Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Flemish Giant

When I first became interested in rabbits, one of the first breeds that I ever considered raising was the Flemish Giant. I have to admit that there's something intriguing and a little bit addictive about raising rabbits the size of Cocker Spaniels. However, as I would soon learn, Flemish Giants are not for everyone. Before you think about getting into Flemish Giant rabbits, it's important to take the time and research; not only do you want to read up on the breed information, but also make sure you educate yourself on proper husbandry for the Flemish Giant rabbit breed. Failing to do so could mean you end up with more bunny than you counted on!

The Origins and History of the Flemish Giant Breed

While the Flemish Giant is said to have developed in Flanders, the origin of it's present name, it's uncertain how the Flemish Giant came to be there. Many believe the Flemish Giant is a more refined version of an ancient breed, known as the Patagonian rabbit (also known as the Angevin rabbit), now thought to be extinct in its native country. The Patagonian rabbit (so named because it was believed that giants came from Patagonia), was described in "The Practical Rabbit Keeper" (circa 1870) as being a large rabbit and not very pretty.

Some Patagonian rabbits were said to measure up to "5 feet in length and weigh 20 pounds," boasting a roomy body with large and coarse hips, a massive frame and ears that were both long and heavy, often falling into a "V" -formation. In most cases, the Patagonian rabbit was dark iron gray and bore a splotched or mottled appearance, with darker points at the head and ears. On the whole, while impressive by his sheer size, the Patagonian was not said to be a very beautiful rabbit.

It's believed that the Patagonian rabbit was first brought to Flanders by Dutch traders, who were sailing back and forth, trading with people in the West Indies, Central and South America during the 16th and 17th centuries. Other stories have the Patagonian originating in Flanders and eventually being shipped into South America. Regardless of who had their hands on the large rabbit first, it would appear that selective breeding by the Dutch eventually developed the breed into the Flemish Giant that we know today.

According to Thomas Coatoam and the 1983 edition of the NFFGRB guide book, "the first Flemish exhibited, although impressive in size, was not handsome." Going on to describe the Flemish as being a dirty iron grey with bars on the legs and a white belly, it's description does bear strong resemblance to the giant rabbits of South America. Nevertheless, the unusual appearance and large size of this rabbit sparked interest. Before long, the Flemish Giant was a regular at all the shows, their numbers quickly growing by leaps and bounds. It wasn't long before American fanciers took a liking to this new breed and began importing them, during the 1880's. To date, the Flemish Giant is one of the most readily recognizable breeds of rabbit in the world.

The Flemish Giant Appearance

While we've described the Flemish Giant as being an impressively large breed of rabbit, there is more to this breed than sheer size. First off, the Flemish Giant is described as being "mandolin-shaped." This means that his head and neck rest on low shoulders before the back arches up and over large hindquarters. If you've ever seen a mandolin, it's easy to see why they compare the Flemish to this instrument. It's almost comical, in fact.

It's usually easy to tell male Flemish rabbits from females, because mature Flemish Giant bucks (males) have a very broad and pronounced head in comparison to does (females) and, overall, tend to be more massive. Females, on the other hand, commonly bear dewlaps (a pronounced flap of skin under the chin, often giving the appearance that the doe is resting her chin on a pillow of fur) and skirts. Both genders have relatively large and thick ears, commonly held in a "v"-positon and a bright-eyed and curious expression.

Flemish Giants are shown in 3 different classifications, due to the fact that they mature much more slowly than other rabbit breeds. Juniors are rabbits that are 6 months or less, Intermediate are 6-8 months and any rabbit 8 months or older is considered to be a Senior. Senior does must have a minimum weight of no less than 14 pounds and Senior bucks should weigh a minimum of 13 pounds. Bear in mind that the Flemish Giant is a slow-developing breed that commonly does not reach full maturity until 1-1.5 years of age.

There are seven recognized varieties of Flemish Giant in existence. While other colors may currently be in development, to date, these are the only ones accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and their Standard of Perfection. These varieties are sandy, fawn, white, light gray, steel gray, black and blue. If anyone tries to sell you a "rare" colored Flemish Giant of any other variety, politely refuse unless you are certain that they have obtained a C.o.D. (Certificate of Development) and are working to get it passed as a new color.

The Gentle Giant

It's a nickname that's been given to the Flemish Giant on numerous occasions. While not every rabbit is guaranteed to be well-behaved, the majority of Flemish seem to have a more laid-back and easy-going personality when compared to other breeds of rabbit. In most cases, bucks (males) tend to be more tolerant of people and more curious, whereas does (females) can be more prone to being territorial and moody, particularly when they are breeding or when they have young.

Does Size Really Matter?

The main factor that comes into play, when debating on whether or not to get a Flemish Giant, is sheer size. Flemish Giants commonly reach weights of more than 20 pounds and a few individuals have actually grown larger, topping the scales at nearly 30 pounds. And it's not fat - Flemish Giants are big and long, not just heavy.

Keeping a Flemish Giant as a pet will require a large cage that provides both adequate ventilation and protection from the elements. Those that keep Flemish as house pets usually suggest that you set aside an entire room as the designated "bunny area." It's very important to realize that this is not a breed of rabbit that you can stick in one of those 24"x36" rabbit cages that you can buy at the local pet store. Because of their sheer mass, many people veer away from purchasing Flemish Giant rabbits.

Flemish Giants also eat more than your average rabbit, sometimes requiring several cups more than other breeds. Not only is it important to feed them a good, high-quality rabbit pellet, but it's equally important that they have access to some nice timothy hay and all of the fresh water that they can drink. Vegetables and fruits should be given as treats and not a main staple of the bunny's diet.

Is a Flemish Giant Right for You?

While cute and cuddly, the fact remains that the Flemish Giant is not for everyone. This particular breed of rabbit can make a great pet, but the Flemish is a very large breed which means your bunny will require a lot of food, water and space in order to keep him happy and healthy. If you're looking for a little house bunny, you might be happier with a smaller or more compact breed, such as a Dwarf or a Mini Lop. If you have your heart set on a giant bunny and you've made yourself aware of the commitment you have to make in owning such a rabbit, then perhaps the Flemish Giant breed is exactly what you're looking for.

Sources:

Experience as a rabbit breeder for many years

http://www.nffgrb.com - Information on the Flemish Giant breed

http://www.arba.net - Information on the Flemish Giant and rabbit husbandry