Often weighing in at more than 10 kilograms (22 lbs), the Flemish Giant is by far the largest rabbit breed in the world. They are also extremely docile creatures and make great pets.

Originally a utility breed raised in Flanders, Belgium for its fur and meat, the Flemish Giant eventually became a show breed, due to its high bone-to-meat ratio. Today, they are considered one of the most docile and tolerant rabbit breeds in the world and can make great pets, if raised correctly. According to breed standards, a well-developed Flemish Giant has a large head, long, erect ears, a long and powerful body, and a nicely rounded rump. Unsurprisingly, the world’s largest rabbit is a Flemish Giant rabbit that weighs 49 lb (22 kg) and measures 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in).

Photo: Stamatisclan/Wikimedia Commons

Due to its large size, the Flemish Giant, the “king of rabbits”, requires substantial living quarters, as well as large quantities of food compared to other breeds of domesticated rabbits.

The Flemish Giant is a very old breed of domesticated rabbit that can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, including the Steenkonijn, or Belgian Stone Rabbit.

Although the breed received little international attention until about 1910, when it started appearing at small livestock shows, its impressive size made it stand out. Today, it is still bred for its meat and fur, but it is more popular as a companion. If treated correctly, these gentle giants are very docile even around small children.