Belgian Hare

Belgian Hare Pet Profile

Photo: May_Chanikran/Shutterstock

Characteristics

The Belgian Hare is often dubbed the most elegant rabbit breed. It has charmingly long, slim legs and a narrow, graceful body. It looks very similar to a wild brown hare.

Belgian Hares have significantly different behavioral patterns than other breeds. They are incredibly active, always moving around and wanting to burn off energy. So they need a lot of space. This means they won’t be very happy in an apartment. Belgian Hares should be kept outdoors in a garden that’s nice and big. Otherwise, they will quickly be unchallenged and will start to feel unhappy. You’ll need at least 10 square meters for two animals.

Belgian Hares are very skittish. If you make sudden movements towards them or don’t announce your arrival with sound, they can get startled and dart away from you. Belgian Hares are often compared with nervous racehorses.

Beginners would struggle with Belgian Hares, so should consider another breed.

Personality

Belgian Hares aren’t just active, but also very curious. They don’t miss a thing! That especially goes for holes in their hutch or run. These pets just love to break free. You’ll need nerves of steel, and you’ll have to always check that there are no holes in their home. Belgian Hares are also incredibly intelligent pets! You can teach them little tricks. They may even answer to their names with plenty of patience, love and encouragement.

Photo: May_Chanikran/Shutterstock

Health and Care

Belgian Hares have very short fur that’s easy to groom. But these animals aren’t exactly low-maintenance. As they have nervous, anxious dispositions, it’s not so easy for beginners to carry out routine checks for illness. Their food should be especially tailored to Belgian Hares, as they need different/more nutrients than other rabbits.

Appearance

Body

The Belgian Hare is medium-sized and unmistakable thanks to its slim body. Unlike many other breeds, they are not barrel-shaped or square. Their backs are arched, creating a lovely curve from the shoulder to the tail.

Legs

Their long legs mean their bodies have little contact with the ground.

Ears

Their ears are upright, measuring from 4-6 inches (11-14 cm).

Fur

Their fur is short and shiny, with a dense undercoat and lots of kemp.

Color

The Belgian Hare comes in tan, red-brown, black, black-brown and chestnut. Its fur is very shiny and has a deep, rich color. Only the tummy and bottom of the head is lighter. The coat is ticked all over, apart from on the chest, legs and paws. Like an Abyssinian cat!

History and Origin

The Belgian Hare was bred by crossing domestic rabbits with wild rabbits. It came from Belgium, before expanding to England in 1874 then American in 1877.