With their oversized ears flopping and huge feet thumping across the floor, giant rabbit breeds make for extraordinary yet endearing pets. While tiny rabbits satisfy many owners, others seek a larger long-eared companion who craves affection. Giant rabbit breeds like the Flemish Giant and French Lop, weighing up to 20 pounds, provide all the animated antics of smaller rabbits but on a grander scale. Their epic size draws the eye yet their sweet nature captures the heart. For those seeking a big bunny bursting with personality, giant rabbits fit the bill. Read on to learn how to properly care for these gentle giants, from housing and diet to health and temperament. Giant rabbits need some extra space and care but offer a lifetime of oversized love.
What is a giant rabbit breed?
Giant rabbit breeds are larger than average rabbit breeds, with adult weights starting around 8-10 lbs. Some of the largest breeds can grow to over 20 lbs. Giant rabbit breeds include Flemish Giants, French Lops, English Lops, Giant Chinchillas, Checkered Giants, and more. These rabbits are much larger in size than smaller breeds like Netherland Dwarfs or Holland Lops, which typically weigh 2-4 lbs as adults. Giant rabbits require more space, food, and care than their diminutive counterparts. But they can make very rewarding pets with their generally calm, friendly personalities.
The appearance of large breeds versus small breeds of rabbits
Giant rabbit breeds have longer bodies, legs, and ears compared to smaller rabbit breeds. They have broader heads and thicker fur. Their size allows them to eat more hay and vegetables per day than a typical dwarf rabbit. Larger rabbit breeds often come in shades like steel gray, black, blue, and sandy. Their fur is very soft and dense. Smaller rabbit breeds have more compact bodies, shorter limbs, and upright ears. Dwarf rabbit breeds display great variety in fur length, textures, and colors like chocolate, tan, tortoiseshell, and more.
List of large rabbit breeds
Some of the most popular giant rabbit breeds include:
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Flemish Giant – The largest breed, weighing up to 22 lbs. Calm, friendly personality.
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French Lop – Massive droopy ears, weighing 10-14 lbs. Affectionate and gentle.
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English Lop – Longest ears of any rabbit, weighing 10-12 lbs. Intelligent and active.
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Giant Chinchilla – Massive size with soft chinchilla fur, weighing 12-15 lbs. Curious and playful.
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Checkered Giant – Large with dramatic black and white checkered pattern, weighing 10-16 lbs. Docile and mellow.
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Giant Papillon – Butterfly-like ears and fringed fur, weighing 10-12 lbs. Energetic and social.
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American – Often white with red eyes, weighing 11-16 lbs. Easygoing companion.
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Beveren – Longest rabbit breed, weighing 10-12 lbs. Friendly and laidback.
Are giant rabbits harder to care for than smaller breeds?
Giant rabbit breeds do require some additional care compared to smaller rabbits. Their size means they need much more space to accommodate their larger bodies and tendency to stretch out. Giant breeds eat more hay and vegetables per day than little rabbits. Grooming their thick coats takes more time.
Giant rabbits may be prone to sore hocks from hopping on wire floors. Litter boxes need to be bigger to contain their large waste. Their weight puts more strain on their bones and joints. So monitoring for signs of arthritis is important.
But overall, giant rabbits have similar care needs to other rabbits in terms of housing, feeding, socializing, and health. Their mellow personalities make them fairly easy pets. As long as you can accommodate their larger size, giant rabbits are wonderful pets.
The personality of giant rabbits
Most giant rabbit breeds are known for having relaxed, friendly personalities compared to smaller rabbit breeds. They tend to be gentler and calmer than hyperactive little rabbits.
Breeds like Flemish Giants, French Lops, Checkered Giants and American rabbits have sweet, mild-mannered dispositions. They don't startle easily and enjoy sitting with their owners. English Lops and Giant Chinchillas are a bit more playful and active.
Giant rabbits often like being held and cuddled if they are used to human interaction from a young age. They are intelligent and can be litter trained and taught some commands and tricks with time and patience. Every rabbit has their own personality, but giant breeds make for generally docile, loving companion pets.
Handling giant rabbits
When handling giant rabbit breeds, make sure to properly support their full weight. Lifting from underneath is best, by placing one hand under the chest and the other under the rear. Avoid lifting giant rabbits by their ears or scruff.
Work near the floor so you don't have to hold them up high. Supervise young children handling giant rabbits and teach them proper technique. Never drop, toss, or squeeze them.
Let giant rabbits hop around on the floor during playtime rather than being held for too long. Their large size puts them at risk for spinal injuries if mishandled. Speak softly and make slow movements so as not to startle them when handling. Be gentle and patient with giant rabbit breeds.
Are giant rabbits good pets for children?
Giant rabbit breeds can make good pets for older, gentle children under supervision. Their large size and mellow personalities make them ideal for careful interaction. Supervise young kids and teach them how to properly hold and handle a giant rabbit.
Giant rabbits may get frightened by loud noises, chasing, or rough handling that kids sometimes display. So an adult should always monitor playtime. Kids 10 years and older who understand rabbit behavior are best.
Make sure kids don't pick up, drop, squeeze, or drag a giant rabbit. Lifting and holding must be done correctly. Overall, giant rabbits have the gentle nature and size for supervised play with respectful, mature children.
Caring for giant rabbit breeds
Caring for giant rabbit breeds has some differences from smaller rabbits:
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Housing – Giant rabbits need plenty of exercise space. Use large dog crates or puppy pens of at least 8-10+ square feet.
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Litterbox – Get a large cat litter box for giant rabbit waste. Line with newspaper and hay.
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Exercise time – Let giant rabbits hop around a rabbit-proofed room each day.
