Rabbits are considered the cutest furry animals with long ears. They belong to the Zaitsev family, and have rather large and powerful paws. Many breeds of rabbits have long been domesticated and are considered full members of the human household. The average rabbit weighs 1 kg and has a body length of about 25 cm. These are the shapes and sizes that everyone is accustomed to seeing this cute animal.
But there are individuals that have much larger proportions. Taking one look at them will definitely change your view of them. This article will examine the famous breeds of “eared” giants around the world.
The largest breeds of rabbits
Today, about 83 breeds of rabbits are known. Of these, about 20 breeds can be distinguished as truly large species. It is customary to divide rabbits into giants and giants. Often the difference in these names is small and depends not on the specific breed, but on body weight.
The giant rabbits include the following “eared” ones: Gray Giant, White Giant, Belgian Flanders, Continental Giant Champion breed others. Of all the large individuals, these are considered the most famous in the whole world. The distinctive features of these species are the quality of their coat, color, size, ear shape and habitat.
This breed was bred by breeders
Risen - a giant from Germany
German Riesen is the work of breeders from Germany. The breed was developed from the Belgian giant in 1937. Translated from German, “Riesen” means giant. This breed belongs to the meat and wool category, like most other giant rabbits.
Rizen's meat is very juicy. It is considered one of the most delicious among giant rabbits.
The weight of an adult Risen is 6-10 kg. However, some rabbits reached a weight of 14 kg. Rabbits have well-developed muscles and a massive build. They have fairly large, fleshy ears located on a wide head; the length of the ears reaches 20 cm. The legs are massive and strong. The fur is thick and dense. The length of the pile reaches 4 cm. There are various colors: sand, blue, black, dark gray and others.
Rizen's character is excellent. They are good-natured and fearless. They can also be kept as pets. These rabbits are not particularly popular on the farm. They grow quite slowly and require a lot of space to keep them.
Gray giant
Naturally, a rabbit of such large size may be an exception to the general rules, and like most large breeds, the Gray Giant was bred by breeders. This breed was officially registered in 1952 in the USSR.
This giant was created by crossing ordinary, outbred rabbits with the French Flanders breed. It was from Flandre that this “eared” one got its large weight and long body, and from ordinary rabbits its incredible vitality. The body weight of the Gray Giant is from 5 kg to 7.5 kg, while the length of the ears is almost 13 cm.
A strong chest is also observed, reaching a size of up to 40 cm. As for its fur, it is often compared to the fur of a chinchilla in thickness and supposed color.
This breed is often bred for commercial purposes, not only because it is a large breed, but also because it is easy to care for the animal. Since, according to reviews from owners of such breeds, it is said that the Gray Giant can adapt to any food intake schedule.
Normal weight for this breed is 12 kg
Russian ermine
Weight: 4-5 kg
The Russian ermine rabbit has many other names. For example, Chinese , Egyptian . This is due to the fact that he constantly wandered from one place to another.
Homeland - the Himalayas, and then China. Many claimed that rabbits were sacrificed in these places. It has been known in Russia for a very long time. Quite small in size.
Occurred as a result of crossing. Rabbits have a rounded head and a wide chest. Legs are strong and straight. The color is a bit like Siamese cats. Almost entirely white, and the paws, tail and ears are black or brownish.
This breed of rabbits is completely unpretentious. They can eat almost any grass. The main thing is that the diet contains nutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates, as well as fats and proteins.
Most often, people breed them for meat and beautiful skins. They do not require special personal care.
Belgian Flanders
This giant also takes pride of place among the huge species of rabbits. It is considered the most common and ancient breed. In the USSR, the Belgian rabbit received close attention among breeders, due to its high fertility . The very first mention of this breed dates back to the 17th century. There is still controversy over the origin of the Benguela rabbit. Some believe that he was brought from Argentina, others believe that this giant appeared by crossing Argentine Patagonian individuals with large Flemish rabbits.
