A Breed in the making!

Here is the part where I inform everyone who wants to start out with Lionheads that they are a true CHALLENGE. There is not any easy quick fix. Alot of GOOD animals will have to be sacrafised for the good of the breed. Lionheads have many problems still rattling around from them all being so close. Here I are  a few I have seen.

1) Epilepsy: Now I haven't seen this with my own eyes but rabbits will hit about 3 to 6 months of age and start seizuring. For the most part I think we as a whole have almost bred it out. But it was a big problem of the breed when Lionhead were 1st brought over. If you have a rabbit who dies of seizures be sure to TELL THE BREEDER. Even if you only owned him/her as a pet many breeders do not know they carry it if they do because alot of owners will not report back. Most reputable breeders will replace your rabbit and most importantly they will be able to FIX the problem genetically within their lines. You will be doing the breed a great favor!

2) Maloclossion: "Buck teeth". This is still fairly common in the breed. You will know from as young a 3-4 weeks when you have one. Most of them will have to be culled. I do know of a few cases though where you can save the rabbit by clipping its teeth. And some will eventually get into a normal jaw configuration. These are the ones I personally pet out. (I will always try to save them if possible...) Now as this is rampat in the breed alot of top quality excellent rabbits carry it. I have had gorgous lines carry it and it is VERY heart breaking. (and pick of the litter always seems to be the ones who get it). The best thing to do is to note your carriers. (and most people will have them wheather they know it, and want to admitt it or not). And after you have picked them out try to cross out until it is gone. Malclossion I have noticed doesn't always show up until you line breed too. Inform potential buyers of that litter that it is a problem in the breed and that line. And that their bun may be a carrier and to look out for it. Honesty is the best policy. I know chances are it will be a problem VERY hard to avoid (and not just in Lionheads). And hard to admitt. But lets face it we all want to see this breed go somewhere. Lets not let buck teethed rabbits run our breed! I know it is there and near impossible to breed out it seems but I am sure if we work together as a whole the problem CAN be fixed. (all beit many years from now...). And to be completely honest I believe Malcossion is everywhere. 

3) Moon Eye: I believe this is still fairly rare. We have had one rabbit pop up with it. And every once in ahwile I will see another breeder have one or two come down with it. It is not a complete death sentance in my eyes. ALL babies of a true congenial glaccoma case (a form of moon eye) WILL be carriers as it is a reccessive gene. But the good news is that these rabbits can live out happy healthy lives as pets. And carriers can be bred out fairly easily. Just be weiry of this problem. And if you find your rabbit has it be curtious to your breeder and inform them. A problem can not be fixed if it is not known. (and any reputable breeder will take the news in stride and try to fix the problematic line).

4) Mismarks: This is very contraveral where it comes from. And many breeders will pop up with it. (we have been lucky so far...). Basically it is a small problem. Some will breed them in and some won't. Depends on who you talk to. I will try to find out more information about the problem but it is not fatal and is only a falacy skin deep.

The imprtant thing to remember is we are all in this together. If you end up with a problem don't blame the breeder. Chances are they will be as shocked and upset as you. Nobody breeds and sells a problamatic rabbit on purpose with out informing the buyer. Nobody WANTS one of these rabbits. But honestly it will happen. (Especially malclussion carriers. That seems to be the biggest problem I have personaly incountered with the breed). Do your best, be honest and don't forget to have fun!