The Flemish Giant is a large rabbit breed originating from Flanders, Belgium. The breed is one of the largest rabbit breeds in the world, with mature individuals weighing 6.5 kilograms or more. Flemish Giants are kept for meat production, exhibition, and as companion animals.
The Flemish Giant was developed in the 16th century in the Flanders region of Belgium through selective breeding of large native rabbits. The breed was exported to England and the United States in the late 19th century and quickly became popular for its size and utility. The Flemish Giant was one of the founding breeds of the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1910.
Flemish Giants are massive rabbits with a large, elongated body and broad head. Mature bucks weigh 6.5 to 8 kilograms and does weigh 7 to 10 kilograms. The breed has a dense, glossy coat that comes in seven recognized colors: black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray, and white. Flemish Giants are known for their calm, docile temperament and are often described as gentle giants.
Meat production is the primary purpose of Flemish Giants on homesteads. Their large size produces substantial meat per carcass. Their gentle temperament makes them easy to handle. Their size requires robust housing and higher feed consumption.