The Miniature Lion Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit recognised by the British Rabbit Council. The breed is not currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. In addition to its lop ears, the distinguishing feature of this breed is its Lionhead-type mane and its small size:. The Miniature Lion Lop was developed in England in the early 2000s and accepted by the British Rabbit Council in 2006. Breeder Jane Bramley was responsible for much of the work required to achieve formal breed recognition. The Miniature Lion Lop is similar to the Miniature Lop, but with a mane around the head and a bib on the chest. The breed is growing in popularity within the UK.
Breeding
Ovulation is induced by sexual stimulation. Sexual maturity age for small breeds like the Miniature Lion Lop is 4 to 5 months. Males usually require more time to mature, and normally reach adult sperm counts between 6–7 months. Due to the territorial nature of female rabbits, it is standard practice for the doe to always be brought to the buck's cage. When the doe is brought to the bucks' cage, he quickly mounts her, performs pelvic thrusting culminating in ejaculation, and "flops" off. The whole act may take less than 30 seconds, and is often repeated several times. When he is finished, the buck should then be removed, but many breeders will reintroduce the buck a few hours later to increase the size of the litter.
Mane
The maning gene is dominant, therefore, both parents do not need a mane to pass it on to offspring; however, one parent have a mane. It cannot be "carried" by Mini Lops. There are two genes involved - 'M' and 'm'.
mm × mm = 100% mm, so all Mini Lop offspring in the litter.
mm × Mm = 50% mm and 50% Mm, so half Mini Lop and half single-maned Mini Lion Lop offspring in the litter.
mm × MM = 100% Mm, so all single-maned Mini Lion Lop offspring in the litter.
Mm × Mm = 50% Mm, 25% mm, and 25% MM
Mm × MM = 50% Mm and 50% MM
MM × MM = 100% MM
Double-maned Mini Lion Lop kits are easily recognisable. They are often informally referred to as "gremlins", because of their appearance. Compared to a single maned kit, there is a large difference. "Gremlins" tend to have a V shape on the back, where the fur starts to grow.
Colours and standardisation
Miniature Lion Lop fanciers are still currently working on getting all the colours standardised, because the Breeds Standards Committee have not allowed all colours that are accepted by other Lop breeds to be accepted within the Miniature Lion Lops. Three generations of show-quality Miniature Lion Lops are required in the colour the breeders wish to be accepted. Colours currently accepted are:
LLUK is a national club devoted to the furthering of the breed. It was established in 2007, founded and chaired by Jane Bramley, the fancier who first pioneered the breed. LLUK provides stock shows around the country to benefit the keen exhibitors of the Mini Lion Lop breed.
