According to historical sources, domesticated back in the Mesolithic period, rabbits were deliberately bred in the Roman Empire.
In modern rabbit breeding, three main goals have been defined - obtaining tasty meat, fluff and fur. Recent decades there is another direction - the development of decorative dwarf species.
But our goal is to talk about the largest, and to clarify which is the largest breed of rabbits in the world. In order for the reader to have an integral picture, we will present large breeds of rabbits with photographs.
The biggest rabbits in the world:
13
White down
The conclusion of this amazing breed of animals involved breeders of many animal farms of the Soviet Union. In 1957, white downy was recognized as an independent breed.
Soviet breeders worked for a long time, crossing Angora rabbits with unpretentious domestic species. The result was excellent. The animals grow up to 4 kilograms, but they grow them mainly to obtain fluff, on average cutting from 0.7 to 1 kilogram per year.
Big and beautiful rabbits easily acclimatize and adapt to any conditions due to their endurance.
12
Angora down
It is believed that these unusual cute rabbits came to European countries from Turkey, but experts did not fully figure out the birthplace of their birth.
Due to its unusual appearance and quality fluff, the Angora down rabbit has become popular as a pet.
Today they have become a popular species in fur farms specializing in downy breeds. Adults reach a weight of up to 3 kilograms, but grow very slowly.
This species requires special care, maintenance in large mesh enclosures. To maintain their health, they must be constantly cut.
11
Rex
In the early twentieth century, breeders of France bred the amazing shorthair breed Rex. European rabbit breeders immediately appreciated the dignity of wool.
Adults grow up to 4.5 kilograms, and the length of the body on average 54 centimeters. Bunnies are not in a hurry to grow, but by 5 months they are gaining their 3 kilos.
Due to the variety of colors, skins can be used in their natural form, without artificial painting.
10
Soviet marder
Before the war itself, in 1940, a relatively medium-sized species was bred in Armenia, which received an unusual name. In addition, these rabbits have a very original appearance, so it is very difficult to confuse them with others.
With a compact and strong physique, rabbits weigh an average of 3.7–4 kilograms, but sometimes even reach 6 kilograms. The color of the fur resembles marten fur, which is why this is the name, because the marder is translated as marten.
9
Russian ermine
One of the oldest breeds in Russia was bred to obtain high quality skins. However, in addition to skins, tender rabbit meat was also valued in Russia.
The animals have an amazing white color, only the ears, the tip of the nose, legs and tail are black or dark brown. Because of the unique color, the breed was so original named.
Adults reach 4 kilograms, and the body in length - 51 centimeters. Unpretentious, and easily adapt to any conditions of detention and climate.
8
Ram
Do not be surprised that there is such a wonderful name among the rabbit family. A head with hanging ears resembles a lamb.
Rabbits not only have an original appearance, but are also famous for their remarkable qualities of meat. Unpretentious in care and maintenance, grow up to 6 kilograms.
Among the congeners are distinguished by a very flexible and calm character. Experts say that the cause of this behavior is fold. According to TheBiggest, this is another of the most beautiful non-decorative rabbit breeds.
7
Vienna blue
A handsome man with soft fur and a romantic name has long gained popularity among farmers around the world.
The animals grow up to 4-5 kilograms, but there are also record holders of the species, reaching 7 kilograms. Rabbits are well prolific, and in one breeze they bring from 8 to 9 rabbits.
The Viennese blue skin is used in the manufacture of clothing, because wonderful fur is of high quality.
6
Butterfly
Animals with such an unusual name were first presented at an exhibition in England in 1897. Stains on the nose in the form of a butterfly caused the unique name of the breed.
The body is strong, slightly elongated, the weight of adult rabbits is 4–5 kilograms. With medium size, this is a very nimble and agile animal.
In Russia, this species was easily adapted to the conditions of a changing climate, but kept in households and bred on farms mainly because of excellent meat and skins.
5
California
Pets of a purely meat direction were once brought to the United States. They were brought to the USSR in the 1970s, and, notably, they quickly adapted to local conditions.
Unlike relatives, they are not at all timid, but they are calm and easy to adapt to different conditions of detention. In addition, rabbits of meat breeds are bred to obtain skins.
The taste indicators of Californian sleepy meat are appreciated all over the world.
4
Soviet chinchilla
A large meat-and-hide direction crawl was bred at the dawn of the Soviet era, and for its resemblance to a furry animal it got such an original name.
At the first stage of breeding, the individuals did not differ in large body sizes, but after crossing with white giants, they received excellent weight indicators of 5 kilograms.
Females of the Soviet chinchilla gently care about their offspring, and because of the fur can be called the most beautiful.
3
Gray giant
Already by the name it is clearly seen that the animals grow large, and weigh more than 6.5 kilograms.
At the end of the 20s of the 20th century, flanders from Europe were brought to the USSR. But they could not adapt to harsh climatic conditions, and perished. Soviet breeders and rabbit breeders were given the task, while maintaining their size, to create a special breed adapted to the climate.
So it turned out the Gray giant. In addition, the animals not only adapted to the climate, but also have strong immunity.
2
White giant
But the white giant was brought out in Germany, and again it could not do without flanders. By long selection of albinos such handsome men turned out.
Meat-and-hide rabbits also came to Russia, but they breed them on farms located mainly in the southern and temperate latitudes.
Males reach 6–7 kilograms of weight, and fluffy fur and skins are highly valued in the industry.
1
Belgian flanders
And now directly to the champions in size and weight. The Belgian flanders was bred around the 16th century, and today it is the largest breed of rabbits.
Some individuals reach a weight of 10 kilograms, and the size is simply amazing and admirable. Only ears are 14–20 centimeters long, and the body is 0.7–0.75 meters long.
Despite the difficulty that courtship has in keeping, the Belgians have become one of the most popular among breeders due to the taste of meat. And the restaurants of the world are happy to get meat on their menus.
🐰
Conclusion
In the photo: Rabbit
Different breeds each have their own advantages, and among large breeds there are real champions in weight and size. For many years, rabbit breeding in any area has been one of the most popular types of animal husbandry in different parts of the world. This is especially popular in Russia, the USA, and countries of Central Europe.
But judging by the popularity on the Internet, these cute animals have long vied with cats for the number of likes and enthusiastic comments. TheBiggest.ru editorial staff is happy to read about what large breeds of rabbits you saw, or maybe even bred.