SHOWING Lionhead Rabbits
Even though Lionheads are a recognized breed in England, they are not yet a recognized breed with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). They can be shown at ARBA shows as an exhibition breed but cannot compete for Best In Show awards, earn legs toward Grand Champion status or become registered with the ARBA.

ARBA Certificate of Development (COD) Holders have been actively seeking breed recognition with the ARBA since 2004. Lionheads had their first successful presentation by Arden Wetzel at the 2005 ARBA Convention in Indianapolis, IN in the variety of Black Tortoise. Subsequently, the Lionhead breed failed 2 consecutive presentation attempts in 2006 and 2007. Therefore, presentation rights were passed to the next COD holder in line, Gail Gibbons, in 2008. At the 2008 ARBA Convention in Louisville, KY, Gail presented 4 of the 5 varieties on her COD. Her first presentation attempt was successful in 1 variety, the Siamese Sable. At the 2009 ARBA Convention in San Diego, CA, Gail Gibbons was unsuccessful in her presentation attempts in all varieties. In December of 2010, the ARBA passed presentation rights to the next COD holder in line, Theresa Mueller, WA. She was successful in her first attempt at presenting the Lionhead breed in the varieties of Black, REW and Tort-Black at the 2010 ARBA Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Therefore her standard became the official ARBA working standard for the breed following the publication of the "Domestic Rabbits" in Feburary 2011. Theresa was unsuccessful at her first attempt at 2nd presentation in Black, REW, & Tort-Black at the 2011 ARBA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. The ARBA Standards Committee recommended changes to Theresa's standard at this time which become official in February of 2012 once printed in the Domestic Rabbit magazine. Theresa will make her 2nd attempt at 2nd presentation in all three varieties under her revised standard at the 2013 ARBA Convention in Wichita, Kanas.

At this time, ARBA sanctioned shows are only required to accept Lionhead entries in the 3 varieties which have passed presentation (Black, REW, & Tortoise), however most shows continue to allow all COD varieties due to the breed's enormous popularity. Lionhead entries also will not be eligible to earn legs of Grand Championship or to participate in the Best in Show competition until the breed is officially recognized by the ARBA. Those wishing to take their Lionheads to an ARBA sanctioned show will have to inquire with the show secretary regarding the possibility, and if allowed, must supply the show secretary with a copy of a Lionhead standard. A version of the most recent Lionhead breed standard is available in the above table to the right. We have also included a copy of the original Lionhead Standard, so that you can see how the breed has evolved since it arrived here in the U.S.

Current COD Varieties (16):Black, Blue, Chestnut Agouti, Chocolate, Orange, Otter (all 4 varieties shown as one class), Red, Ruby-eyed White, Sable Marten, Sable Point, Seal, Siamese Sable, Silver Marten (all 4 varieties shown as one class), Smoke Pearl, Pointed White(all 4 varieties shown as one class), and Tortoise (all 4 varieties shown as one class).
NOTE: As of February 2012, all Tortoise varieites will be shown as ONE class, not individually, per revisions made to the Mueller Standard which will take affect in February 2012.

SWEEPSTAKES
The NORTH AMERICAN LIONHEAD CLUB holds an annual Sweepstakes contest for our membership. We count sweepstakes points for BOB, BOS, BOV and BOSV wins made with Lionheads in any of the colors with active CODs currently on file with the ARBA. Exhibitors have a chance to win by District or overall. More information can be found here.

1-30-12 TM