Flemish Giant Rabbit Size: Exploring the Impressive Dimensions of the World’s Largest Domestic Bunny Breed

The name of the Flemish Giant Rabbit says it all! The Flemish Giant breed of rabbits is the largest. However, don’t let their size concern you. If you are determined to raise these giants or king-size rabbits all you have to do is prepare well. Size matters when it comes to raising and providing a home for these lovely giants. That is why this article is all about SIZE!

To save you time and energy, we have researched on your behalf to provide you with information about the Flemish Giant rabbit size based on age, starting from minimum size to average and excellent. Usually, this huge rabbit weighs between 15 and 22 lbs. (6.8 kg and 10 kg), and the height is between 2.5 and 4 feet (76.2 cm and 122 cm). Once you have the details size-wise, you will be ready to give these giant rabbits a warm welcome and proper size housing.

Read on to learn what to expect when expecting a Flemish Giant rabbit! Be ready to be impressed by its size, strength, and resilience.

Flemish Giant Rabbit Size and Appearance

It is essential to have as much information as possible about the biggest and heaviest domesticated rabbit breed. Usually, with Flemish Giant rabbits, it is love at first site! But you have to be ready for what is coming if you want to have them as pets. Here is what you should know about the Flemish Giant rabbit’s size and appearance:

• Length and weight

The Flemish Giant rabbit’s average weight is between 15 and 22 pounds (female 20 pounds, male 22 pounds), and their length is between 2.5 and 4 feet. At first glance, you even might think it’s a dog! According to the Guinness Book of Records, their awe-inspiring length can reach 4 feet 3 inches. An article in Daily Mail gives us more information about this record-breaking Flemish Giant rabbit. To raise the longest rabbit in the world, the owner, Annette Edwards, had to feed the winner named Darius with 2,000 carrots and 700 apples a year. Even the offspring of the longest rabbit at the time was 3 feet 8 inches tall. Therefore, the Flemish Giant rabbit rightfully owns the title of the longest rabbit breed. Interestingly, the Guinness World Records don’t confirm a record based on the rabbit’s weight to avoid obesity and force-feeding. This is one of many signs that you should watch your rabbit’s weight. You can weigh your Flemish Giant rabbit at home or the vet. At home, you can use a regular scale. First, you weigh yourself, and then again while holding your rabbit in your arms. Then you subtract your weight from the weight of both you and your rabbit. A much simpler way is to visit the vet and use their specialized animal scales. Talk to your vet and set an appointment. Besides the actual weight, your veterinary doctor will tell you whether your rabbit is underweight or overweight and how to proceed from there.

• Head and body

Flemish Giant rabbits have large even shape heads, but males have broader heads than females. Females also have a large folded skin under their chin known as a dewlap. Both males and females have a semi-arch build or if you prefer a unique mandolin shape body. Their body is elongated and strong with large rare muscular legs. Their ears are erected and large and create a V-shape on the top of their head. Flemish Giants have medium-length, thick, and shiny fur with seven officially accepted colors (black, blue, fawn, light gray, steel gray, sandy, and white). This is quite a progress because a century ago the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders (NFFGRB) recognized only grey and black.

Flemish Giant Rabbit Minimum to Average Size

If you are wondering how big your Flemish Giant rabbit should be at a particular age, we have the answer! Check out the table that includes the minimum, average, and best-desired sizes based on the age of your Flemish Giant rabbit.

When we think about rabbits first we visualize their long ears, and Flemish Giant rabbits are no exception. As they grow their cute bunny ears grow as well. Here is an ideal size of their ear length based on age:

• The Flemish Giant rabbit’s ideal one-month ear length is 4″;
• Two-months ear length is 5″;
• Three and four-month ear length is 5 “;
• Five-month ear length is 5 “;
• Six-month ear length is 6″;
• Seven-month ear length is 6″+.

According to Happy Tails Rabbitry (member of the NFFGRB- National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeder, and ARBA– American Rabbit Breeders Association), size does matter, hence the importance of keeping track of your Flemish Giant rabbit’s growth. They believe that crossbreeding is the key to improving Flemish Giant rabbit size (bone, mass, and length). Happy Rabbitry’s second generation of Flemish Giant babies’ length was between 32 and 34 inches, and their weight was between 22 and 24 pounds. Impressive numbers once more show the GIANT feature of the Flemish Giant rabbit breed.

Flemish Giant Rabbit Exhibition Size

If you are entering an exhibition contest with your Flemish Giant rabbit make sure to fulfill the following size requirements:

• Junior Bucks must have a minimum weight of 6.5 pounds;
• Senior Bucks must have a minimum weight of 13 pounds;
• Senior Does must have a minimum weight of 14 pounds and a length of no less than 20 inches and an ear length of 6 inches.

