The size of a dog: what the largest rabbit on the planet looks like (6 photos)

Giant rabbits actually exist!





We are used to the fact that rabbits are usually small in size, a little shy and very cautious. But the flanders are not like that: they can be wonderful companions, they can actively run around the house, and with their size easily surpass some dogs. Yes, yes, these giants are definitely bigger. Yorkies, Maltese, Chihuahuas and other small breeds. But with everything In this they are obedient, calm and patient, they are often turned on as pets.



The Flanders are also known as the Belgian Giants. Brought them out to Belgian region of Flanders as early as the 16th century. How did they appear so far? remains a mystery: perhaps among their ancestors were Patagonian rabbits, which were brought from South America. Also in Belgium and France once bred large Flemish rabbits, but this the breed has disappeared: perhaps their blood flows in the flanders. In any case, they outgrown their supposed ancestors: Flemish rabbits weighed about 4 kg and have always been considered fairly large individuals. the Flanders usually 2.5 times larger, but there are also exceptional giants: for example, the most a large rabbit weighs 22 kg, and reaches a length of 1.3 meters.





Of course, this breed was originally bred for meat and fur, and it became famous only at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the fashion for agricultural exhibitions. For a century, Flanders began to be bred in different countries, and the attitude towards them has also changed: now they are often are raised as pets.



So why are Flemishes the perfect rabbits for the home? They are calm, very patient and, with the right upbringing, get along easily even with kids. Well, imagine what it's like to have such a soft home a fluffy giant who calmly chews on a carrot in the corner of your house or garden? True, due to the size of the flandres, much more is needed. space than ordinary rabbits, as well as food.



Flanders are very popular with breeders because of their size: thanks to their fertility, many new breeds appeared. By the way, exactly flanders are the ancestors of gray giants, large rabbits that are bred in Russia and CIS countries. In the Soviet Union, they tried to breed Flanders, however, they did not take root due to the climate.



But perhaps the most interesting descendant of these giants is Belgian hare. Breeders tried very hard on this breed: they wanted the domestic rabbit to look like a hare. They actually have it turned out: this eared one is easy to confuse with a hare.