Giant Rabbits!

By PetMD Editorial on Apr. 4, 2012
Image: Tracie Grant / Shutterstock

5 Large Rabbits That Put the Easter Bunny to Shame

Rabbits are not all bred to be equal -- in size, that is. Some are bred to be small  and cute, and others, well, they are bred to be giant. Here’s a little information about five of the most popular giant rabbit breeds.


1. Giant Angora

This bunny rabbit weighs in at around 9 pounds and is the largest of the Angora variety. A very fluffy rabbit with a wool undercoat, it needs intense daily grooming. Hope you've got that brush handy. The Giant Angora is also very gentle, so it is great around kids.


Image: Yun Xim Lim / Shutterstock

2. British Giant

Rarely seen outside of the U.K., the British Giant starts at a whopping 12.5 pounds. It has a kind and sweet personality, but because of its size, it needs plenty of room. The British Giant also comes in different colors, so you can choose one to match the color of your furniture.


Image: TheGirlsNY / Flickr

3. Checkered Giant

So named because of its peculiar black and blue spotted coat, the Checkered Giant weighs in at around 11 pounds. An especially active rabbit, the Checkered Giant needs plenty of room to move about. On the upside, it is great for hours of playtime.


4. Giant Chinchilla

In hearing its name you may think the Giant Chinchilla is just a larger version of the Andean rodent, but it is in fact a cross between the Flemish Giant rabbit and regular Chinchilla breeds. Weighing about 12 to 14 pounds, the Giant Chinchilla is frequently sold commercially for its meat. No word on the quality or toughness of the meat, but remember, you're looking for a pet and not dinner.


5. Flemish Giant

This bunny may tip the scales anywhere between 13 and 14 pounds. It has even been known to reach 22 pounds or more, which would probably make it a heavy weight fighter in the World Rabbit Boxing Association -- if there actually were such an association. The Flemish Giant is very laid back, more dog-like than rabbit. It comes in various colors, including black, blue, fawn, gray and white, and it is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breeds. It's like owning a humongous, long-eared piece of the past.