Miniature Lion Lop
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Also called Mini Lion Lop, Lion Lop
From England, early 2000s, from crosses of Lionheads and Mini Lops; the mane mutation itself first appeared in Belgium and northern France.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Ideal weight about 1.5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length normal fur with a woolly mane; small lop-eared body
A small lop-eared rabbit wearing a Lionhead-style ruff. The soft woolly mane, around 5-7 cm long, circles the head and runs into a V behind the neck, often with a bib on the chest, while the rest of the coat is soft and of medium length.31
Personality what they are like
An active, playful and sociable little rabbit that is generally friendly and easy to get along with. It enjoys company and plenty to do.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Lively and playful, so it needs daily free time in a safe, roomy space with toys and things to explore.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb the mane gently about once a week to keep it free of tangles, and groom daily while the rabbit is moulting.3
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.4
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.43
The story where it all began
English breeder Jane Bramley spent around five years crossing Mini Lops with Lionheads to fix a small, maned lop. The breed was recognised by the British Rabbit Council in the mid-2000s, and in 2007 she founded the Lion Lops UK club, which held its first show at Stafford that June.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The mane gene is dominant, so a rabbit can carry a single or a double mane depending on how many copies it inherits.1
- 2
Double-maned babies are nicknamed 'gremlins' because of the V-shaped tuft of fur on their backs.1
- 3
The Lionhead mane was the first major new fur mutation in rabbits since the Satin coat of the 1930s.3
- 4
Its creator drew on her earlier experience developing the Mini Lop in the UK.2
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed; sources give 2004 or 2006 as the year.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognition dated to 2004 by this source.3
- ARBA
- Not recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Miniature Lion Lop. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingLong wool mats quicklyevery day
- Wool trimevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Miniature Lion Lop?
Your Miniature Lion Lop needs unlimited hay or grass every day, as this should form the bulk of its diet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily, and you can also offer a small measured portion of pellets and some leafy greens each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.45 Furry Diary plan
What should a Miniature Lion Lop eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% safe leafy greens, and 5% pellets, with fresh water always available. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, muesli mixes, or any processed human food, as these are dangerous.456
Should I bathe a Miniature Lion Lop?
Rabbits generally do not need baths, as they keep themselves clean and bathing can be stressful. If the fur around the tail gets dirty, check it daily and gently spot-clean with a damp cloth, especially in summer. Always ask your vet if you have concerns. Furry Diary plan
Does a Miniature Lion Lop need brushing?
Yes, comb the mane gently about once a week to prevent tangles, and groom daily while the rabbit is moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing because the long wool mats quickly, plus a wool trim every eight weeks.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Miniature Lion Lop's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and trim nails about every six weeks. Furry Diary's starting plan includes a weekly teeth check and nail care every 42 days. Always have a vet show you the correct technique. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Miniature Lion Lop need?
Welfare guidance recommends a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up. Your rabbit also needs daily free time in a safe, roomy space with toys, and Furry Diary suggests at least four hours of running space a day.43 Furry Diary plan
Should a Miniature Lion Lop live alone or with friends?
This sociable rabbit should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people. A bonded companion helps them feel safe and happy.43
How long does a Miniature Lion Lop live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for specific expectations. With proper diet, housing and vet check-ups, they can live many happy years.
Is a Miniature Lion Lop a good pet for children?
Yes, it is generally friendly, active and easy to get along with, making it a lovely companion. Always supervise interactions with young children and teach gentle handling to keep the rabbit calm.3
How do I hold a Miniature Lion Lop?
Always support the rabbit's full body weight, with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters, and never lift by the ears or scruff. Keep holds gentle and brief, and let the rabbit feel secure. Ask your vet or a good breeder to demonstrate if unsure.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Miniature Lion Lop (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, weight, colours, mane genetics, club
- Fur & Feather: Miniature Lion Lop furandfeather.co.ukused for history, Jane Bramley, first show
- Bunnyhugga: Miniature Lion Lop (UK) bunnyhugga.comused for recognition year, mane, colours, temperament, grooming, fun fact
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.