When you think of a rabbit, you probably imagine a cute and small breed that can easily fit into the palm of your hand. However, not all rabbits are small – some giant rabbit breeds can grow bigger than a dog.
Whether you think large rabbit breeds are cuter than small rabbits or are looking for a giant companion, we got you covered! In this article, we’ll list the 10 largest breeds of rabbits that make wonderful pets.
10 Largest Rabbit Breeds
Large breeds were originally bred mostly for their fur and meat. However, as people started keeping pet rabbits the popularity of giant breeds grew and they are now more popular as pets.
So, without further due, here are the most popular giant rabbit breeds in the world that can be kept as pets!
1. Flemish Giant
Historically bred for fur and meat, the Flemish Giant is considered the largest rabbit breed. Flemish Giants on average weigh 15 pounds, but the biggest ones can weigh up to 22 pounds.
Laid-back and docile, this large rabbit is nicknamed the Gentle Giant and makes a wonderful family pet that is tolerant of handling. Due to their unusually large size, various coat colors, and amenable personality Flemish Giants are one of the more popular breeds for showing.
The Flemish Giant is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breeds, with breed standards dating back to 1893. This breed is also promoted by the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders.
2. Continental Giant
Also known as the German Giant, the Continental Giant rabbit is a very large rabbit breed, originally bred for meat and fur. Although recognized by the British Rabbit Council in two colors, the Continental Giant isn’t recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
The heaviest Conti on record weighs 53 pounds, but they generally weigh up to 16 pounds and more. As pets, Continental Giant rabbits have friendly and gentle temperaments, although they generally don’t like being picked up.
3. Blanc de Bouscat
The Blanc de Bouscat is a large rabbit with white fur, red eyes, and a stocky build. Originally bred in France, the Blanc de Bouscat isn’t recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and is a very rare large rabbit breed.
Adult bucks usually weigh up to 12 pounds, while adults does generally tip the scales at 14 pounds. Fun and playful, but calm, the Blanc de Bouscat can make a great pet.
4. Spanish Giant
Created by crossing Flemish Giants with large Spanish rabbit breeds, the Spanish Giant is a large rabbit breed typically weighing 15 pounds. Being a huge meat producer, the Spanish Giant was nearly extinct in 2009, after being overused for meat.
Luckily, their numbers are growing and Spanish Giants can also make wonderful pets. Calm and docile, this large rabbit can be a great companion to families with children.
5. Hungarian Giant
Typically weighing from 11 to 15 pounds, the Hungarian Giant rabbit was created by crossing wild rabbit breeds with different continental rabbit breeds. Until recently, these large rabbits were mainly used for their meat, but are becoming popular show rabbits and pets.
6. French Lop
Developed in France in the 19th century, the French Lop is a very popular rabbit breed weighing around 10 to 15 pounds. Interestingly, this large rabbit doesn’t have a maximum weight in the show standard (source).
The long, floppy ears that hang down well below their jaws are the breed’s distinctive feature. Friendly, relaxed, and sweet French Lop makes a wonderful pet and even gets along with cats, dogs, and children.
7.British Giant
The British Giant rabbit is a large breed that typically weighs between 11 and 15 pounds and reaches the size of a smaller dog. Often bred for meat, the British giant has a powerful body and a medium-length soft coat that comes in a variety of different colors.
Thanks to their easy-going and amenable temperament, British Giants make amazing pets that are more into relaxing than hopping and playing around.
8. Checkered Giant
Originating in France, the Checkered Giant rabbit is one of the largest rabbit breeds. For show purposes, a Checkered Giant buck must weigh a minimum of 11 pounds, while does must weigh at least 12 pounds. The American Rabbit Breeders Association doesn’t specify the maximum weight for these rabbits (source).
Curious, active, energetic, and friendly the Checkered Giant rabbit makes a great pet, although they on average only live for five or six years.
9. Silver Fox
The Silver Fox rabbit is a rare rabbit breed developed in the United States. Mainly bred for meat, show, and their unique fur the Silver Fox rabbits weigh from nine to 12 pounds.
As pets, Silver Foxes are gentle and friendly companions that enjoy being handled and crave attention.
10. Giant Chinchilla
The Giant Chinchilla rabbit breed is created by crossing Chinchilla and Flemish Giant breeds. Weighing between 12 and 16 pounds this large rabbit breed was primarily bred for meat, but they can also make amazing pets.
Gentle, calm, and laid-back, but still playful the Giant Chinchilla rabbit likes to stay close to its owner and makes a loving companion.
What Is the Biggest Pet Rabbit Breed?
The Flemish Giant rabbit is considered to be the largest breed of domestic rabbit. Originally bred for meat and fur, Flemish Giants have docile and patient temperaments when being handled which makes them a popular choice for a pet rabbit.
Are Giant Rabbits Good Pets?
Relatively laid-back, relaxed, and docile, giant rabbits make wonderful pets to the right home. Often called gentle giants, these large rabbits have friendly and intelligent natures that make them a pleasure to own and spend time with.
However, large rabbits have a unique set of requirements and potential health problems that you need to be aware of before you welcome one of these giants’ homes.
Conclusion
Laid-back, relaxed, and docile, large rabbit breeds make wonderful pets and companions to people of all ages. Often called Gentle Giants, these huge furballs come in a wide range of sizes and can weigh more than a dog!
If you are a firm believer that bigger is better, consider getting a giant rabbit breed as a pet. But before you bring one home, make sure that you have enough room to house a furry giant.
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