Naturally, they cannot be called cute, because their body length is massive and is more than 70 cm in length. Reaches its normal weight of 12 kg within 1.5 years. At the moment, there are many branches of this breed: English, White, Spanish Flanders.
By nature, they are quite calm animals, which makes them easier to keep in a cage. They get along well with all types of rabbits. Due to the way they are kept, they require much more effort in care.
The skin of white giants is very valuable in the fur market
Soviet chinchilla
Weight: 8 kg
The Soviet chinchilla is considered one of the most popular breeds at present. They are very versatile. In addition to excellent fur, the owner receives a real chinchilla and tasty dietary meat.
They appeared in the USSR by 1927. Everyone noticed their gorgeous, thick fur. When creating this species, various hybrids of other breeds were taken for crossing.
Chinchilla fur is very expensive. Many owners make a lot of money selling it. In their behavior, rabbits are no different from other species.
White giant
This breed is difficult to confuse with other giants, since rabbits in this category are only albinos. The white giant was bred from the Flanders breed, and breeders selected only albinos for this purpose. But, having brought these “eared animals” to the USSR, they could not cope with the climate and died. Already here efforts have been made to preserve the White Giant and quite successfully.
The fur of these rabbits is dense, white, body length reaches 65 cm, and weight is almost 7 kg. The eyes of these rabbits are scarlet due to the lack of coloring pigment. The hide is especially valued due to simplified dyeing methods used to imitate fur. With the help of the White Giants, the following breeds were bred: black and white rabbit and Soviet chinchilla.
This breed is often kept as a pet
Soviet Marder
Weight: 3.8 kg
Rabbits of this particular breed were bred completely by accident. The breeder Thomson made this discovery. He began crossing several different breeds, resulting in the Soviet Marder .
Outwardly they look very beautiful and unusual. It is worth saying that they are almost impossible to confuse with any others. These rabbits have slight darkening in the area of the limbs and muzzle. Most often the color is light brown.
The Soviet marder has a very strong physique. Body length is about 50 centimeters. Quite large and powerful hair. This species eats only balanced food. Anyone else will be very harmful for them. A large amount of vitamins and nutrients is needed. The most important thing: don't forget to drink. They should always have a bowl of water.
Continental Giant – champion breed
Compared to the giants described above, this rabbit is truly a giant. This is the oldest domesticated breed of rabbits, which became known in the 16th century. The body weight of “Conti” reaches 16 kg or more and the fur color is very diverse. Most people keep this breed at home, not for the purpose of breeding and eating, but as a regular pet. They have a gentle disposition and gladly allow themselves to be petted. The body length of the Continental Giant reaches 70 cm or more, and females are much larger.
Interesting fact. This breed is the only one to receive points for being overweight.
“Conti” often participates in various exhibitions, always receiving prizes. Today it is a kind of tradition to take such a rabbit to a competition.
Care and maintenance of giant rabbits
Breeders do not recommend keeping huge rabbits at home due to the nature of their keeping, however, despite their large size and gluttony, long-eared animals often become pets due to their affectionate nature, easygoing nature and sociability. If you plan to keep a large rabbit at home, then first of all it is necessary to provide the pet with a spacious cage, regular examination by a veterinarian and nutritious food. A pet rabbit is cared for in the same way as any other pet: the animal is walked, combed and washed, and vaccinated.
On farms, the breeds are kept in large cages outside, as the giants love fresh air and can withstand the cold. The bottom of the cages is made of mesh or slatted to make it easier to clean up after your pets. It is advisable to equip a spacious enclosure or pen where rabbits can stretch and run around. The cage must have two bowls: for water and food, and they must be securely fixed so that the animals do not turn them over.
Large breeds are fed the same way as others, but the portions for giants are larger. You cannot overfeed your pets, otherwise it will lead to obesity and other diseases. Additionally, rabbits are given vitamin and mineral complexes.
Each of the large breeds of rabbits has disadvantages and advantages; it is impossible to choose the best one. The care and maintenance of large eared animals is the same as that of decorative and medium-sized breeds, and the only difference is the need for large space and the consumption of huge amounts of food.