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Grooming – Brush their thick coats weekly to keep shedding controlled. Trim nails as needed.
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Food – Feed a daily diet of unlimited timothy hay, 1/4-1/2 cup pellets, and leafy greens.
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Vet checkups – Get an annual exam to keep giant rabbits healthy. Spay/neuter at 6 months.
With some minor adjustments, caring for a giant breed rabbit is very similar to a typical sized rabbit. Their needs are just scaled up slightly.
Space requirements for giant rabbits
As a general rule, giant rabbits need at least 8 square feet of indoor space. Large dog crates or an exercise pen that is at least 4 ft x 2 ft provides sufficient room. Dwarf rabbits only need 2-4 square feet of space.
Provide extra roaming time in rabbit-proofed rooms each day. Outdoor hutches or cages for giant rabbits should be a minimum of 6 feet by 2 feet to accommodate stretching out. Make sure to "bunny-proof" any space with electrical cord covers, removing debris, and blocking off unsafe areas. More space is always better for active giant breeds.
Should giant rabbit breeds be kept indoors or outdoors?
Giant rabbit breeds are better suited for indoor living than smaller rabbits who can thrive outdoors. Their large size makes traditional hutches difficult to maintain hygienically. Outdoor cages also don't provide enough room for their activity needs.
Indoors, temperature extremes are avoided which is beneficial for giant breeds. You can better monitor their health, diet, socialization, and litter habits as inside pets. Indoors allows daily exercise and bonding opportunities.
If housed outdoors, install heat and cooling elements. Ensure the hutch is very large, clean, and secure from predators. But an indoor home is best for giant rabbit overall care and companionship.
Diet for giant rabbit breeds
Giant rabbit breeds should eat:
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Unlimited grass hay – Provides fiber and aids digestion. Timonthy or orchard grass are best.
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1/4 – 1/2 cup pellets – Choose an age-appropriate formula.
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1-2 cups leafy greens – Romaine, kale, parsley, cilantro, broccoli, etc. Introduce new veggies slowly.
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Unlimited fresh water
Avoid sugary fruits and treats. Spread feeding out over the day in multiple sessions. Hay should comprise the majority of their diet to promote healthy teeth and gastrointestinal systems. Feed a plain timothy-based pellet to provide balanced nutrition. Introduce vegetables gradually to avoid diarrhea.
What kind of bedding do giant rabbits need?
Good bedding options for giant rabbit breeds include:
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Paper bedding – Absorbs odors and soft for lounging. Avoid scented or dyed paper.
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Orchard grass or timothy hay – Allows nibbling and is comfortable.
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Straw – Provides warmth and nesting material. Ensure it is pesticide-free.
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Fleece or cotton mats – Machine washable and reusable.
Avoid wood shavings, corn cob, cat litter, or other beddings. Spread a thick layer of bedding to cushion their joints from hard surfaces. Place bedding in sleeping areas as well as litter boxes for comfort. Replace bedding weekly or whenever soiled.
Health concerns for giant rabbit breeds
Some common health issues to watch for in giant rabbit breeds include:
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Sore hocks – Callouses and ulcers on feet from wire floors. Use soft bedding instead.
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Obesity – Monitor diet and weight. Encourage exercise. Obese rabbits are prone to arthritis and heart disease.
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Dental disease – Misaligned or overgrown teeth. Provide unlimited hay.
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GI stasis – Reduced gut motility, requires vet care. Feed high-fiber diet.
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Spinal problems – From mishandling. Properly support their bodies when picking up.
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Heat stress – Monitor them closely in hot temps. Offer frozen water bottles and tile floors to cool off.
Get regular checkups with an experienced rabbit vet to identify and treat any issues early. Spay/neuter at 6 months of age to prevent cancer.
How often should you visit a veterinarian?
It's recommended to take giant rabbit breeds to an experienced rabbit veterinarian:
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Once a year for a wellness exam and to establish a relationship with the vet.
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If any signs of illness are noted such as lethargy, appetite changes, teeth grinding, loose stools, etc.
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For neutering/spaying at approximately 6 months old.
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For any injuries sustained, such as sore hocks or broken bones.
Having a "rabbit savvy" vet you see regularly helps catch health issues early. Annual exams, vaccination boosters, weight checks, and dentistry evaluations help maintain their long-term wellbeing. Monitor them closely between vet visits and don't delay if issues arise.
Life expectancy of giant rabbit breeds
With proper care, giant rabbit breeds can have a lifespan of:
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8-12 years for larger breeds like Flemish Giants and Checkered Giants
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10-14 years for slightly smaller breeds like French Lops
Diet, housing, veterinary care, spay/neuter status, and genetics influence lifespan. Outdoor rabbits tend to have shorter lifespans of only 5-8 years. Providing excellent care indoors helps ensure your giant rabbit lives a long, healthy life.
Supplies for large rabbit breeds
Some must-have supplies for giant rabbit breeds include:
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A large multi-level enclosure or extra-large dog crate
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Litter boxes and paper bedding
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Food and water bowls
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Timothy hay and pellet food
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A salt lick or other chew toys
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A heavy food dish that won't tip
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Electrical cord protectors and outlet covers
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Sturdy transport carrier and harness/leash
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High-sided furniture to keep them from jumping off
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Hard plastic or ceramic food and water bowls
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Baby gates to block off unsafe areas
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Grooming supplies like brushes, nail clippers, and hairball remedy
Shop for the largest size options available to suit your giant rabbit. Focus on sturdy, chew-proof items that will withstand their size.
Reference:
https://rabbitbreeders.us/articles/giant-rabbit-breeds/