Lionhead rabbits are becoming more and more popular in the United States since making their first debut in the late 1990s. According to the Christian Post, the furry haired cuties made an appearance at the 2013 Shelby County Fair's 4-H Rabbit Show in Shelbyville, Ind.
At the annual show, five different breeds of the rabbits were presented with rabbits competing for prizes in categories such as Best of Breed, Best of Variety and Best in Show. One woman entered two Lionhead rabbits into the contest saying that she had three more of the rare animal at home. She definitely wasn't the only one who entered the Lionhead rabbit, the Shelby News reports. According to the paper, the rabbits are starting to appear more often at Rabbit Shows.
If you have never heard of a Lionhead rabbit, you are definitely not alone. Even though they are just starting to become more popular in the United States, the rabbits have not been recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Because they haven't been officially recognized, owners are not allowed to enter the rabbits in the Best in Show awards at Rabbit Shows, the Christian Post reports.
The tiny bunny gets its name because it resembles the head of a male lion. The rabbits have a wool mane encircling their head, a high head mount, compact upright body type, short well-furred ears and are usually smaller compared to other rabbits as 2 ½ pounds but no more than 3 ¾ pounds.
The bunny's reportedly originated in Belgium and is said to have been produced by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox rabbit and a Belgian dwarf rabbit.
Rabbitmatters.com reports that Lionhead rabbits "have a playful nature, are very friendly, lively, sociable and good natured rabbits. Although small, they are active and playful and need plenty of space."
The websites also adds that they might not be great pets for children because they can easily become frightened in turn becoming aggressive.
