The Flemish Giant is an impressively large rabbit breed, known for its calm nature and friendly appearance. Originating in Belgium, this breed was already being developed in the 19th century for its size and sturdy build. Today, the Flemish Giant has become a popular pet and show rabbit in many countries. With its long ears, powerful body and soft coat it makes an immediate impression, but it is especially its gentle and social personality that makes it a favourite with rabbit lovers. Despite its size, the Flemish Giant is often very relaxed and tolerant, making it a great choice if you are looking for an affectionate rabbit. Because of its size, it does need more space and care than smaller breeds. A spacious living area, attention to diet and daily exercise are essential to keep it healthy and happy.
The Flemish Giant originates from Belgium, where the breed was developed in the 19th century, likely around the region of Flanders. Originally, the Flemish Giant was bred as a meat and fur rabbit because of its impressive size and sturdy build. It is believed that this breed came from crossings between local Belgian giant rabbits and possibly imported breeds such as the Patagonian hare or French giant breeds. Over time, the Flemish Giant was valued not only for its size, but also for its calm and friendly temperament. It soon gained recognition outside Belgium and became popular with breeders in Germany, the Netherlands, England and later also in the United States. Thanks to its relaxed nature and imposing appearance, it became a much-loved pet and show animal. Today, the Flemish Giant is one of the best-known large rabbit breeds in the world.
The Flemish Giant is known for its gentle, calm and friendly temperament. Despite its impressive size, this rabbit is a true gentle giant, easy-going in behaviour and often very sociable. It bonds with its carer and enjoys being close to people, as long as it is given time to connect at its own pace. The Flemish Giant is typically well-balanced and patient, and is less likely to startle than smaller rabbit breeds. This also makes it suitable for families with older children, provided it is approached with respect and calm. Because it is intelligent and curious, it can learn routines well and may even join in simple games. Although it is calm, the Flemish Giant still needs enough space and enrichment.
A Flemish Giant can live on average 5 to 8 years. With good care, a healthy diet and enough space to move, some rabbits may even reach 10 years, although that is more the exception than the rule.
A Flemish Giant is large and heavy, so it is important to lift it carefully and with good support to prevent stress or injury, both for the rabbit and for you. This is the best way to pick up a Flemish Giant:
Never lift by the ears or scruff, this is painful.
A Flemish Giant needs much more space than an average rabbit. Because of its size and weight, a standard rabbit hutch is often too small. A guideline for enough space:
A Flemish Giant is large, curious and needs space to move, lie down and stretch out. Too little space can lead to stress, muscle problems or behavioural problems.
Flemish Giants are intelligent, clean rabbits and, like smaller breeds, they can be litter trained well. They often naturally choose one spot to do their business, and you can use that to your advantage when training.
Start with a spacious litter tray, for example a large cat litter tray or a rabbit toilet. It should be large enough for your Flemish Giant and easy to access. Add a layer of absorbent bedding such as hemp bedding, paper pellets or straw pellets. Avoid strongly scented or sharp bedding, as that can discourage use of the tray.
Observe where your rabbit naturally urinates and leaves droppings, and place the tray there. You can put a few of its droppings and some hay in the tray. Rabbits often like to eat while sitting in the tray, and placing hay in or next to the tray encourages this natural behaviour.
In the beginning, it is normal for your rabbit to have the occasional accident. Stay calm, clean up without punishing, and move droppings or a little urine to the tray so the scent remains there. You can reward desired behaviour with attention or a small healthy treat. Neutered or spayed rabbits are usually easier to litter train, as they are less likely to mark territory with droppings or urine.
With patience, a well-set-up tray and a bit of observation, you can litter train your Flemish Giant successfully, even indoors.
The Flemish Giant is the largest rabbit breed in the world and can grow to an impressive size. Adult rabbits can reach a body length of around 70 to 80 centimetres. Average weight is between 6 and 10 kg, but some Flemish Giants can be even heavier, depending on genetics and care.
Alongside its weight, the large, upright ears stand out. In adults these can sometimes be around 20 centimetres long. Because of its size, this breed needs plenty of space. A standard rabbit hutch is often too small, so a spacious run or free-roam setup is strongly recommended.
A Flemish Giant eats the same basics as other rabbits, but because of its large size it needs more food and fibre to stay healthy. A balanced diet is important for good digestion, dental health and preventing overweight.
The most important part of the diet is hay. This should always be available without limit and makes up about 80% of the daily diet. For adult rabbits such as the Flemish Giant, timothy hay is ideal because it is high in fibre and low in protein. grass hay, meadow hay or herbal hay are also good choices. Alfalfa hay is mainly suitable for young rabbits or rabbits recovering from illness because it contains more protein and calcium. You can rotate hay types depending on what your rabbit likes and tolerates well. As long as your rabbit eats enough hay, it supports healthy digestion and natural tooth wear.
