MANE INHERITANCE
Caution! Photographs of young kits, may offend.
BRC DESCRIPTION STANDARD FOR THE MINIATURE LION LOP
Mane - The mane should be between 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) in length to form a full circle around the head extending to a "V" at the back of the neck, falling into a fringe between the ears.
BRC DESCRIPTION STANDARD FOR THE LIONHEAD
Mane/Bib – Are comprised of extended fur which is strong and full of life with a medium soft texture. Guard hairs may be present, but should not
create a course texture. The mane will form a full circle of fur between 5 to 7cm (2 to 3ins) in length extending to a ‘V’ at the back of the neck, falling
into a fringe around the head, with extended fur on the chest to form a bib.
The greatest density possible is desired. The mane may form a cap across the brow, which should enhance the prominence of the mane.
The extended fur on the cheeks should extend into the whisker bed but the centre of the forefaced below the eye line should be clear of extended fur.
Above is the B.R.C. description of a miniature lion lop and Lionhead furnishings.
This could be interpreted as double or single mane, opinion differs from exhibitor to exhibitor.
Often an Under 5 (U5) can be successfully shown. However once maned rabbits have their adult moult around 5 to 6 months old the single manes lose all but a few wisps of their mane/bib and all of the skirt (sometimes leaving a longer area of fur by the tail)
A single mane Lion Lop is considered a cross breed (U.K.) however exhibitors may use a Miniature Lop (U.K.) to cross breed with the Lion Lop if a particular area of the Lion Lop line needs improving. A Mini Lop (U.K.) is exactly the same type and weight, therefore is a safe option to use if necessary.
There is no option to crossbreed a Lionhead, therefore a Lionhead crossed with any other breed would not be compatible to type, weight etc.
In the U.S. the Lionhead is a more recently created breed. As such they still may have single manes in their distant pedigrees. However most exhibitors in the U.S. have said they no longer have or desire single manes in their breeding programme.
The Lion Lop will never be accepted in the U.S. sadly as the Lionhead won the race of the two breeds to be accepted.
As the mane gene is dominant it can be seen in many pet/crossbreeds that may not have seen a purebred rabbit for many generations.
This could be interpreted as double or single mane, opinion differs from exhibitor to exhibitor.
Often an Under 5 (U5) can be successfully shown. However once maned rabbits have their adult moult around 5 to 6 months old the single manes lose all but a few wisps of their mane/bib and all of the skirt (sometimes leaving a longer area of fur by the tail)
A single mane Lion Lop is considered a cross breed (U.K.) however exhibitors may use a Miniature Lop (U.K.) to cross breed with the Lion Lop if a particular area of the Lion Lop line needs improving. A Mini Lop (U.K.) is exactly the same type and weight, therefore is a safe option to use if necessary.
There is no option to crossbreed a Lionhead, therefore a Lionhead crossed with any other breed would not be compatible to type, weight etc.
In the U.S. the Lionhead is a more recently created breed. As such they still may have single manes in their distant pedigrees. However most exhibitors in the U.S. have said they no longer have or desire single manes in their breeding programme.
The Lion Lop will never be accepted in the U.S. sadly as the Lionhead won the race of the two breeds to be accepted.
As the mane gene is dominant it can be seen in many pet/crossbreeds that may not have seen a purebred rabbit for many generations.
PLEASE NOTE!
Lionhead x mini lop is a cross-breed. However mini lops are bred with lion lops to improve certain qualities from coat to type. 'No mane' off spring from such a mating are mini lops and do not carry the mane gene.
Double Mane Kits (aka Gremlins)
Below you will find photographs of a double mane kit. You will see any difference between the kits in the nest after just a few days. The most noticeable place you will see it first is on the rear end where it forms a V shape.
