10 largest rabbits in the world

key point

• There are more than 300 species of rabbits in the world.
• The largest breeds often weigh nearly 20 pounds.
• The largest individual rabbits weigh more than 50 pounds and are 4 feet long.

Rabbits are known to make excellent pets, especially for children, as they can live indoors or outdoors and are easy to tame. Rabbits are prone to littering, just like cats. One thing you do have to be aware of is that rabbits like to chew on things, including electrical wires. In fact, rabbits need to chew to keep their teeth healthy, so you'll want to provide them with the right toys and food, and make sure they don't reach any electrical wires.

There are around 300 recognized rabbit breeds around the world that are cute and cuddly – from soft ears to straight ears, long and short, there is something for everyone. But how big can rabbits get? Well, the answer is about as big as a medium-sized dog. So, with that in mind, in which breeds are you likely to find these giants? Delve into the world's 10 largest rabbits by weight!

#10: English Lop

First on our list is the English lop, a breed first bred in England in the 1800s and known for its large floppy ears and friendly personality. The English lop is considered one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit and can reach a weight of around 5.5 kg (12 lb). They can be a variety of colors, ranging from solid colors (black, blue, and beige) to white patches. They are often considered a very lazy breed which, combined with their curious but friendly nature, makes them great pets for children. However, due to their large, floppy ears, they are prone to ear problems, so they need regular checkups to ensure their health.

#9: Giant Papillon

Also known as the checkered giant, the giant Papillon native to France usually weighs between 5 and 6 kg (up to 13 lbs). They were originally bred from Flemish Giants and spotted rabbits in the late 19th century. This is a short-haired breed most notable for its soft white coat with black patches and erect black ears. They are gentle by nature, but are usually active and energetic and need a lot of exercise to keep them happy.

#8: Totoro

Weighing approximately 6 kg (13 lbs), the chinchilla rabbit is a large breed that originated in France before being introduced to the United States in 1919, giving birth to the American chinchilla rabbit. Despite the similar name, chinchilla rabbits are not actually related to chinchillas. Known for their soft silver-gray coats and white bellies, these rabbits are easily distinguished from other breeds. Although they were originally bred for meat, chinchillas can make great pets these days as long as they are treated gently.

#7 French Lop

Easily reaching a weight of 6 kg (13 lb), the French Lop is actually a cross between the English Lop and the French Butterfly. First bred as meat rabbits in France in the 1850s, they are stocky, with floppy ears and short coats of various colors. Although they are often used for display these days, they do make great pets and get along well with other animals. However, due to their size, they can sometimes be difficult to handle, so they are generally not recommended for first-time rabbit owners.

#6: Hungarian Giants

The Hungarian Giant Rabbit is a rabbit species developed by breeding commercial meat rabbits with wild rabbits more than two hundred years ago. Because of their color, they were originally called the Hungarian agouti until more colors were introduced and then the name was changed. They generally weigh around 6 kg (13 lb) and have large, straight ears, and although they now come in a variety of colors, the agouti is still the dominant color for the breed. These days, they are used more for display than for eating meat.

#5: Blanc de Bouscat

Originating in Buscate, France in 1906, these stunning white rabbits have one of the silkiest coats on any rabbit today thanks to its relative, the French Angora. The rabbits are technically albino, and their eyes are pink and have never been found to be any other color than white. Growing to a weight of over 6 kg (13 lb), the Blanc de Bouscat is easily one of the largest rabbits around. Calm and affectionate, they are docile giants and make excellent pets. They are still relatively unknown in the rest of the world and are considered a dangerous breed in their native France.

#4: British Giants

A close relative of the Flemish Giant, the English Giant is one of the largest rabbit breeds in the UK, weighing between 6 and 7 kg (up to 15 lb). Originating in England in the 1940s, the English Giant has straight ears and a medium-length coat that can come in a variety of different colors, including black, white, blue, and grey. The English Giant is an exceptionally calm and docile breed that makes great pets, including children.

#3: Spanish Giants

The Spanish giant weighs around 7kg and is fighting for the top spot on our list. It was originally bred by crossing the Flemish Giant with other large Spanish rabbits, and the result is a huge, friendly rabbit, often only the size of a small lamb. They have long, straight ears, come in several different colors, and their coat is short and thick. Their docile nature makes them excellent pets, although they do require plenty of room to exercise due to their large size.

#2: Continental Giant

Often considered one of the largest rabbits around, the continental giant is a giant rabbit that weighs over 7 kg (15 lb) and measures about 3 feet in length. Sometimes called the German Giant, these rabbits live about five years and can be found in a variety of colors, including those with white patches. Their coat can be very thick, growing to about 4 cm (1.6 in) long. Due to their large size and muscular build, they were originally bred for meat, but these days they are often just pets. Continental giants get along well with other animals, such as cats and dogs, and their docile nature makes them great choices as pets.

#1: The Flemish Giant

Typically weighing more than 8 kg (18 lb), the Flemish Giant is undoubtedly the largest rabbit breed in the world. Originally bred in Flanders for fur and meat, the Flemish Giant has very large straight ears and a bushy coat that can come in many different colors including black, white, blue, fawn and grey. They are fully grown at one and a half years old, and despite their size, these gigantic rabbits are really just gentle giants, as they have an exceptionally calm nature, making them fantastic for anyone who has room for them. good pet. These gigantic rabbits were the ancestors of many other giant rabbits, including the Spanish giant and the English giant, but they still manage to retain the top spot for the largest rabbit.

Bonus: Meet Darius, the world's largest rabbit

While we've listed the largest rabbit breeds above, the title of largest rabbit on Earth belongs to Darius, a continental giant who weighed over 50 pounds and was over 4 feet long!

Darius was bred in England by a breeder who bred super-sized continental giants. Unfortunately, on April 11, 2021, Darius was reported missing and believed to have been stolen. Darius has already fathered several offspring of his size, which means whether or not he returns, his record as the world's largest rabbit may not last for long!

Summary of the 10 largest rabbits in the world

Rabbits can be great pets. They are cute, well-behaved and smart. Just be careful and keep them away from wires or woodwork that you don't want to bite into. As for size, there are rabbits of all sizes out there, and if you prefer a larger breed, these are the top ten:

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