My Proposed Lionhead Standard was approved as written. It includes the colors, Black, REW, Siamese Sable, Smoked Pearl and Pointed White (Black, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac). Other than the color standards for Smoke Pearl and Pointed White, I will not be making my Standard available for use. I will continue to breed and show against the Working Standard or Proposed Standard of whomever is next in line, until such time it becomes my turn to present. I hope that my decision helps unify the Lionhead breed not only at the show tables, but in our breeding programs.
As Lionhead Breeders, we are not only creating rabbits ... we're creating a breed. We are altering Mother Nature in a controlled enviroment. It is our responsibilty to create genertically healthy and sound bloodlines and be dilligent in our culling practices so that we're not covering up issues in exchange for sales income that will inevitably haunt the breed for generations. Look at some of the dogs breeds where the bitches MUST have c-sections or else the birth of their babies will kill them. Or look at show Persians where their faces are so extreme faced that they can't breathe or even eat properly. I am taking part in the creation of the Lionhead Rabbit in North America. It is my responsibility to eliminate the inferior within my own rabbitry. I understand that not everyone will agree with my approach or follow the same strict culling practices I do but I hope that by providing my point of view, it will make Lionhead Breeders who read this stop and think about what we're ALL really doing. We are ALL taking a part in the creation of this breed. And at this stage, we all need to be aware that each choice we make can and will effect our lovely little Lionheads for all of eternity.
~ Dawn Guth
Faults: Blotchy shading, animals that are too dark or too light to show a contrast of shading.
Faults: Markings extremely faded; frosted appearance to the marking color. Disqualifications from Competition: Any Tan Pattern marking appearing in the marking pattern.