Continental giant rabbit

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Continental giant rabbit, or the German Giant Rabbit, is a colossal breed initially cultivated for its meat production. It has a unique personality, body shape, and diet, making it different from regular pet rabbits. This rabbit is recognized by the British Rabbit Council, with two main varieties: white and black. However, the American Rabbit Breeders Association doesn’t recognize it as an official breed. Eva Wells says,

“A gentle giant amidst nature’s embrace: the Continental Giant rabbit.”

The Continental Giant rabbit is impressively large, often called “Conti” for short. It holds records for being one of the most giant rabbit breeds globally, sometimes even more significant than a medium-sized dog. Some can grow up to three feet long.

These rabbits have become popular pets in the US because of their friendly nature and easy trainability. Originally bred as continental giant rabbit for meat, they have transitioned to become excellent family companions, demonstrating compatibility with both children and other pets.  In this article, we’ll talk about its behavior, background, and health issues to help you decide if this rabbit is right for you. Keep reading to find out more.

Overview OF Continental Giant Rabbit

Attribute	Continental Giant Rabbit
Size	Giant
Weight	13–35 lbs
Lifespan	4–7 years
Similar Breeds	Flemish Giant, Giant Angora, Belgian Giant, Checkered Giant
Suitable for	An experienced rabbit owner with sufficient space for this huge breed
Temperament	Playful, intelligent, gentle, friendly, easy to train

Continental Giant Rabbit Size

Continental giant rabbits weigh between 16 and 25 pounds on average and are typically over 3 feet long. They can even grow more significant than this. Despite their size, they make great pets for both adults and children. However, they typically live for around five years on average because of their size.

Continental Giant Rabbit Weight chart

Age	Weight Range (lbs)
Two weeks	6 oz – 1.0 lb
One month	1.5 – 4.0
Two months	4.0 – 6.5
Three months	6.0 – 10.0
Four months	8.0 – 12.0
Five months	10.0 – 14.0
Six months	11.0 – 15.0
Seven months	12.0 – 16.0
Eight months	13.0 (bucks), 14.0 (does) – 17.0
9+ months	14.0 – 15.5

How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?

These rabbits can cost between $350 and $500. But how much you pay depends on where you get them from. If you buy from a good breeder, it might cost more. The price also changes based on things like how old they are, how heavy they are, how long they live, how well they’re looked after, and whether you want one as a pet or for shows. Taking care of them can add up to nearly $1,000.

Before getting a Continental giant rabbit, or “Conti,” you should find a good breeder. This way, you can be sure you’re getting a healthy bunny with no problems in its genes. If the breeder can’t eliminate bad traits, choose a purebred Conti because they have fewer genetic issues.

Temperament And Intelligence Of The Continental Giant Rabbit

Continental Giant rabbits are known for being gentle, friendly, and affectionate, sometimes even too much. They love to hop around and play and can even learn tricks because they’re brilliant.

If you spend time with them and handle them gently when they’re young, they can develop behaviors similar to dogs as they grow up. This makes them very fun to have around, which is why they’re often seen in shows.

Food and Diet Requirements For Continental Giant Rabbit

Continental giant rabbits eat plants, so they need hay every day. Hay is full of good stuff for them and keeps their teeth healthy. Leafy veggies are also crucial for their stomachs.

You can give your Conti special pellets made for rabbits. These pellets have all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow strong.

Contis need extra food because they’re big. They like protein-rich kibble, dark greens, apples, and carrots. They eat a lot because they’re large and need more calories than smaller rabbits.

Always give your rabbit clean water. More than one bowl might be needed for a Conti, so have lots of water around your house where they play.

Please don’t feed your Conti too much because they can quickly get overweight. This can cause serious health problems.

Continental Giant Rabbit Care

It’s essential to keep your Conti clean. Please gently brush them once a week, especially when they’re shedding their fur. This helps prevent them from swallowing too much fur, which can cause tummy troubles. Brushing also stops bugs and keeps their fur neat.

