen, Zwergkaninchen-Löwenkopf
From Belgium and France. Reportedly created by breeders aiming for a long-coated dwarf, by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf; the characteristic mane comes from a separate 'mane gene' mutation.12
2.5-3.75 lb (about 1.1-1.7 kg), same for both sexes.
short normal body coat with a long woolly mane around the head (and on double-maned rabbits, longer fur on the flanks and rear)
A small, compact rabbit that sits upright with its head carried high, topped by short, well-furred ears of about 5-9 cm. Its trademark is a ring of thick, soft, slightly crimped wool around the head and neck, like a little lion's mane. Rabbits with two copies of the mane gene (double mane) keep a full mane and also grow longer fur along the flanks and hindquarters; those with one copy (single mane) have a lighter mane that may thin out as they grow up.123
Generally good-natured, lively and affectionate, often bonding closely with its owners and happily accepting attention, play and cuddles. It is clever and can learn simple training. Like many small rabbits it can be easily startled when it feels unsafe, so calm handling and careful introductions to other rabbits help it settle.12
An energetic breed that needs plenty of room and daily time outside its enclosure to run, hop and play.2
The mane needs regular attention: brush two to three times a week, and daily during the spring and autumn moults, to keep the woolly fur tidy and free of tangles.2
PetMD gives a minimum enclosure of about 18 x 24 inches (46 x 61 cm) with enough height to stand up, and prefers solid flooring; generous extra exercise space is recommended.2
Unlimited timothy or other grass hay every day, about one cup of leafy greens per 2 lb of body weight, and a small portion of pellets (around 1/8 cup for an adult), with fresh water always available.2
Highly social: it enjoys human company and tends to thrive when living with another compatible rabbit, introduced gradually.21
The Lionhead emerged in Belgium and France, where breeders trying to produce a long-coated dwarf crossed a miniature Swiss Fox with a Netherland Dwarf. A new mutation, the so-called mane gene, gave rise to the woolly ruff that defines the breed. Britain's BRC recognised it in 2002, followed by the Nordic countries in 2003. Lionheads reached the United States in the late 1990s, and after years of development work the ARBA accepted the breed in 2013 in Tortoise and Ruby-Eyed White, with full show eligibility from February 2014. Germany's national federation recognised it on 1 October 2014 under the name Löwenköpfchen.132
The mane comes from its own separate mutation, nicknamed the 'mane gene'; a rabbit carrying two copies grows a double mane.1
Double-maned kits can be spotted at birth by a V-shaped mark on their backs.2
Single-maned Lionheads often lose much of their mane as they mature.1
When the ARBA first accepted the breed in 2013, only two varieties were approved: Tortoise and Ruby-Eyed White.1
In Germany the breed is officially called 'Löwenköpfchen', meaning 'little lion head'.3
The UK recognised the Lionhead more than a decade before the United States did.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lionhead. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feed your Lionhead every day with unlimited timothy hay, a cup of leafy greens per 2 lb of body weight, and a small portion of pellets. Fresh water must always be available. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily.24 Pet Wiki plan
A Lionhead's diet should be mostly hay (about 85%), leafy greens (10%), and a small amount of pellets (5%). Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Always provide fresh water.245
Bathing a rabbit is generally not recommended and can be stressful. If your Lionhead gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth. For specific concerns, ask your exotic-pet vet.
Yes, brush your Lionhead two to three times a week, and daily during spring and autumn moults to prevent tangles. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing because the long wool mats quickly.2 Pet Wiki plan
Check nails every six weeks and trim as needed; teeth should be checked weekly since they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes nail care every 42 days and a weekly teeth check. For trimming, ask your vet for guidance. Pet Wiki plan
Your Lionhead needs a minimum enclosure of about 18 by 24 inches with room to stand up, plus several hours of daily free-roam time to run and play. Furry Diary suggests at least four hours of running space each day.2 Pet Wiki plan
Lionheads are highly social and thrive with human company and often with another compatible rabbit. Introduce a new rabbit gradually. A bonded pair can be very happy together.21
A Lionhead rabbit typically lives between 7 and 9 years with proper care.2
Lionheads are generally good-natured and affectionate, but they can be easily startled. With calm handling and supervision, they can be wonderful pets for older children.12
Always support a rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. For specific handling tips, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Netherland Dwarf
Swiss Fox
Jersey Wooly