In addition, the Flemish Giant should receive a small amount of pellets that are specifically formulated for rabbits. Choose a high-fibre complete food and feed around 20 g per kilo of body weight per day. Avoid mixed muesli-style feeds, as rabbits often pick out only the tasty parts.
You can also offer fresh vegetables and leafy greens daily, such as endive, chicory, pepper or parsley. Vary regularly and introduce new vegetables gradually to avoid upsetting the gut.
Fresh water is essential. Offer it in a drinking bottle or a clean bowl, refreshed daily.
As a treat you can offer an occasional snack, but do so in moderation. Choose a healthier option such as Natural Garden Sticks.
Want to know more about what your rabbit can and cannot eat? Read our detailed blog: What can rabbits eat? You will find practical tips, lists of suitable vegetables and explanations of foods you should avoid. Ideal if you want to give your rabbit a healthy, varied diet.
The Flemish Giant is, like other rabbits, a social animal that naturally lives with other rabbits. Living alone is unnatural for most rabbits and can lead to loneliness, boredom and behavioural problems. That is why it is strongly recommended to keep a Flemish Giant together with a companion.
The best match is often a neutered male with a spayed female. This usually gives the lowest risk of conflict. Two females or two unneutered males together can lead to tension, especially in adult rabbits.
Always introduce rabbits gradually through a bonding process on neutral territory. This helps prevent fights and increases the chance of a stable bond.
In other words: “one rabbit is no rabbit”.
The Flemish Giant is a friendly, calm rabbit breed, but because of its large size it is more prone to certain health issues than smaller breeds. One of the most common problems is joint issues such as arthritis. The high body weight puts extra strain on the joints, especially if there is not enough exercise or if the surface is hard.
Pododermatitis (inflammation of the soles of the feet, also known as “sore hocks”) is also more common in Flemish Giants. This is usually caused by a surface that is too hard, wet or dirty. It is therefore important to always provide a soft, dry and clean bedding.
Digestive problems can also be a risk, such as gas or blockage. As with other rabbits, a high-fibre diet with enough hay is essential to keep the gut healthy. Because Flemish Giants have more body mass, they are also more sensitive to overheating, especially in summer. Always provide shade and cooling in warm weather.
They can also develop dental problems, as their teeth keep growing. Eating enough hay is essential to wear the teeth down naturally. With good care, enough space, the right diet and regular vet check-ups, you can help prevent many of these health risks and keep your Flemish Giant healthy and happy.
The Flemish Giant is a very large rabbit breed that needs not only a lot of affection, but also extra space and care. Because of its size and weight, it has different needs than smaller rabbits. Good care and suitable housing are essential to keep this calm, friendly breed healthy and happy.
A standard rabbit hutch is usually far too small for a Flemish Giant. It should be able to move freely, stretch out and turn around without bumping into anything. For outdoor housing, a night hutch of at least 120 x 80 cm is needed, with an attached run of at least 2 to 3 m², and more space is always better. The entrances to the hutch and hiding places should also be extra large, at least 30 cm wide and 35 cm high, so the rabbit can pass through comfortably.
Indoors, it is best to choose a spacious pen or a sectioned-off room with a soft, non-slip surface. Many owners choose housing intended for cats or small dogs, such as a large dog crate as a sleeping area or a cat litter tray as a toilet. Always provide:
Flemish Giants are sensitive to overheating, so in summer provide plenty of shade and fresh air. In winter, they need a well-insulated, draught-free place.
The coat of the Flemish Giant is fairly short and easy to maintain, but regular brushing is still recommended, especially during moulting periods. This helps prevent your rabbit from ingesting too much loose hair, which can lead to blockage. Also check the nails regularly, as they can grow too long quickly, especially if your rabbit lives on a soft surface. If needed, have them trimmed by a vet or a groomer.
Because of their calm nature, Flemish Giants sometimes move less, which can make overweight a risk. A well-balanced diet (with plenty of hay, limited pellets and a little veg now and then) and enough room to exercise help prevent this. Also keep an eye on the soles of the feet. Due to the weight of this breed, there is a risk of pododermatitis (inflammation of the soles). A soft, clean surface helps prevent this.
Like dogs and cats, you can house train your rabbit. Many rabbits naturally pick one certain spot to do their business. You can make it easier for yourself by placing a rabbit toilet in this place. There are also rabbits that do their business in the entire enclosure. These rabbits might be harder to house train.
Myiasis, also known as fly-strike, is a very painful and even dangerous condition. If it is not noticed in time, your rabbit could get very ill or even pass away. The disease mainly occurs in the warm summer months.
Rabbits are among the top 10 most popular pets in the Netherlands. They are still often chosen as pets for children. Read here what you should consider when keeping a rabbit as a pet.
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