What does the perfect Lionhead look like?

[Show Me Rabbits]

Hi! I'm just starting out in lionheads. I am hoping that you can help my by posting pictures of what you think the perfect lionhead looks like - so I know what to strive for.

Thanks! :bunnyhop:

 

[jeannie]

The first two pictures are of a black buck.
The third pic is of Prairie a tort doe at 3 months.

You want to breed for good manes, short ears, stocky round body. the back should be smooth fur, as well as the face, ears, feet.

at first, get the best stock you can find. i started with 3 rabbits and i paid $280. i keep the best bunnys and work from there.

I just love this breed! I am taking these two to a rabbit show this weekend to see where I stand in here in NM

 

[Show Me Rabbits]

The first two pictures are of a black buck.
The third pic is of Prairie a tort doe at 3 months.

You want to breed for good manes, short ears, stocky round body. the back should be smooth fur, as well as the face, ears, feet.

at first, get the best stock you can find. i started with 3 rabbits and i paid $280. i keep the best bunnys and work from there.

I just love this breed! I am taking these two to a rabbit show this weekend to see where I stand in here in NM

Very nice! Love the mane! Thanks!

 

[amandainohio24]

I will try to get some pictures up for you to see. I would highly recommend joining the NALRC club. The color guide book alone is worth the membership, it is truly that great.

 

[Show Me Rabbits]

I will try to get some pictures up for you to see. I would highly recommend joining the NALRC club. The color guide book alone is worth the membership, it is truly that great.

Thanks Amanda. I'll check it out. I just wanted to see pics here as well.

 

[ckcs]

Are you planning on showing? Although I didn't get any stock from the last show I was at, there was plenty available. If you can look up previous Lionhead winners you will see how they have evolved over the past decade. Personally I do not like the show quality look of Lionheads now. I find the robust facial manes hide a lot of what makes them beautiful. I do enjoy a nicely developed skirt though. As I don't breed for show, I choose not to breed to that standard. Of course if I ever show Lionheads I'll need new stock.

Am I correct that as a lionhead ages the mane will lessen a lot or disappear? I haven't seen a 2 plus year old one that still had a show quality mane. Even online a lot of the pictures seem to be when the rabbit was younger.

 

[jeannie]

My blue buck lost alot of his mane ~ but they will do this during breeding. Since he is my prize buck, he gets a workout, lol.
The wool does come back and he still throws nice manes in the kits.

The does retain their manes, even after pulling fur... go figure...

The wool on the face should shed and show only fur. I do agree that the show bunnys are pushing the facial manes. I am not particularly fond of the huge "beards" that some are breeding for, but I still love the breed!

 

[Show Me Rabbits]

Are you planning on showing? Although I didn't get any stock from the last show I was at, there was plenty available. If you can look up previous Lionhead winners you will see how they have evolved over the past decade. Personally I do not like the show quality look of Lionheads now. I find the robust facial manes hide a lot of what makes them beautiful. I do enjoy a nicely developed skirt though. As I don't breed for show, I choose not to breed to that standard. Of course if I ever show Lionheads I'll need new stock.

Am I correct that as a lionhead ages the mane will lessen a lot or disappear? I haven't seen a 2 plus year old one that still had a show quality mane. Even online a lot of the pictures seem to be when the rabbit was younger.

Right now I do not plan on showing but would not mind to breed show quality rabbits. From what I have seen I LOVE the lionheads with the defined manes. The poof all over the face around the eyes I am not a fan of. I like Jeannie's black buck.

 

[jeannie]

Thanks. The black buck will shed the wool on his forehead and cheeks. At that point, he will be a real cutie! Just a black face surrounded by lighter wool... did I say I love this breed? lol

 

[Show Me Rabbits]

Thanks. The black buck will shed the wool on his forehead and cheeks. At that point, he will be a real cutie! Just a black face surrounded by lighter wool... did I say I love this breed? lol

I can see why!