Rabbits are considered miniature creatures that are bred primarily for their meat and fur. However, among these representatives of the animal world there are real giants. Moreover, breeders have developed several breeds of the largest rabbits in the world. Representatives of these species regularly set new records for mass and size among these animals.
The largest breeds of rabbits
Among existing rabbit breeds recognized as giants Representatives of the following species are considered: Flanders and Riesen.The gray and white giants, as well as the Soviet chinchilla, are characterized by no smaller sizes. Large breeds differ from representatives of other species in that they gain weight faster. By the age of four months, young animals can weigh more than four kilograms. Therefore, such rabbits are slaughtered for meat and fur at an early age.
Breeding large breeds is associated with certain difficulties. For normal development, such animals require more free space. Large rabbits should not be kept on mesh floors, which can cause calluses on their feet. In addition, representatives of the described species reach sexual maturity later.
Flanders
Representatives Flanders breeds are considered the largest rabbits. It is these animals that regularly set records for various indicators. Representatives of the Flanders breed became the progenitors of all other types of large rabbits. These animals differ in that with a body length of 75 centimeters, the weight reaches ten kilograms. In addition to their massive body, pets stand out due to their large (up to 42 centimeters) chest.
Flandres are characterized by an elongated body, covered with 3.5 cm of hair, and wide 19 cm ears. Animals have a dense body and well-developed muscles. Adult females are distinguished by their fertility: they give birth to up to 35 rabbits during the year.
Risen
Risen is a huge rabbit, a descendant of representatives of the Flanders. This type of animal is bred for meat and wool, the length of which reaches four centimeters. Like its progenitor, Risen reaches a length of 75 centimeters with a weight reaching 12 kilograms. The features of such pets include the presence of massive paws, but a medium-sized head, which looks small against the background of a 42-centimeter chest and 17-centimeter ears.
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their long, thick fur, thanks to which the animals quickly adapt to various climatic conditions (including Russian ones). Due to their large size and massive paws, representatives of this species often suffer from pododermatitis.
Gray giant
The gray giant was bred on the territory of Ukraine by crossing representatives of the Flanders species and outbred rabbits. Officially, this variety was included in the relevant directories in the 50s of the last century. The bred breed is distinguished by an elongated torso, reaching 60 centimeters, and a wide back. This variety is prized for its fleshy croup and massive chest. Outwardly, due to the color of its coat, the gray giant resembles wild hares. The total weight does not exceed four kilograms.
Thanks to the fact that Ukrainian breeders were involved in breeding the breed, the gray giant is well adapted to Russian climatic conditions. However, such rabbits are bred less frequently for meat, since production is 52-54%.
Soviet chinchilla
This breed was developed by Soviet breeders from Novosibirsk and Saratov. In the second half of the 20s of the last century, chinchilla rabbits were imported into the USSR. These animals attracted attention due to their high-quality and thick fur. However, chinchilla rabbits were not large in size. Therefore, Soviet breeders crossed this breed with the white giant for several years. As a result, 40 years later the Soviet chinchilla appeared.
The body of pets of this species reaches 65 centimeters in length with a chest circumference of 40 centimeters. The weight of an adult does not exceed seven kilograms. The head is characterized by compact dimensions.The ears are erect, with pointed ends.
The Soviet chinchilla attracts breeders with its thick and uniform gray-blue fur. These rabbits have a black stripe along their spine.
White giant
The White Giant is another breed developed by Belgian breeders. The progenitors of this species are considered to be albino Flanders. Officially, this type of pet was bred in the 20s of the last century. During the same period, the white giant was brought to the territory of the USSR, but the local climate was not suitable for rabbits.
Therefore, local breeders began crossing this breed with the Soviet chinchilla and the gray giant in order to improve the adaptive properties of the animals.
Thanks to the selection carried out, a breed emerged with the following characteristics:
- thick (20 thousand hairs grow per square centimeter of skin) white fur without spots of other colors;
- rounded croup;
- body length - up to 60 centimeters;
- chest circumference - 37 centimeters;
- weight of an adult is 4-6 kilograms;
- long (up to 16 centimeters) erect ears;
- strong body with a straight back.
The characteristics of the white giant include the lack of pigmentation in the iris, which is why the animals' eyes appear red. Adult females are capable of giving birth to up to 7-8 rabbits at a time, whose weight reaches 3.5 kilograms by four months. In addition to its white fur, the white giant is valued for its tasty meat.
Rabbits included in the Guinness Book of Records
The first rabbit to be included in the Guinness Book of Records was a representative of the Flanders breed named Darius. The maximum weight of this animal reached 22.2 kilograms, and the body length was 1.3 meters. Such large size is due to the genes that Darius inherited from his mother’s side.
This record was later broken by another representative of the Flanders breed. Ralph the rabbit gained 25 kilograms. The parents of this animal were also considered record holders for a certain period.
How much does the largest rabbit in the world weigh?
According to published results of measurements carried out in the world, Ralph is considered the heaviest rabbit. As stated above, the maximum weight of this animal reached 25 kilograms. This record has not yet been broken by other rabbits. Before Ralph, Darius was considered the largest.
Pets bred in Russia have not yet reached such indicators. The best according to the specified parameters are considered to be the descendants of the first Soviet chinchilla, whose weight does not exceed seven kilograms. At the same time, pets of this species gradually increase in size. That is, the specified weight record for the Soviet chinchilla will be broken over time.
