Coelho Mini Lion

Health

The long coat, together with the habit of cleaning itself through licking, increases the Mini Lion's chances of developing gastric trichobezoar, popularly known as hairball. Thus, it is essential to provide a diet rich in fiber to assist in gastrointestinal motility, as well as brushing the coat regularly to remove excess hair, and having periodic follow-up with a veterinarian specialized in pets. unconventional (wild and exotic). As a dwarf breed, the Lionhead is more susceptible to malocclusion of the incisor teeth (misalignment of the "front teeth") due to anatomical genetic changes, predisposing to tooth overgrowth. This exaggerated growth of the incisor teeth can result in injuries to the oral cavity, causing pain; reduction in food consumption and consequent progressive weight loss; and gastrointestinal changes. Therefore, it is essential that the tutor makes a periodic inspection of your pet's oral cavity and provides a diet rich in good quality fibers (hay and vegetables). In addition, it is important to be aware that it is a chronic condition, which requires treatment and frequent follow-up with a specialist veterinarian. Apparently, dwarf breeds are more sensitive to the fungus Encephalitozoon cuniculi, responsible for opportunistic infection, especially in immunosuppressed animals (with compromised immunity). Although most rabbits are asymptomatic, some can develop symptoms and as the clinical signs are non-specific, that is, they can be caused by other diseases, it is essential that the person responsible takes his/her pet to veterinary medical attention due to any physical alteration. or behavioral.

Curiosities

Although the word “Mini” is used to refer to the smaller, more compact versions of standard rabbit breeds, the “Mini Lion” does not come from a larger version of the breed itself. The word, therefore, was added by Lion Head breeders to let those interested know that it is a small breed. Small or dwarf females, such as the Lion Head, reach sexual maturity (fertile age) around four months. The weaning of Mini Lion pups (laparos) should occur around 48 days of age, when they already have enough immunity to withstand environmental changes (nothing too sudden). Therefore, early weaning is not recommended, as in the case of medium and large breeds, because they are more fragile and can die. In Brazil, it may be common to find Mini Lion rabbits a little larger than the standard described by ARBA or BRC, which may be linked to several factors, including the breeders' lines and the crosses performed. However, it is possible to find breeders who work with Mini Lions with the ideal characteristics described for the breed. Rabbit breeding is legal in Brazil, and it is possible to find breeders in different regions of the country.

Intelligence

They are intelligent animals and despite being a little more difficult to train than a dog, it is totally possible.

Temperament

Very friendly and playful. Just like any other rabbits, they can be more reserved with people they don't know.

Lifetime

The average lifespan is six years. In general, rabbits live an average of six to eight years, but there are reports of several animals over 10 years old. Ensuring proper management and a good quality of life is essential to increase the longevity of lagomorphs.