✅ Mini lion lop Rabbit - Characteristics, Feeding and Care

The mini lion lop rabbit was formed as a result of crossing lion lop rabbits with ram or dwarf rabbits. It was possible to obtain a dwarf rabbit with that characteristic mane of lion lop rabbits, obtaining a beautiful affectionate specimen and ideal as a best friend.

Like all rabbits, the mini lion lop must be properly maintained to avoid disease and to enjoy the best possible quality of life. If you are thinking of adopting a rabbit of this breed or if you already live with one, continue reading this article from PlanèteAnimal in order to know all the characteristics of the mini lion lop, its origin, its character, its care and its he alth.

Origin

Europe
United Kingdom

Origin of the mini lion lop rabbit

" The origin of the mini lion lop rabbit dates back to the year 2000 in England. This breed is very similar to the dwarf or ram rabbit, but with a mane on its head and tufts on its chest, which earned it the name lion."

Breeder Jane Bramley is responsible for her appearance, which she achieved by crossing lionhead rabbits with mini lop rabbits and crossing their hybrids with other dwarf rabbits. This is how she created the lion-headed dwarf rabbit breed.

To date it is a purebred for the British Rabbit Council, but not yet for the American Rabbit Breeders Organization.

Features of mini lion lop rabbit

This breed is a miniature version of lionhead rabbits, so specimens weigh no more than 1.6 kg.What differentiates them from other rams is the mane they possess which is established with dominant heritage, which is why they are considered a dwarf version of lion lop rabbits.

The main physical characteristics of the mini lion lop rabbit are as follows:

Defined, firm, short, wide and muscular body.
Slightly marked neck.
Short croup.
Wide and deep chest.
Forelegs thick, short and straight, hind legs strong and short, parallel to the body.
Hanging ears.
Hairy straight tail.

Despite the above, without a doubt, what most characterizes these rabbits is their lion-like mane, which measures about 4 cm.

Mini Lion Lop Rabbit Colors

The coat color of this breed of rabbits can adopt shades of the following patterns:

Black.
Blue.
Agouti.
Sooty fawn.
Fawn.
Fox.
Black Otter.
BEW
Orange.
Sand Siamese.
Butterfly pattern.
REW.
Opal.
Siamese smoke pearl.
Steel.
Beige.
Iron fray.
Chocolate.
Seal point.
Blue dot.
Cinnamon.

Mini lion lop bunny character

Mini lion lop rabbits are friendly, calm, active, playful and sociable. They are very affectionate and enjoy being with their human companions, so frequent daily care is very important to them. Since they love to play and explore so much, don't forget to take the time to play with them so that they can exercise themselves.

There is no doubt that they are ideal companions to share everyday life with. They are also sociable with people, other animals and get along well with children, as long as the latter respect them. However, they can sometimes be wary and nervous, especially when children are shouting or hearing high-pitched noises or a raised voice.

How to take care of a mini lion lop rabbit

The main care of lion lop rabbits are as follows:

Medium-sized cage spacious enough for rabbit to move and jump freely. It is necessary for the mini lion lop to be able to leave the cage for several hours a day and play with its guardians, as well as explore the environment. Also, they will demand it by being so active, sociable and playful. Keeping an animal confined to a cage 24 hours a day is not only harmful to it, it is a cruel act.The cage should be cleaned frequently and remove leftover urine and feces.
Feed the rabbits a balanced diet, based mainly on hay, but without forgetting fresh vegetables and fruits and rabbit food. Discover the List of fruits and vegetables recommended for rabbits. They must always have water at their disposal, which will be in a bottle.
Coat hygiene: our mini lion lop rabbit should be brushed frequently several times a week to avoid clogging due to excess ingested hair. A bath will only be necessary if your rabbit is very dirty.
Tooth care: As the rabbit's teeth and claws grow daily, the animal should be accustomed to having its claws trimmed and using a wood or gnawing object so that he can cut his teeth to prevent them from growing too much.
Routine vaccination for rabbit diseases: myxomatosis and VHD viral hemorrhagic disease.
Frequent deworming to avoid parasites and the diseases that these parasites can cause in rabbits.

Mini lion lop rabbit he alth

Mini lion lop rabbits have a life expectancy of approximately 8-10 years, provided they are properly cared for, taken for veterinary checks, and routinely vaccinated and dewormed. However, it should be taken into account that mini lion lop rabbits can suffer from the following diseases:

Dental malocclusion: when the teeth do not wear down evenly, asymmetries and subsequent injuries can be caused to the gums and mouth of our rabbit.
Skin myiasis: the skin folds and long hair of these rabbits can invite certain flies to lay eggs there which will eventually form a myiasis which will destroy the rabbit's skin. This infection causes itching, secondary infections and skin lesions.
Fungi: such as dermatophytes or sporotrichosis which can cause alopecia, hives, circular areas, papules and pustules on rabbit skin and hair.
Myxomatosis: a viral disease that causes nodules or bumps called myxomas on the skin of rabbits. They can also cause ear infections, eyelid inflammation, anorexia, fever, respiratory distress and seizures.
Hemorrhagic disease: it is a viral process that can become very serious, causing the death of our rabbits and producing fever, opisthotonos, cries, convulsions, hemorrhages, cyanosis, runny nose , pneumonia with respiratory distress, prostration, anorexia, ataxia or convulsions, among others.
Respiratory problems: produced by Pasteurella or other microorganisms. It causes respiratory signs such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing or shortness of breath.
Digestive problems: if the rabbit does not have a balanced diet, it can suffer from disorders that cause digestive signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.