The British Giant rabbit is a large breed of domestic rabbit derived from the Flemish Giant rabbit. It arose as a separate breed in the United Kingdom in the 1940s.
British Giant rabbits were bred from the Flemish Giant stock of varying colors from the United States. In Britain, the breed standard of the Flemish Giant is only recognized in steel gray coloring and may be somewhat smaller than the original European Flemish Giants, a breed that originates in Belgium.
Thus the British Giant rabbit was bred for a greater variety in coloring and although smaller than continental Flemish rabbits, retain broadly the same characteristics.
The British Giant rabbit is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, but it is recognized by the British Rabbit Council. The breed is virtually unknown outside the United Kingdom.
British Giant Rabbit Characteristics
The British Giant rabbit is pretty smaller than it’s ancestor, the Flemish Giants. But it is the largest breed of all British rabbits. The breed has a substantial build long body. They have broad straight back, rounded haunches and powerful legs. Their body is large and powerful.
The fur of these rabbits is medium in length, dense and soft. And their fur comes in a variety of colors including Black, Blue, Grey, Opal, Sable and White. Their head is wide with full cheeks. And the ears of the British Giant rabbit are large and erect.
As a large breed of rabbit, these animals can grow up to 7 kg. But their average body weight is about 5.4 to 5.9 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
British Giant rabbit is mainly raised for meat production. But if they are handled early and regularly enough, then they will become very affectionate and good pets.
Special Notes
British Giant rabbits have the same calm, friendly temperament as the Flemish Giants. They are docile, gentle and amenable like some other large rabbit breeds. But they are not very active compared to other breeds.
They will be more than happy to lie around watching the world go by. They are perfect house rabbit and will live very happily with other animals and children. They have good temperament and rarely aggressive, which make them excellent as pets.
They enjoy human interaction and love affection. But they will be happy by snoozing or stretching out and watching the action rather take part in it. This rabbit breed require regular grooming for keeping it’s fur in good condition and prevent it from becoming matted.
Their average lifespan is about 4 to 6 years. However, review full breed profile of this rabbit breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | British Giant |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly kept for meat, also good as pets. |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Weight | 5.4 to 5.9 kg |
| Suitable for Commercial Production | Yes |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Color Varieties | Black, Blue, Brown Grey, Steel Grey, Opal, White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Growth is moderate, but one problem I have with these rabbit is they eat and poop a lot 🙂 But they are funny and will keep you entertained.