Big bunny, bigger heart.
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Also called Gentle Giant, Universal rabbit, Vlaamse Reus, Flämischer Riese, Belgian Giant
Known as the gentle giant for good reason: a Flemish Giant is usually relaxed, patient and friendly.
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.9 to 6.35 kg (13 to 14 lb)males from 5.9 kg, females from 6.35 kg123 |
| Length | 61 cm (24 in)2 |
| Lifespan | 5 to 10 years2 |
| Coat | Normal short-furred coat on a long, large-framed body |
| Origin | Flanders, Belgium, around the city of Ghent, which was a major rabbit-breeding centre in the 19th century.435 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Known as the gentle giant for good reason: a Flemish Giant is usually relaxed, patient and friendly. Rabbits that are handled often from a young age tend to accept being picked up and petted, and they can get along with children and other pets when introductions are done carefully. Their quiet nature has even made some of them successful therapy animals.42
A typical home-care rhythm for a Flemish Giant. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
normal short-furred coat on a long, large-framed body
One of the largest domestic rabbits, with a long, powerful body and a big frame. It wears a normal short rabbit coat that comes in seven solid colours; the traditional steel grey was the original colour of the breed.456
Moderate but space-hungry. Plan for several hours a day out in a large, safe run or rabbit-proofed room where the rabbit can hop, stretch and explore at full length.2
Brush once a week, and about twice a week during seasonal moults. Check and trim nails regularly and keep an eye on the ears. Because of their weight, give them soft, solid flooring such as rugs, mats or thick bedding rather than wire, and support the hindquarters when lifting.2
Needs far more room than a standard hutch. Welfare guidance for two medium rabbits is a combined living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, where each rabbit can stand upright without ears touching the roof and stretch out fully; a giant breed needs at least that, scaled up. Breed guides suggest an enclosure around 1 m wide and 3 m long as a base, plus daily free-roam time and hiding places large enough for its size.72
Unlimited grass hay (such as timothy) should make up most of the diet, with constant fresh water, a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Being so large, a Flemish Giant eats noticeably more than an average rabbit, so budget for plenty of hay.72
Like all rabbits, a Flemish Giant is happiest with a compatible rabbit companion, ideally one of similar size. It also enjoys regular calm time with its people.72
The breed grew out of the large meat and fur rabbits kept in Flanders, possibly as far back as the 16th century. Its forerunners likely included the old Belgian Steenkonijn (stone rabbit, named after a weight unit of roughly 3.8 kg) and the now vanished Patagonian, a big iron-grey rabbit that Dutch traders may have brought to Europe. Breeders around Ghent refined these rabbits over generations, and reliable records begin around 1860. Albert van Heuverzwijn wrote a breed standard in 1893, and the same year a 4.5 kg standard was shown at an exhibition in Chemnitz, Germany, where German breeders later pushed the size up to 8-9 kg. England had a Flemish club early on, and steel grey rabbits shown at the Crystal Palace in London reached around 16 lb. Flemish Giants crossed to America in the late 1800s and again in 1908-1910, all steel grey at first. The National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders formed in 1915, whites and blues were added in 1919, sandy greys were developed in Salt Lake City around 1923, and fawns joined the standard in 1938. The Flemish Giant is also counted among the ancestors of the Belgian Hare and the Continental Giant.4583
Its nickname 'universal rabbit' comes from how many jobs it has done over the years: pet, show rabbit, meat and fur animal, and therapy animal.4
When the breed first reached Germany around 1880-1890, the rabbits weighed only about 4-5 kg, roughly the size of today's medium breeds. German breeders nearly doubled that within about 20 years.3
In the ARBA standard the does must be heavier than the bucks: at least 14 lb for a senior doe versus 13 lb for a senior buck.1
Around 1860, English visitors reported Flemish rabbits of 18-20 lb, but when checked, the typical weight turned out to be 12-14 lb.5
The US breed club was founded in 1915 with 86 charter members from 19 states, and one member, John Coon, stayed in it for 81 years.8
The first Flemish Giants imported to the US in 1908-1910 were all steel grey; the other colours came later, with fawn the last to join in 1938.8
A Flemish Giant named Alex the Great became famous as a trained therapy rabbit, picked for adoption because of his gentle nature.4
Flemish Giants are a popular choice in 4-H youth programmes for teaching children how to care for animals.4
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 Flemish Giant needs unlimited grass hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to refill hay daily and feed greens and pellets once a day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, as this giant breed eats more than an average rabbit.72 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be about 85% grass hay, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets, with constant fresh water. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, muesli mixes, or any human processed food. Always check with your vet for a safe list.72910
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it can cause stress and health issues. If your rabbit gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and ensure the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summer. For any concerns, ask your vet.2 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brush once a week, and about twice a week during seasonal moults. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing while moulting to keep the coat healthy and reduce loose fur.2 Pet Wiki plan
Check and trim nails regularly, about every six weeks as per Pet Wiki's plan. Teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. Always ask your vet for nail trimming guidance.2 Pet Wiki plan
This giant breed needs far more room than a standard hutch, with a base enclosure at least 1 m wide and 3 m long, plus daily free-roam time of several hours in a safe, large run or rabbit-proofed room. Pet Wiki suggests at least 4 hours of running space daily.72 Pet Wiki plan
Like all rabbits, a Flemish Giant is happiest with a compatible rabbit companion, ideally of similar size. It also enjoys regular calm time with its people. Introduce any new rabbit carefully and ask a good breeder or rescue for advice.72
A Flemish Giant typically lives between 5 and 10 years. With good care, a healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups, you can help your rabbit enjoy a long, happy life.2
Yes, they are known as gentle giants, usually relaxed, patient, and friendly. Rabbits handled often from a young age accept being petted and can get along with children when introductions are done carefully. Always supervise interactions to ensure safety for both.42
Support the hindquarters fully when lifting, as their large size and weight make proper support essential. Use soft, solid flooring like rugs or mats to protect their feet. For safe handling techniques, ask your vet or a good breeder.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.
Continental Giant
British Giant
Checkered Giant
Belgian Hare