The Flemish Giant rabbit is the largest breed of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus). Flemish Giants are historically a utility breed used for their fur and meat. They are often kept as pets as they are known for being docile and patient when being handled.
Source: PetsAndAnimals
Physical Description
There may be no more astonishing rabbit in the world than the Flemish Giant. If a person jumps along, at first glance you might mistake it for a dog. These rabbits weigh an average of 15 pounds and can reach 2.5 feet in length. Males have a wider head than females. Females have a foreskin – a large fold of skin under the chin that they use to warm their young. By breed standards, a Flemish Giant is considered good, having a large and well-shaped head, erect ears, a long and strong body, a uniform coat, and a well-rounded rump. Flemish Giants have thick and glossy coats of various colors. Seven colors are officially recognized in the United States by the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders. These are black, blue, fawn, light grey, steel grey, sand and white.
Source
Flemish Giants are a very old breed of domesticated rabbit. Originally bred for meat and fur, the breed existed in Belgium in the 16th century. The first standards for the breed were written in 1893.
Despite being a domesticated breed of rabbit, Flemish Giants retain certain adaptations of wild rabbits. They have large ears that contribute to excellent hearing and good eyesight, both of which will help them detect predators.
About North America
Flemish Giants were first imported to the United States from Britain and Belgium in the 1890s.
Use
Flemish Giants are still prized for their meat and fur, but are also commonly kept today as companion animals. They are known as the “gentle giants” of the rabbit world and are considered excellent pets. If treated properly, they are very docile and gentle even with small children. Many people even raise Flemish Giants to show off. Because of their size, these rabbits need a fair amount of space to roam, but they can be trained in a hygienic way, which means they can also be left loose in the house.
Current status
The Flemish Giants are a stable and very popular breed today. Throughout their long history, they have not been bred or over-harvested.
At the Maryland Zoo
The Flemish Giant Rabbit is one of the most loved and easygoing Animal Ambassadors in Zoo’s Animal Ambassador collection.