How much does the largest rabbit in the world weigh?
The largest rabbit in the world is called Darius. This rabbit was raised by one owner, who before him was able to record her other pets in the Guinness Book of Records. Darius's weight, at the time the results were recorded in the Guinness Book, was 12 kg. However, he was soon overtaken by the rabbit Ralph, who grew rapidly and gained weight of 23 kg.
There was no officially recorded data in Russia, however, among the frequently encountered large breeds, the Soviet chinchilla is bred here, whose weight and height rapidly increases and reaches almost 7 kg.
Would you like such a giant to live in your home?
Butterfly
Animals with such an unusual name were first presented at an exhibition in England in 1897. The butterfly spots on the nose give rise to the breed's unique name.
The body is strong, slightly elongated, the weight of adult rabbits is 4–5 kilograms. With a medium size, it is a very nimble and agile animal.
In Russia, this species is easily adapted to the conditions of a changeable climate, and is kept in households and bred on farms mainly because of its excellent meat and skin.
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Darius
This is the most famous rabbit, which has constantly been awarded new victories throughout its life. He announced himself in 2010, when his weight was more than 19 kg. He was raised by Anette Edwards. Anette has been breeding rabbits for several years and has always exhibited her pets in various competitions. Darius is a continental giant and today weighs 25 kg. This weight is comparable to a 6-year-old child. Today he has already given birth to more than one offspring, and with the passage of time it is already clear that his children do not lag behind their father and are growing rapidly. Just his father's son, the rabbit Jeff, who managed to grow 1 meter in one year.
Ralph managed to reach 21 kg in weight
Ralph
Perhaps, Ralph and Darius walked almost hand in hand to victory. Since at the time of their announcement in 2010, their weight was the same. Today the rabbit weighs 21 kg and looks much larger than its competitor due to its thick fur. At the time of its appearance in the Guinness Book of Records, its owner Pauline Granta was only 17 years old. Before this, she was able to raise a female rabbit, who, at the time of the appearance of these two giants, was able to get into the Guinness World Record twice. Unfortunately, she died, however, her son Ralph still has a chance to overtake the rabbit in weight.
Ralph's diet is varied, you can say that he is on a diet, but he is still gaining weight. So, per day he eats corn, cabbage, cucumber, watercress, medium carrots, apples, brown bread and crackers. All these products are in the daily diet. With the help of these products, his body length is already 92 cm.
The owner said that her pet does not live in a cage, but is in the house like an ordinary animal. He walks around the yard and is happy with his position in this Sussex family.
Jeff is a descendant of his legendary father Darius
Ram
Don’t be surprised, among the hare family there is such an amazing name. The head with hanging ears resembles that of a lamb.
Rabbits not only have an original appearance, but are also famous for the wonderful qualities of their meat. Unpretentious in care and maintenance, they grow up to 6 kilograms.
Among their relatives they stand out for their very flexible and calm character. Experts say that the reason for this behavior is lop ears. According to the editors of TheBiggest, these are another of the most beautiful non-decorative breeds of rabbits.
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Belgian giants or Flanders are considered one of the largest breeds of rabbits on the planet. These giants received their name four centuries ago, it was then that the first individual of this breed appeared in the provincial Belgian town of Flandres. These are one of the largest rabbits, they can reach one meter in length. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their prominent ears: wide and up to twenty centimeters in length. On average, the weight of such a rabbit varies from six to eight kilograms, but some individuals almost double this mark.
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Jeff
As noted earlier, this rabbit is a direct descendant of its legendary father Darius. Its body length is already more than 1.1 meters. He is growing very rapidly, and thus can easily take his father’s place in the Guinness Book of Records. Jeff, like Daria, is raised by Annette Edwards, who breeds the Conti breed. He is in the house and sleeps in a special dog bed.
As for the diet, maintenance costs a very round sum - 7,000 euros. In a year, such a giant breed rabbit eats 2,500 carrots and almost 750 apples. And this is not counting greens and other products.
