Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called German Giant, Continental Giant Coloured, Continental Giant White
A gentle, docile and friendly rabbit that is clever enough to learn tricks and can be trained to a litter tray and even a harness.
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.8 to 11.3 kg (15 to 25 lb)12 |
| Lifespan | 4 to 5 years21 |
| Coat | Normal fur |
| Origin | Continental Europe (also called the German Giant); descended from the Flemish Giant and first documented in 1893.21 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
A gentle, docile and friendly rabbit that is clever enough to learn tricks and can be trained to a litter tray and even a harness. With proper handling it is good with children and can live peacefully alongside other pets.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Continental Giant. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
normal fur
A very large rabbit with a mandolin-shaped body, descended from the Flemish Giant. It is shown in two separate breeds in the UK, one for white rabbits and one for coloured ones.13
Needs a lot of floor space every day to hop and stretch out at full length; many owners use a shed with a run or supervised free-roaming.14
Brush regularly and trim nails often, as indoor rabbits do not wear them down. Provide soft flooring such as fleece or thick bedding to cushion the feet of such a heavy rabbit.1
Needs far more room than a standard hutch: TheVetDesk suggests an enclosure of at least 12 x 12 ft (about 3.7 x 3.7 m), and welfare guidance asks that a rabbit can stand fully upright and hop several times in a row.14
Unlimited hay with fresh water, plus fresh vegetables and leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Being so big, it eats much more than an average rabbit; TheVetDesk gives 6-12 cups of pellets a day for an adult.15
Happiest living with another rabbit, ideally one of a similar size, and bonds well with its family.15
The Continental Giant comes from the Flemish Giant and was first recorded in 1893, originally as a meat breed in continental Europe. Its calm nature later made it a popular family pet, and in Britain it is shown as two breeds, Coloured and White.213
A Continental Giant called Darius, bred by Annette Edwards, measured about 4 ft 4 in (132 cm) long.2
Annette Edwards' rabbits have held the longest-rabbit record since 2004, across several generations.2
In 2010 a rabbit named Ralph was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's heaviest rabbit.2
It can be trained to walk on a harness and lead if started young.1
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
Provide unlimited hay every day, plus fresh vegetables and a measured amount of quality pellets. Because of its big size, it eats much more than an average rabbit; follow the feeding guide on the pellet label and consult your vet for exact amounts. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes refilling hay daily.15 Pet Wiki plan
A Continental Giant should eat unlimited hay, a variety of safe leafy greens and vegetables, and a measured amount of quality pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, muesli-style mixes, and any processed human food; always stick to a hay-based diet. Fresh water must always be available.1567
Bathing is rarely needed and can stress your rabbit; instead, check daily that the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summer, and spot-clean with a damp cloth if necessary. For any skin concerns, ask your exotic-pet vet for advice. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brush your Continental Giant regularly, at least once a week, and daily during heavy moulting to keep its coat healthy and reduce fur ingestion. This gentle routine also strengthens your bond.1 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your rabbit's nails every six weeks or so, as indoor rabbits don't wear them down naturally. Check its teeth weekly because they never stop growing; unlimited hay helps keep them worn, but if you notice overgrowth, see a vet. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly teeth checks and nail trims every six weeks.1 Pet Wiki plan
Your Continental Giant needs a very large enclosure, at least 12 by 12 feet, with room to stand fully upright and hop several times. It also needs at least four hours of supervised free-roaming each day to stretch out and explore.14 Pet Wiki plan
A Continental Giant is happiest living with another rabbit, ideally one of a similar size, as they are very social. They also bond closely with their human family, so they should not be left alone for long periods.15
A Continental Giant typically lives for around 4 to 5 years. With excellent care, proper diet, and regular vet check-ups, some may live a little longer.12
Yes, with proper handling, the Continental Giant is gentle, docile, and friendly, making it a good pet for older children who can be calm and respectful around animals. Always supervise interactions to ensure safety for both.1
How you hold a Continental Giant depends on its size and comfort; always support its hindquarters and back securely. It's best to ask your vet or a good rabbit breeder for a hands-on demonstration to avoid injury.
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.
Flemish Giant
British Giant
Checkered Giant
French Lop