Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Chinchilla Gigantea, Giant Chinchilla (UK)
From United Kingdom (bred by Chris Wren of Hampton Wick around the First World War, introduced in the early 1920s) from French Chinchillas crossed with Flemish Giants; German breeders developed a similar large Chinchilla in parallel. The Wikipedia breed list gives France, the home of its Chinchilla ancestors.123
Breed standard as quoted by Nikki White: minimum adult buck 3.855 kg, doe 4.07 kg, maximum 5.44 kg for either sex (BRC maximum 5.44 kg per Fur & Feather); Wikipedia list 8.5-12 lb (3.9-5.4 kg).
dense, silky short fur on a large, graceful body
A big, elegant rabbit with a thick, silky coat at least about 3 cm long, where density counts for more than length. The Chinchilla colouring is darker than in the standard breed: a slate-blue base for half the hair, a narrow pearl band, then darker ticked tips mixed with guard hairs.21
A friendly rabbit with a lively streak, often described as soft and cuddly despite its size, and considered a good pet as well as a show and utility breed.2
Around the time of the First World War, British breeder Chris Wren crossed French Chinchillas with Flemish Giants to produce a large, graceful rabbit with good meat and a fine pelt, and he introduced it in the UK in the early 1920s. German breeders independently produced a heavy Chinchilla of their own around the same period.12
It was bred to be roughly double the weight of the original Chinchilla rabbit.2
Many authorities once regarded it as the ideal meat-and-fur rabbit and one of the most valuable normal-furred breeds commercially.2
Its top colour is noticeably darker than that of the standard Chinchilla, which helps judges tell the two apart.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinchilla Giganta. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
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
Your Chinchilla Giganta needs unlimited fresh hay every day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. Offer a bundle of hay as big as the rabbit daily, plus a large handful of safe leafy greens and about 25 g of nuggets per kg of body weight. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.24 Pet Wiki plan
A Chinchilla Giganta's diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets. Never feed muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any human processed food. Always provide fresh water and avoid toxic items like alcohol, caffeine, and dairy.245
No, you should not bathe a Chinchilla Giganta. Rabbits are very clean and can get stressed or chilled by water. Instead, check the fur around the tail daily to keep it clean, especially in summer, as noted in Furry Diary's plan.2 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brushing once a week is part of Furry Diary's starting plan, and daily brushing is needed during moulting. This helps keep their dense, silky coat in good condition and reduces loose fur.2 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks as per Furry Diary's plan, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet for nail trimming guidance if unsure.2 Pet Wiki plan
Your Chinchilla Giganta needs at least 4 hours of free-roaming space daily, as Furry Diary suggests. Provide a large, clean cage with daily spot cleaning and weekly full cleaning for a happy, active rabbit.2 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social animals, so a Chinchilla Giganta can live with a neutered companion for company. However, it varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice on bonding.2
A Chinchilla Giganta can live a long, happy life with proper care, but exact lifespan varies. Ask your vet for typical expectations for this breed.2
Yes, this friendly and cuddly rabbit is often described as a good pet despite its size, with a lively but soft temperament. Always supervise interactions with children to ensure gentle handling.2
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely when holding, as they are large and can be startled. Never lift by the ears or scruff, and ask a vet or breeder for a demonstration if needed.2
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.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Giant Chinchilla
Standard Chinchilla Rabbit
American Chinchilla
Flemish Giant