Pet Wiki

Blanc de Termonde

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Also called Bianco di Termonde (Italy), White of Termonde

SizeLarge
CoatDense, silky normal fur on a large, long body
OriginBelgium123
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
Striking pure white coat with ruby eyes
Large, graceful build
Silky, dense fur
12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blanc de Termonde. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 6 weeks
  • Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
  • Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
  • Spot cleanevery day
  • Full cleanevery week
  • Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
  • Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
  • VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense, silky normal fur on a large, long body

A big, elegant rabbit with a long straight frame, well-rounded muscular hindquarters and strong legs held close to the body. The head is long and broader in bucks, and the large, sturdy ears with rounded tips ideally measure 13.5-15 cm. The coat is thick, smooth and soft to the touch, pure white, set off by ruby-red eyes.12

ColoursWhite (ruby-eyed)123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily time out of any hutch or cage to run, hop, stretch and dig, plus toys, forage trays or puzzle feeders to keep it busy.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A short normal coat needs only a weekly brush, a little more often while moulting. Keep plenty of hay available so the constantly growing teeth wear down naturally. A white coat shows hay stains easily, so clean, dry bedding helps keep it looking its best.4

Home where they are happiest

The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can move, play, hide and stand up fully; a hutch alone is not enough and works only as a base joined to a large run or free-roam space.4

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unlimited fresh hay as the main food, a daily portion of leafy greens, a small measured amount of rabbit pellets, carrots and fruit only as occasional treats, and constant fresh water.4

Company who they like around

Rabbits are social animals and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion, plus calm daily contact with people. Lift them with the back and bottom supported.4

The story where it all began

The Blanc de Termonde was created in Belgium by crossing Flemish Giants with Beverens (French Wikipedia names the Blue Beveren). It was first selected as a commercial meat rabbit and is now kept mainly by exhibitors as a rare breed, including in the UK and Italy.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is an albino breed, which is why every Blanc de Termonde is pure white with ruby-red eyes.1

  2. 2

    Its standard asks for large, robust ears of about 13.5-15 cm with rounded tips.2

  3. 3

    Bucks should have no dewlap, while does are allowed only a slight one.2

  4. 4

    In Italy, where it is also counted as rare, it goes by the name Bianco di Termonde.1

Recognised by the official bits

British Rabbit Council
Recognised and listed among the Normal Fur breeds (standard N.11), looked after by the Rare Varieties Club.5
British Rabbit Council
Recognised and regarded as a rare breed in the UK; not recognised by ARBA.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Skewers

Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.

You need

  • 1 small banana
  • 15 feeding hay strands

How

  1. Slice the banana into small pieces, about 1cm thick.
  2. Take long, thick strands of feeding hay and poke 5-6 strands through each banana slice.
  3. Feed one skewer per rabbit per day.

How much: One skewer per rabbit per day

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Blanc de Termonde?

Your Blanc de Termonde needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of rabbit pellets. Carrots and fruit are only occasional treats, and constant fresh water must always be available. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to refill hay daily.46 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Blanc de Termonde eat, and which foods are dangerous?

The main diet is unlimited hay, with daily leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Never feed muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, or any human processed foods like dairy or meat, as these are dangerous.467

Should I bathe a Blanc de Termonde?

Bathing is not recommended for rabbits as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, keep their white coat clean with dry bedding and spot-clean any dirty areas gently.4 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Blanc de Termonde need brushing?

Yes, a weekly brush is enough for their short normal coat, but brush more often during moulting. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing while moulting to keep the coat smooth and reduce stains.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Blanc de Termonde's nails and teeth?

Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and provide plenty of hay to wear them down naturally. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and always ask your vet for guidance on safe trimming.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Blanc de Termonde need?

Your rabbit needs a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, plus daily time out to run, hop, stretch, and dig. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam space each day.4 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Blanc de Termonde live alone or with friends?

Rabbits are social animals, so it's best to keep your Blanc de Termonde with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion. They also enjoy calm daily contact with people.4

How long does a Blanc de Termonde live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics, so ask your vet for specific guidance. With proper diet, housing, and regular vet check-ups, rabbits can live many happy years.

Is a Blanc de Termonde a good pet for children?

Yes, with calm and supervised handling, this gentle rabbit can be a wonderful pet for children. Always teach kids to lift the rabbit with back and bottom supported, and ensure daily quiet time together.4

How do I hold a Blanc de Termonde?

Always lift your rabbit with one hand supporting the back and the other supporting the bottom, keeping them secure and comfortable. Never pick them up by the ears or scruff, and ask your vet for a demonstration if unsure.4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Blanc de Termonde - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, ancestry, weight, colour, recognition, uses, Italian name
  2. Blanc de Termonde - Wikipédia (French) fr.wikipedia.orgused for weight, coat texture, body and ear standard, dewlap, ancestry
  3. List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight range, origin, BRC recognition
  4. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, social and enrichment guidance
  5. Breed Standards - The British Rabbit Council thebrc.orgused for BRC standard number and Rare Varieties grouping
  6. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.