Checkered Giant Rabbit
It is the largest breed of rabbits. It is originated in France. It is a breed of domestic rabbits and you can have them as pets. It is accepted by the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association). It has white or black marks on its coat. Let’s have a look on these few quick attributes related to the checkered giant rabbit.
| Scientific Name | Oryctolagus Cuniculus |
| Temperament | Energetic, affectionate |
| Lifespan | 5-6 years |
| Color | White with blue or black marking |
| Weight | 11-13lbs |
| Body Shape | mandolin |
| Size | Giant |
This above table is showing some basic facts about this giant rabbit. It is considered as the largest breed of rabbits among all the rabbit breeds. Now let’s discuss this rabbit’s history, its characteristics, and many interesting facts.
History of Checkered Giant Rabbit
The history of this rabbit that how it is developed or how it is originated is still under discussion. Breeders are not having a proper answer to these questions. But according to some research, this rabbit showed to the world in 1800 in France and Germany.
At that time some breeders are trying to breed Flemish Giant and French Lop to create a breed that has spots. As a result of this cross-breeding, another rabbit breed which was named as “Land Kaninchen.” It has a size of 10-12lbs approximately which we today known as Checkered Giant Rabbits.
Breeds never stop and they continuously tried to bred Flemish giant with a checkered giant to produce another giant rabbit specie which is named “Lorraine Rabbit” and also called “Great German Rabbit.”
A breeder of Germany in 1904, bred a black Flemish giant rabbit with the great German rabbit, which in result develop a checkered giant rabbit. This breed is not that ancient it only came six years ago and is recognized by American Rabbit Breeders Association.
Checkered Giant Rabbit’s Physical Appearance
Physically it has a mandolin type body shape with erected ears that stays upward all the time. This giant rabbit is a strong muscular rabbit with strong legs, a broader face, and ears.
Some of the points that came under the heading of physical attributes are as follows;
Checkered Giant rabbit size
It has a huge or massive size. It is observed as the largest breed of rabbits among all those domestic rabbit species.
Checkered Giant rabbit weight
According to our research, their weight values have some variations which are not that problematic. Some of these rabbits have a weight value which ranges between 11-13lbs whereas, some have 10-12lbs.
Checkered giant lifespan
As discussed in our previous articles related to rabbit species, outdoor rabbits that stay in forests have a shorter lifespan than those that live indoor. Mostly, those rabbit species which are taken as pets, and proper care is given to them have a longer lifespan. So, a giant rabbit has a lifespan of 6-7 years.
Checkered Giant rabbit colors
Like other rabbits, this breed doesn’t have a wide variety of colors. It comes as a result of cross-breeding between black Flemish giant and giant German rabbit. Thus, it only has a white color with blue and black spots on its fur.
Coat Characteristics of Checkered Giant Rabbit
Giant rabbits don’t have large fur like fuzzy lop rabbits. Its fur size is small to medium which is very easy to groom. You just need to brush its coat once in a weak. Rabbits by nature are clean animals, so avoid bathing them use a damp cloth whenever required.
Rabbits usually shed once in a year (spring and fall). So, during that time you need to brush its hair twice a day. Otherwise, it may eat its own fur which is not digestible.
Checkered Giant rabbit diet
Its diet is not different from other rabbits. It also requires high-quality hay. Mix it with some fresh vegetables and fruits. Make sure the availability of freshwater and hay all the time. Feed your rabbit good quality hay as it is a matter of health.
Don’t try to give these things to your rabbit because it may have a severe effect on your rabbit’s health;
- Leeks
- Chives
- Mustard green
- Onions
- Lettuces
Some green leaves can also be given to your rabbit, not all only a few. Like as, fennel, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, and watercress, etc.
Checkered Giant rabbit facts
Here we will share some facts about this giant rabbit. let’s have a look at them;
- This breed is best for all types of people it doesn’t matter either you are single or have a family. It can live with both. Further, if you are thinking of adopting a pet then this one is a good choice.
- It has a very sweet, calm, friendly, and affectionate temperament.
- It has a strong muscular body and powerful legs.
- Basically, it is a very energetic and active breed of rabbits.
- It is the largest breed of rabbits that are being developed with the help of cross-breeding between black Flemish giant and German rabbit.
- It has white fur with different color spots on it like blue or black.
- Its lifespan is 6-7 years.
- Its diet is just like another rabbit breed, high-quality hay.
- Less grooming is required because of shorter fur. Use a slicker brush to brush its fur.
Checkered Giant Rabbit Health
The only health problem that is seen among all rabbits is the overgrown teeth. Fortunately chewing of hay helps in the worn-down of teeth. But if due to some reason your rabbit’s teeth are not worn down, immediately go to the vet because it will cause severe pain in the jaws of your pet.
Moreover, in some cases, we have seen that few rabbits have an infection which leads to other health problems. So, our advice is to go to the vet every month for a regular checkup of your pet. He will give antibiotics to your pet which helps to remove the infection.
Ear infection is another major problem found in rabbits. Outdoor rabbits are most susceptible to have an infection in-ear because of ear mites. So, try to give your rabbit a de-worming paste once in a month.
Keep an eye on the behavior of your rabbit because sometimes it becomes very aggressive which is because your rabbit needs to be spayed. The neutering process in rabbits starts when they are three to four months older. But, according to the vet’s advice, you should start spaying your rabbit when it is five to six months old.
Checkered Giant rabbit personality/behavior
- Like other breeds of rabbits, this breed is not as loving or affectionate as others. They are loving but not like others.
- It makes a good pet for those who want to have pets. Because it loves to interact with people somehow it is having a social interest among humans.
- If you are thinking of having a pet that loves to be cuddled, then this is not for you. Because it doesn’t like to cuddle.
- This breed is good for singles, couples, and families. But young children don’t have the idea that how to handle a pet so they may get aggressive sometimes because of this.
- As it is the largest breed of rabbits so it needs a larger enclosure this is how they stay happy.
- Mostly it is very hard to train a rabbit that how to litter. They don’t learn faster like cats and dogs. So, most of the owners try to put the litter box into the cage of rabbits in which he can do his business.
- Rabbits love toys, so provide them with some stuff toys.
- Give your rabbit some time out of their enclosure it will help them to stay active and energetic.
Checkered Giant rabbit for meat
In recent times it was used for meat purposes but not now. This breed of rabbits is not used for meat purposes anymore. They are used in shows. People love to have them and raise them, train them properly, and prepare them for shows.
How big do checkered giant rabbits get?
It is the larger breed of rabbits that can usually reach up to the sizes of 12lbs. In some cases, there are some giant rabbits that have more than 12lbs size. Because its origin is happened because of cross-breeding between two giant rabbit breeds namely the Flemish giant rabbit and great German rabbit.
What is the checkered giant rabbit used for?
As discussed above it is used for meat purposes a few years back. But now it is widely used as pets and in shows.
What do Checkered giant rabbits eat?
Its food is not different from other rabbit species. Its diet’s main portion is hay. Every rabbit’s diet consists of 70% hay. Make sure you are feeding high quality otherwise it may cause health issues in your rabbit. try to give some fresh fruits along with vegetables. It is also good for your pet’s health.