INTRODUCTION

The giant Flanders rabbit is one of the largest breeds in existence. Generally, standard sized breeds do not usually weigh more than four kilos, whereas the Flanders rabbit weighs between 6 and 10 and can reach up to 18 kg!

THE HISTORY OF THE FLANDERS GIANT

To understand the origins of the giant Flanders rabbit, it is necessary to go back to the Flanders region of Belgium. There, in the middle of the 19th century, work began on the creation of a breed of rabbit of considerable size, ideal for the fur and meat industry. Local breeders crossed several large breeds of rabbits, resulting in the imposing Flanders Giant that we know today.

Selective breeding has played a crucial role in developing and maintaining the desirable characteristics of the Giant Flanders rabbit. Specialist breeders have worked over the years to preserve the size, coat and temperament of this unique breed, ensuring that each specimen maintains the standards set by the breeders' associations.

WHAT IS THE FLANDERS GIANT LIKE?

The Flanders Giant is a particularly imposing breed of rabbit, distinguished by its remarkable size. In fact, these rabbits can weigh between 4.5 and 10 kg, and some exceptional individuals even exceed this limit. Their body is massive and well-proportioned, with a broad thorax and a robust bone structure, giving them a powerful and majestic appearance.

The coat of the Flanders giant is rich and soft, offering a pleasant texture to the touch. This coat is generally dense and can be of different colours, including shades of grey, brown, black and white, as well as varied patterns. The length of the coat can also add a certain elegance to their appearance.

The ears of these rabbits are long, measuring up to 15 centimetres, and stand straight up, giving them an attentive air. The head is broad and slightly rounded, with expressive eyes that exhibit a wide variety of colours depending on the individual. In terms of tail, it is short, which adds to the compact silhouette of the Flanders giant. This combination of physical characteristics makes this rabbit both impressive and charismatic.

As far as the accepted colours are concerned, they are as follows:

• REW (White with red eyes)
• BLACK
• BROWN
• IRON
• IRON BROWN
• ORANGE
• GTIS
• FIRE BLUE
• BLUE

Any type of deviation, strange characteristic or clear sign of neglect/maltreatment is cause for penalty or disqualification and removal of the breeding, depending on the type of deviation and its seriousness.

THE HEALTH OF THE FLANDERS GIANT

The life expectancy of the Flanders Giant is approximately 7 years. Due to its size it is very necessary to control its diet to avoid obesity as well as to watch the type of soil on which it lives, as it is prone to pododermatitis.

It is also necessary to be careful with falls, as it is very easy to break a leg or the back when falling from a more or less considerable height (such as a hairdresser's table) due to its weight.

THE FLANDERS GIANT AS A PET

The Flanders Giant is usually a friendly animal with a low tendency to aggression, but it is necessary to socialise it very well, as its kicks and bites (especially the kicks) can do us a lot of harm. It is advisable not to keep him near cats or small dogs, as if he hits them he can cause them serious injuries.

CONCLUSION

The Flanders Giant is a particularly imposing breed of rabbit, distinguished by its remarkable size. Their body is massive and well proportioned, with a broad chest and robust bone structure, giving them a powerful and majestic appearance.,,