Flemish Giant rabbits are one of the largest rabbit in the world. They also known as the “Gentle Giant”. The breed are used for meat, coat, show and also pet. Tipping the scale at the 10 kg (22lb), it is very common to see this giant fluffy animal playing with medium-sized dog either hopping around or even cuddling with them. The breed is very much docile and can be a great pet for children of any age.
Flemish Giant is an old breed and originated in Flanders. There are still not much information about its origins. Some researchers believed they are descended from multiple breed such as Stone Rabbit or European Patagonian which both are raised for their fur and meat. Flemish Giant is been dated back in 16th century near the city of Ghent, Belgium. However, The first standard of the breed are written in 1893 and they are the ancestor of many modern rabbit breeds all over the world today.
The Flemish Giant is imported to America in the early 1890s from England and Belgium to help improve the size of meat. In 1910, the breed began to make appearances in livestock shows. The breed then been promoted by National Federation of Flemish Giant which been formed in 1915. In 1929, they been recognized by American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).
Flemish Giant can weigh from 6.8 to 10 kg (15 to 22 pounds) and being true to the name of Giant, the breed impressive size is the most striking thing among other rabbit breeds. Flemish Giant is a semi-arch type rabbit with its back arch starting near the shoulders. The highest point of the body’s arch is at the hip and the arch carrying through to the base of the tail giving a mandolin shape. Their bodies are long, well-muscled and also strong. Male have much broader, massive head while female have a large, full, evenly carried dewlap ( their skin folded under the chins).
Flemish Giant rabbits’ coat are known as glossy, short and dense ‘rollback’ fur. They do not need frequent grooming. Be sure to groom them weekly with slicker brush. It is important for you to help your furry friend get rid of loose hair especially during spring season. This is to avoid them from ingesting their own hair which lead to health issues. Also, do not attempt to bath them, they will get stressful and may lead to cardiac problem.
- Weight: 6.8 to 10 kg
- Coat length: Short, glossy and dense
- Color: Sandy, Fawn, White, Light Gray, Steel Gray, Black, and Blue
- Pattern: None
Despite their large size, they are very recommended for the first timer owner as they have an easy going personalities and also low maintenance. They are also can be great pets for anyone and family with children of any age. Children can only play with them while they are on the ground due to their large size.
Any rabbit will appreciate some toys that they can play and chew with. Given time and attention, they will show their true personalities. Flemish Giant also can be put dog harness since their sizes are the same as medium-sized dog. Be sure to slowly introduce the harness and give reward to encourage them more. Flemish Giant also can be trained easily especially litter train can be slightly easier than other rabbit breeds. They generally do not mind other pets in the house as long as the other pets can take well with them.
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
- Active: Medium
- Intelligence: High
Flemish Giant rabbit is no more than a common domestic rabbit. You should considered taking it to the veterinarian. There are no cases of this breed had genetic diseases been reported but they still can suffer from other rabbit symptoms. Rabbit breeders have done more then they could to make this breed healthier and less genetic disease. Some of the illnesses seen in this breed is:
- Dental disease: Overgrown teeth, can change alignment of the mouth
- Parasite: Ear mites and worm
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