We had first heard of a new mutation of a rabbit with long cashmere type hair around the neck and shoulders, but with normal shorter hair elsewhere, around the early nineties. We were told then about reported sightings of these rabbits in pet shops in northern France. After that we heard nothing more for several years. However, the UK has imported a great many of these beautiful little creatures and was the first place anywhere in the world to accept them as a recognised breed in 2002.

After getting to know one or two breeders and also working with the Lion Lop, we got more and more interested in the original Lionhead breed. For small rabbits they are capable of producing quite large litters and are wonderful mothers. We have had litters up to nine! Although they appear quite small, the Lionhead is actually larger than the Miniature Lop in the UK. There is a feeling that perhaps they ought to be a little smaller, but the standard is for a 3lb 12oz animal, so that is what must be bred to. Certainly at this stud we prefer the slightly shorter eared and shorter bodied rabbits whose weights finalise around 3lb 8oz

Here at Upton Lops, we found it difficult to find some nice quality Lionheads, particularly in the north. Eventually we were lucky enough to obtain a lovely black doe and buck from Sandoval Stud which are closely related to the famous black doe Sandoval Charlotte. These have produced some lovely youngsters including a superb chinchilla doe called Charis. Following this we were also given a lovely little Sealpoint buck, Orlando, whose progeny continue to improve.

Here at Upton Lops our little "odd one out" breed is mostly bred in sealpoint, sable, red eyed white, chinchilla, black, sooty fawn, chocolate tort. We are also trying to introduce the difficult butterfly pattern.