Pet Wiki

Giant Angora

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States: developed by Louise Walsh of Taunton, Massachusetts, from German Angoras crossed with French Lops and Flemish Giants.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, malefrom 4.3 kg314
Weight, femalefrom 4.5 kg314
Lifespan7 to 12 years12
Sizelarge

ARBA/NARBC minimum senior weights: bucks 9.5 lb (about 4.3 kg), does 10 lb (about 4.5 kg), with no maximum. Wikipedia also quotes a minimum of 5.4 kg (12 lb).

Highest wool yield of the ARBA Angoras
Gentle and docile
Impressive size
124

Coat and looks how to spot one

very dense three-part wool coat

A big, commercial-type body under a thick coat made of three kinds of fibre: soft, gently waved underwool, a stronger wavy 'awn fluff' in the middle, and straight guard hairs on top that give the coat body. The oval head has a broad forehead with tufts and cheek furnishings, and the ears are lightly fringed with tassels. The coat does not shed on its own, so it is harvested by shearing.314

ColoursRuby-eyed WhiteChestnut (listed by NARBC)13

Personality what they are like

A gentle, docile rabbit that can be a little shy at first. Handling and plenty of time outside its enclosure while young help it settle and show more personality.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs generous daily time out of its enclosure for hopping and exploring; its size means it needs more room than a smaller Angora.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A high-maintenance coat: brush every couple of days to keep the wool from matting, and shear 3-4 times a year. A Giant Angora yields roughly 12-18 ounces (about 340-510 g) per harvest according to Wikipedia, or 1-2 lb a year by PetGuide's figure. Trim nails regularly.21

Home where they are happiest

Needs a spacious enclosure with soft bedding on solid flooring, cleaned daily and changed weekly, plus a larger exercise area. Welfare guidance asks for enough height to stand upright and room for several consecutive hops.25

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.26

Company who they like around

Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.62

The story where it all began

When ARBA declined to recognise the German Angora, Louise Walsh of Massachusetts set out to build a large wool rabbit with a commercial body, crossing German Angoras with French Lops and Flemish Giants. The result, the Giant Angora, was recognised by ARBA in 1988.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the largest ARBA Angora breed and the only Angora shown in six classes (junior, intermediate and senior for each sex).1

  2. 2

    Awn-type wool, the wavy middle layer of its coat, is found only in the Giant and German Angoras.1

  3. 3

    It matures slowly: does usually take over a year to reach full size and bucks can take up to 18 months.1

  4. 4

    In the show standard the senior does must weigh more than the bucks, at least 10 lb against 9.5 lb.3

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA
Recognised in 1988. The largest of the four ARBA Angora breeds and the only one shown in six classes. Varieties: Ruby-eyed White (Wikipedia, PetGuide); the NARBC page lists ruby-eyed white and chestnut.1
ARBA
Developed specifically as a wool producer; no maximum weight in the standard.4
National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club
Senior bucks minimum 9.5 lb, senior does minimum 10 lb; most judging points go to the wool (density, texture, length).3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Giant Angora. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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 Giant Angora?

Provide unlimited fresh grass hay every day, as it should make up most of the diet. Offer a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets, following the food label and your vet's advice. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and check teeth weekly.26 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Giant Angora eat, and which foods are dangerous?

The diet should be about 70% grass hay, plus daily leafy greens and a measured portion of pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and any processed human food. Always provide fresh water and consult your vet for specific amounts.2678

Should I bathe a Giant Angora?

Bathing is not recommended as it can stress the rabbit and damage its wool coat. Instead, keep the fur clean by brushing regularly and checking the tail area daily, especially in summer. If the coat becomes soiled, consult a vet or groomer for safe spot-cleaning.21 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Giant Angora need brushing?

Yes, daily brushing is essential because the long wool mats quickly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every day and shearing the coat every 8 weeks. This keeps the rabbit comfortable and prevents painful tangles.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Giant Angora's nails and teeth?

Trim nails regularly, about every 6 weeks as per Furry Diary's plan. Teeth grow continuously, so provide plenty of hay to wear them down and check weekly for overgrowth. A vet should handle any dental issues.2 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Giant Angora need?

This large rabbit needs a spacious enclosure with solid flooring and soft bedding, plus at least 4 hours of daily free-roam time for hopping and exploring. The enclosure should be tall enough for it to stand upright and long enough for several hops.25 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Giant Angora live alone or with friends?

Rabbits are social animals, so a Giant Angora is happiest with at least one compatible rabbit companion. Regular calm daily contact with people is also important. Always introduce new rabbits slowly and neuter them to prevent fighting.26

How long does a Giant Angora live?

With good care, a Giant Angora can live between 7 and 12 years. Providing a proper diet, regular grooming, and veterinary check-ups helps ensure a long, healthy life.21

Is a Giant Angora a good pet for children?

This gentle, docile rabbit can be a good pet for calm, older children who understand how to handle it carefully. It may be shy at first, so early handling and plenty of time outside its enclosure help it settle. Supervision is always needed.2

How do I hold a Giant Angora?

Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. Hold it close to your body to make it feel safe. Gentle, calm handling from a young age helps it become comfortable being held.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.

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Where this comes from

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

  1. Angora rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, varieties, lifespan, wool yield, facts
  2. Giant Angora Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for temperament, grooming, care, history
  3. Giant Angora Rabbits - National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club nationalangorarabbitbreeders.comused for weights, coat layers, colours, judging
  4. Giant Angora - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for purpose, wool, no maximum weight
  5. Rabbit environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing space
  6. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general diet and social care
  7. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  8. 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.