Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Beveren rabbit, Blue Beveren
From Belgium: named after the town of Beveren in the Waas region near Antwerp, developed in the 19th century from crosses including the Brabançonne, St Nicolas Blue and Blue Vienna; recognised in 1898.123
ARBA senior bucks 8-11 lb (ideal 10 lb), senior does 9-12 lb (ideal 11 lb); PetGuide gives 8-12 lb overall.
dense, glossy rollback fur 3-4 cm long
A big, mandolin-shaped rabbit: medium-long with a broad back and a smooth arch that rises to deep, well-filled hindquarters. Its thick, lustrous coat is about 1.25-1.5 inches long and has plenty of guard hairs, so it slowly settles back into place after a stroke.324
A good-natured, inquisitive and clean rabbit with plenty of get-up-and-go. Most are calm and friendly, though some prefer to stay on the ground rather than be picked up, so gentle, well-supported handling helps.234
Energetic and fond of exploring; benefits from a rabbit-proofed room or a secure garden area to roam each day.435
Brush once or twice a week with a slicker brush to keep the dense coat tidy, more often while moulting.4
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. As a large breed it needs a big enclosure with solid flooring and soft bedding. It copes well with cool weather.425
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.45
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.5
The Beveren takes its name from a small town near Antwerp, where it was bred in the 1800s and recognised in 1898. Mrs A. M. Martin brought blue Beverens to Britain and showed them at Norwich in 1905, and on 29 May 1918 seventeen enthusiasts met in Birmingham to found the Beveren Club. The breed reached North America around 1915 and was valued for both its fur and as a pet.243
It is counted among the oldest and largest of the fur rabbit breeds.3
Blue was the breed's original colour; black and white came later.3
The UK Beveren Club was founded by 17 people at a meeting in Birmingham on 29 May 1918.2
Its white variety is a blue-eyed white.2
The breed is noted for good tolerance of cold weather.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Beveren. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Your Beveren needs unlimited good-quality hay every day, plus a measured portion of rabbit pellets and a daily handful of safe leafy greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label for pellet amounts; your vet can help with exact portions.457 Pet Wiki plan
A Beveren's diet should be mostly hay and grass, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and any processed human food; always check with your vet for a full list.4578
Rabbits are clean animals and rarely need bathing; if your Beveren gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth. Ask your vet for advice if needed.
Brush your Beveren once or twice a week with a slicker brush to keep its dense coat tidy, and more often during moulting. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, increasing to daily when shedding.4 Pet Wiki plan
Check your Beveren's teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and trim nails about every six weeks. Your vet can show you how to do both safely. Pet Wiki plan
Your Beveren needs a large enclosure, at least 3m x 2m x 1m high, with a sleeping area and a run. Furry Diary suggests at least four hours of free-roam time daily in a rabbit-proofed room or secure garden.425 Pet Wiki plan
Beverens are sociable and should not live alone; a neutered rabbit companion is ideal, along with calm daily interaction with you.5
A Beveren rabbit typically lives between 5 and 10 years with good care.4
Beverens are generally calm and friendly, making them suitable for gentle children, but they need careful handling as some dislike being picked up. Always supervise interactions.234
Support your Beveren's hindquarters and back fully when picking it up, and keep handling gentle and calm. Some Beverens prefer to stay on the ground, so respect their comfort.234
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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