Flemish Giant Rabbit
Flemish Giant Rabbit Breed Profile
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 15-24 lbs (7-11 kg) |
| Fur | Short |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Personality | Good-natured, calm, easy going |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Suitable for | Beginners and experienced owners |
| Origin | Belgium |
| Indoor | Yes |
| Outdoor | Yes |
| Special characteristics | Biggest and heaviest pet rabbit |
| Similar breeds | New Zealand, Giant Angora, Hotot |
Characteristics
What a giant! Flemish Giants live up to their names: they ARE giant rabbits that can be kept as pets. They’re described as gentle giants as they’re very friendly, peaceful and loving. So they’re suitable for beginners. They literally have big hearts!
Nevertheless, it can be challenging to look after a 15-24 pounds (7-11 kg) rabbit that grows to 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) long. Especially when it comes to Flemish Giants, you should really consider if you can give your pet the home it deserves. They need more space, more food and more work.
The Longest Rabbit
A Guinness World Record shows just how long Flemish Giants can get: in 2010, it was a Flemish Giant called Darius from Worcester (England) that was officially declared the longest rabbit in the world. He was measured at 50 inches (129 cm) long.
Personality
Flemish Giants are very calm and relaxed. They’re often reported to get on with big (friendly, calm) dogs. They’re also very intelligent and can even learn a trick or two with patience and without pressure.
Health and Care
Grooming
Flemish Giants don’t have long coats, so grooming doesn’t take up too much time. The breed is susceptible to mites, so you should make a habit of regularly checking their ears and fur.
Keep them Outdoors
Of course, you can set up a lovely big hutch (ideally, a whole room) in your apartment or house. But Flemish Giants still need to spend time in the great outdoors. If you don’t have a garden, don’t get a Flemish Giant - you don’t want your pet to be unhappy. These animals need more food than smaller breeds due to their size. It’s also more work to clean up after them - after all, all that extra food has to go somewhere!
Appearance
Flemish Giants have a big, long body, lovely big eyes and friendly faces.
Ears
Their vertical ears are 4-7 inches (12-18 cm) long.
Fur
Their fur is shiny, dense and around 1-2 inches (3-4 cm) long.
Color
Flemish Giants are always one color, and come in yellow/sand, beige, white, light gray, steel gray, black and blue.
Dewlap
There is a “dewlap” at the neck. This is the term for a flap of skin between the chest and throat. It’s made up of fatty tissue.
History and Origin
The Flemish Giant is a very old rabbit breed presumed to have originated in Flanders (Belgium).
