Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Emma Reynolds
When you’re talking about the two most popular and largest breeds of rabbits, it’s always the Flemish Giant Rabbit vs Continental Giant Rabbit.
Flemish Giant Rabbits are a breed that is not often talked about, but they are actually quite common in the pet trade.
However, there is another giant rabbit type that you might have never heard of: Continental Giant Rabbits.
They come from Belgium and France and are classified as the largest rabbit breed. But what are the real differences between these two breeds? We’ll explore some key differences in this article!
Flemish Giant Rabbit vs Continental Giant Rabbit: Key Differences
Flemish Giant Rabbits
- Origin – descended from the Patagonian or stone breeds
- Breed – recognized by the ARBA
- Lifespan – 8-13 years
- Weight – 12-14 pounds
- Size – 30 inches
Continental Giant Rabbits
- Origin – many descendants are Flemish Giants from Belgium but they also share a heritage with other popular breeds like Belgian Hare
- Breed – not recognized by ARBA
- Lifespan – 4-7 years
- Weight – average weight is 20 pounds
- Size – 24 to 28 inches
Appearance
Flemish Giant Rabbits are an easily recognizable breed of rabbit because they have a very distinctive mandolin shape over the top of their body, longer legs than Conti rabbits, and powerful hindquarters.
They typically also have narrower heads with pointed muzzles and shorter ears that are 6 inches long but more tapered at the tips so it resembles a pointy ear like the one you would find on other breeds such as White Faced Black Silvered or Silver Fox Dutch Rabbit.
Continental Giant rabbits, on the other hand, as they are commonly referred to, have somewhat of an arched body-wide and long style body. Their heads are large with a more blocky appearance than Flemish rabbits do; their shoulders should be broad from side to side.
Another difference is that between the ears of Continental Giant Rabbits and Flemish’s is that Continental Giant’s ears come round at the tips wider across in the center. They are also longer measures 25% (or less_ lengthwise along its backside. They also sport thick legs powerful enough for any challenge!
Colors
The ARBA (the American Rabbit Breeders Association) has identified colors of Flemish Giant Rabbits as;
- Sandy
- Black
- Blue
- Light gray
- Steel
- White
The BRC (the British Rabbit Council) has identified the colors of Continental Giant rabbits as;
- Chestnut agouti
- Red agouti
- Black
- Chinchilla
- Opal
- Yellow
- White
Behaviors and Temperament
Continental Giant Rabbits
Continental Giant rabbits appear to be very social and docile animals.
They form strong bonds with their owners and are very attention-seeking.
They are sometimes aggressive only if they are provoked.
They hate to be held and at the same time, they prefer if their feet are untouched.
Flemish Giant Rabbits
Flemish Giant rabbits are gentle, well-mannered, and docile.
They love to roam outdoors and are known to be a non-active breed.
They usually flee from danger instead of being aggressive most of the time.
Final Thoughts
There are many similarities between the two breeds of rabbits, but there is also much to consider.
If you want a great family pet that needs room and comfort for its size, then either type will be perfect!
However, if you’re looking at showing these animals in competitions around the world, make sure to know which breed conforms with your country’s standards before deciding on what rabbit suits best within your home or farm.
Emma is a young, enthusiastic veterinary assistant based in Portland, Oregon. She has a natural affinity for all things fluffy, with rabbits being her absolute favorite. She got her first rabbit, a Holland Lop named Pippin, at the age of 7 and has been head over heels for them ever since. Emma holds an Associate Degree in Veterinary Science from the Portland Community College and has been working in a small animal clinic for the past 2 years.