Summary
The Continental Giant, also known as the German Giant,[1] is a very large breed of rabbit which was originally bred for meat.[2] It is recognized by the British Rabbit Council in two categories, colored and white,[3][4] but is not recognized as a breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
Overview edit
The Continental Giant, first documented in 1893,[2] is said to have descended from the Flemish Giant.[2]
The longest Continental Giant on record is approximately 4 feet 4 inches (c. 132 cm) in length,[5] and the heaviest weighs 53 lbs (c. 24kg).[2] The average lifespan for the breed is 4–5 years.[2] The record for the longest Continental Giant was held by the breeder Annette Edwards since 2004, across three generations of rabbits.[6] Continental Giant rabbits are more likely to suffer femoral fractures and it is hypothesized to be caused from a weakness of bone.[7] In 2010, Ralph was recognised as the world's heaviest rabbit by Guinness World Records.[8]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Oak Creek Farms, Breeder of Specialty Continental Giant Rabbits". OakCreekGiants.com. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "Continental Giant Rabbit". Just Rabbits. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ BRC Breed Standard – Coloured
- ^ BRC Breed Standard – White
- ^ Bowerman, Mary (26 February 2017). "Giant rabbits apparently make great pets". USA Today. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ Chamberlain, Zoe (8 April 2012). "Meet Darius, the world's biggest Easter bunny!". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ Dorlis, C., Garcia‐Pertierra, S., Richardson, J., Koterwas, B., Keeble, E., Eatwell, K., Ryan, J., & Clements, D. N. (2021). Femoral condylar fractures in four continental giant breed rabbits. Journal of Small Animal Practice. doi:10.1111/jsap.13417.
- ^ "Is this the world's biggest rabbit?". ITV News. 1 April 2013.