Oryctolagus cuniculus
Lionhead rabbit
A small, characterful rabbit with a distinctive mane — needs the same space, company and hay-based diet as any rabbit, plus extra grooming.
LeporidaeLifespan 8–10 yearsCare complexity 2/5Suitable for beginners
Representative small mammals photography; individual appearances vary.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Oryctolagus cuniculus
- Family
- Leporidae
- Origin
- Belgium
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Adult size
- 1.1–1.6 kg
- Weight
- 1.1–1.6 kg
- Temperament
- Generally gentle and friendly, though small rabbits can be skittish
- Activity level
- Moderate — needs several hours of exercise space daily
- Social needs
- Rabbits need rabbit company; keep in neutered pairs
- Intelligence
- Moderate; learns litter habits and simple cues
- Noise
- Quiet
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 3 m × 2 m × 1 m high of combined housing and run space
- Space requirement
- As large as possible; hutches alone are never enough
- Temperature
- 15–21 °C ideal; suffers badly in heat above 26 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- Exercise
- A large pen or rabbit-proofed room plus outdoor run time
- Grooming
- The mane and long coat need brushing several times a week, daily when moulting
Diet and feeding
At least 85% hay or grass, daily leafy greens, small measured pellets
Behaviour and compatibility
Chews, digs and explores; most active at dawn and dusk
- With children
- Better with calm older children; dislikes being picked up
- With other animals
- Keep separate from predator pets; guinea pigs are not suitable companions
- Training difficulty
- Moderate
Health
- Dental disease
- Gut stasis
- Flystrike in summer
- Obesity
Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RHD; yearly checks with a rabbit-savvy vet.
Special care requirements
The long mane mats easily; check the coat daily and trim around the rear if needed.