The Flemish Giant rabbits reach their maximum growth between 10 and 14 months depending on the rabbits’ variety and bloodlines. Some are late bloomers and may reach their full-grown size by 16 months, and others by the age of two. Yes, you read it right! The variances in growth are partly genetic and are closely related to their ancestors. Other factors that affect the Flemish Giant rabbit size are diet, living conditions, and more. However, the final result is an astonishingly large, strong, and resistant rabbit with a muscular body.

Flemish Giant Rabbit Proper Size Housing

Now that you know the Flemish Giant rabbit size by age you are ready to provide the best care and proper size housing for this cuddly companion. First, consider the space you can spare for your Flemish Giant rabbit hutch. Think about whether you want to keep your giant size pet indoors or outdoors. Either way, here is what you should know:

1. Indoor Housing

If you decide to welcome your Flemish Giant rabbit indoors that you will need a rabbit’s hutch. Due to their size, the Flemish Giant rabbit needs a larger housing than average. Make sure the hutch is comfortable enough for the rabbit to move and stretch freely. Therefore, you should follow these guidelines:

• The hutch should be large enough for the rabbit to stand up on its hind legs;
• Bigger is better, but the minimum size of the rabbit’s hutch should be 36″ tall and 36″ wide;
• The recommended size of the hutch doorway should be 24″ tall x 20″ wide.

The Flemish Giant rabbit doesn’t like to be completely confined so you will need an exercising area because exercise is crucial for their general health. So, you will need extra space for running and hopping! Make room in the rabbit’s hutch for a litter box, water, food dish, and last but not least, toys. Don’t use carpeting to outline the hutch because the rabbit likes to chew things and that can be harmful for their digestive system. Also, avoid slippery crate floors. You may use a hutch with wire bottoms where the litter box is underneath. In that case, you have to place a plywood layer on the floor to avoid damage and pain to your Flemish Giant rabbit’s hocks. If you don’t have a hutch, you can place your Flemish Giant rabbit in a bunny-proofed room like a spare office or a spare bedroom. Another option for you to consider is to set a puppy pen (or X-pen) in a place of your house for your rabbit which you can easily buy at a pet supply store.

2. Outdoor Housing

The Flemish Giant rabbit loves the outdoors, so it’s a good decision to place it there. This is a rabbit breed that needs sun protection as well as protection from extreme temperatures. Even though the Flemish Giant handles cold temperatures, the heat can be an issue. When the weather is hot, provide a natural cooling system in the rabbit’s hutch with 2-liter frozen water bottles laid within. Whether your rabbit is kept indoors or outdoors you need suitable flooring to avoid sore hocks. Usually, rabbit breeders use solid wood floors with straw or shavings bedding. You have to change the bedding regularly (on 3-day bases) to eliminate bad odor and accumulated waste or to prevent infections. If the hutch has a wire floor coat it with plywood or sheetrock/wallboard that can be easily lifted, cleaned, or changed. Another important thing when it comes to your Flemish Giant rabbit outdoor housing is safety. To keep your rabbit safe, try the following:

• Secure the hutch from outside predators (dogs, raccoons, etc.) that could harm your rabbit (ex. build a second enclosure 12″ away from the outer side of your rabbit’s hutch);
• Keep the hutch clean to avoid attracting parasitic insects;
• Keep your rabbit away from grass and gardens where the owners use pesticides and weed killers that can be harmful;
• Know your plants and keep the poisonous ones outside your Flemish Giant rabbit exercise area;
• Regularly check your rabbit for ticks and other bugs that transmit dangerous diseases.

As you can see, whether you decide to keep your Flemish Giant rabbit indoors or outdoors you should follow the basic size guidelines to enable your rabbit pet to feel comfortable and free in and outside the hutch. Don’t forget to follow the safety rules as well if you want your Flemish Giant to live a happy and long life.

Conclusion

One thing is for sure, SIZE MATTERS when it comes to Flemish Giant rabbits! Size is the main characteristic that distinguishes this rabbit breed from the others.

Hopefully, this article will give you a perspective on the Flemish Giant rabbit size based on age (body and ears), exhibition quality size, and proper size housing. That way you will be able to do your best to fulfill this rabbit breed’s requirement. Use the information in this article to see whether you have the necessary conditions to take care of these rabbits. If you think you are ready to show off with your new rabbit, don’t forget Flemish Giant rabbit means giant responsibility!