- Flemish Giant
, most famous for its unusually large size compared to other rabbits.
Flemish giants come in seven varieties recognized by the
American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA): black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray, and white. They are shown in six classes (three buck classes and three doe classes): Junior bucks and does under 6 months, Intermediate bucks and does 6-8 months, and Senior bucks and does 8+ months. The show classifications under the ARBA Standard of Perfection declare that Juniors should be 6 pounds and over, Senior bucks a minimum of 13 lbs, and Senior does to be 14 lbs. There is no maximum size, however, and they commonly attain weights in excess of 22 lbs.No one knows the exact origins of the Flemish Giant breed. Some suggest that the during the 16th and 17th century, Dutch Traders may have brought giant Patagonian rabbits from the Argentine Republic back to Europe with them. The large rabbits of Flanders were well known at the time, and may have been cross bred with the Patagonian. While the name "Flemish" comes from Flanders, the similarities to the Patagonian lead many to speculate that this giant is in fact descended primarily from the wild Argentine rabbits.
External links
[http://www.nffgrb.com/index.html NFFGRB (the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders)]
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