10 Largest Rabbit Breeds in the World

While plenty of people are familiar with rabbits, most probably think of the small garden varieties that weigh in at around three pounds or less. However, the common Eastern cottontail would look absolutely tiny when placed next to these impressive rabbit breeds!

So, just how massive can the largest rabbit breeds get? Today we’ll look at 10 of the largest rabbit breeds in the world and rank them according to how much they weigh. We’ll also learn some fun facts about the origins and traits of each charming breed!

10. Silver Fox

  Source: wikimedia.org

This gorgeous rabbit breed was found to have first originated in Ohio, possibly through selective breeding between Champagnes and Giant Checkered rabbits. Silver foxes are so named for their coats, which traditionally bear black and grey colors very similar to those of actual silver foxes! The breed is also known for being very docile and easy to handle, making it a good choice for a family pet.

Did you know? 

The unique “stand up” fur of this breed will literally stand on end when ruffled until it’s brushed back into place!

9. Giant Papillon

  Source: vetstream.com

The Giant Papillon, a rabbit breed that is said to be comparable to the Checkered Giant, is said to have originated in the Lorraine region of France in the late nineteenth century. They were bred from Flemish giants and large varieties of French lops, and are known in France as Great Lorrainese. These rabbits have slender but muscular builds and long, straight backs, and are notable for their bright, playful temperaments.

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The breed standard is very specific in terms of where the black patches in a Giant Papillon’s coat should be located, and those who don’t measure up are called “Charlies”.

8. Checkered Giant

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Checkered Giant is similar to the Giant Papillon in the specificity of the markings that fit the breed’s description. Many people consider these two rabbits to be subtle variations of the same breed, but others choose to categorize the French Giant Papillon and the American Checkered Giant as completely separate breeds. The Checkered giant has a similar build, but a more distinctly arched back than its French counterpart.

Did you know? 

While the Giant Papillon is officially recognized as a breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the British Rabbit Council, the latter does not recognize the Checkered Giant as a legitimate breed.

7. British Giant

  Source: wikimedia.org

This delightful rabbit was bred from the Flemish giant, which was strictly limited by the breed standard in terms of color. The British giant was bred for color variation over size, winding up slightly smaller than its Flemish ancestors. However, this rabbit breed is still the largest one in the United Kingdom and is known for mixing well in family households with children and other pets!

Did you know? 

The British Giant usually costs around 60 British pounds to adopt in the UK!

6. Altex

  Source: tonybluegoat.blogspot.com

The Altex was specifically cross-bred as livestock for the commercial meat industry, and is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association or the British Rabbit Council. There is a high amount of variety when it comes to the Altex rabbit’s traits, and its main strength is faster weight gain as a result of crossbreeding. The ability to pack on weight quickly makes this rabbit ideal as livestock.

Did you know? 

The name “Altex” is derived from the corresponding state initials that go with Alabama A&M University and Texas A&M University, where the breed was developed.

5. Chinchilla Rabbit

  Source: wikimedia.org

Despite commonly being called the Chinchilla for short, this rabbit breed has no actual relation to Chinchillas and cannot breed with them. It is named after the Chinchilla because there is such a strong resemblance between their coats, which are silvery-grey and extremely lush and soft! There are several different varieties of the Chinchilla Rabbit, with the standard actually being one of the smallest in terms of body length.

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This rabbit breed was first developed in France in 1919 by crossing Beverens and Himalayans with each other.

4. Hungarian Giant

  Source: geneconservation.hu

This breed was originally called the Hungarian Agouti and was formed by selectively breeding wild rabbits and close relatives with desirable traits. The existing specimens of this breed aren’t as good for livestock as more modern, developed breeds since their food-to-muscle conversion is comparatively lesser. As a result, deliberate conservation efforts must be made to keep the breed going strong.

Did you know? 

This rabbit used to only be bred in the color of Agoutis, but the breed was expanded to include more colors and the word was dropped from the name as a result.

3. Blanc de Bouscat

  Source: wikimedia.org

The rare and beautiful Blanc de Bouscat was originally bred by a French couple who wanted to breed a hefty rabbit with frosty-white fur and red eyes. They certainly succeeded with this breed, which has since become a well-known and popular pet breed in France. One of the rabbits used to create this breed was the silky soft French Angora, which results in the Blanc de Bouscat having a very luxurious coat.

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This gorgeous rabbit breed has a few long, silky guard hairs that give it a frosty or shimmery appearance.

2. Continental Giant

  Source: petguide.com

These large rabbits are actually named according to their locations within the same breed: rabbits bred in their original homeland of Germany are called German Giants, while those bred in other countries are called Continental Giants. These rabbits are known for their gentle temperaments and are said to have descended from the Flemish Giant breed. Continental Giants are also notable for their sturdy builds and high bone density.

Did you know? 

Continental Giants average at around five times the size of an average eastern cottontail rabbit!

1. Flemish Giant

  Source: wikimedia.org

The Flemish giant is the largest rabbit breed in the world by weight. Some people theorize that this breed was created by crossing Belgian rabbits with giant Argentinian rabbits that were brought back from overseas by 16th-century sailors. In any case, the result was a giant rabbit that wound up being nicknamed the “King of rabbits” in honor of its impressive size and personality! Interestingly, traits such as long ears and good eyesight were retained from wild rabbit bloodlines.

Did you know? 

A combination of gentle nature and trainability make the Flemish giant a nice housepet for families.