Taking care of their teeth is also crucial. Make sure to visit the vet regularly to check their teeth. This helps prevent pain while they eat. Don’t bathe your Conti because it can stress them out. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth quickly. Their big ears can get dirty, so gently clean them, too. And trim their nails to keep their feet healthy.

Housing For Continental Giant Rabbits

A single Continental Giant Rabbit needs a cabinet big enough for two rabbits. The cabinet should be at least 12 by 20 square feet so they can move freely. Since they’re big, the cabinet should also be tall enough for them to stand without hitting their heads.

The cabinet should have a removable bottom for easy cleaning. Add soft bedding for comfort and hay feeders for snacks.

Use wood pellets or aspen for bedding because they absorb urine well and are easy to clean. Avoid pine and cedar since they don’t absorb well.

When cleaning, use cage cleaner or natural options like white vinegar. Natural cleaners are safer for your rabbit and just as effective.

Training For Continental Giant Rabbit

Training a Continental Giant Rabbit is more accessible than other rabbit breeds because they’re smart. They can learn to use a litter box, but it’s best to start when they’re young.

To potty train them, take them outside to a quiet spot in your yard where they can go to the bathroom. But always watch them closely because animals outside might try to harm them.

Exercise & Sleeping Needs For Continental Giant Rabbits

Continental Giant Rabbits are pretty relaxed pets. They don’t usually run around often and prefer chilling with their friends or just hopping around their space. Even though they’re not super active, they still like to check out what’s happening around them.

They might wander around your house or even explore parts of your yard that aren’t safe, especially when they’re young. Putting a fence around your yard is a good idea to keep them safe. Since they’re big and can gain weight quickly, they need exercise to stay healthy. Ensure they have plenty of space to move around, whether inside or outside. Ensure the area is safe so they don’t get lost or hurt.

Health Conditions

While Continental Giant Rabbits are generally robust, they can still face some health issues.

Minor Concerns:

• Arthritis
• Flystrike
• Myxomatosis and Viral Hemorrhagic Disease

Serious Issues:

• Overweight
• GI Stasis

It’s essential to monitor your Conti’s health and seek vet care if you notice any problems.

Male Vs. Female Continental Giant Rabbits

Male and female Continental Giants have big heads, pointed ears, and large eyes. However, males are much more prominent in size. They both have massive ears, making them stand out in the rabbit world.

Females are often nurturing and protective of their babies. They can be very caring mothers. On the other hand, males can be territorial and aggressive. They might even harm or kill their offspring while fighting for dominance.

Continental Giant Rabbit Colors

Continental Giant Rabbits come in two main categories: colored and white. The most usual colors for these bunnies are white and black. However, some also have brown or piebald markings on their backs, sides, ears, and tail tips. Other standard colors include:

• Light gray
• Steel gray
• Agouti
• Opal
• Yellow
• Black
• White

What Is The Difference Between A Flemish Giant And A Continental Giant Rabbit?

Flemish Giants are known to be calm and friendly, perfect for kids because they’re patient and playful. They’re not noisy and can adapt to different homes quickly.

Continental Giant rabbits are also friendly and calm. They like being around people and are easy to take care of. They’re curious and enjoy exploring, so letting them roam is good. If introduced slowly, they can live in different places and become friends with other pets.

Facts About Continental Giant Rabbit Breed

1: Record-breaking Size: The largest rabbit breed in the world is the Continental Giant. Darius, a Continental Giant, made headlines in the Guinness Book of World Records for his massive size, measuring 4.4 feet in length and weighing nearly 50 pounds. However, Darius might soon lose his title to his son Jeff, who measures over 4 feet and still has some growing to do.

2: Big Appetite: Continental Giants are big eaters. They can devour 700 apples and 2,000 carrots in a year and a whole hay bale in a week. Feeding a Continental Giant can cost their families around 5,000 pounds a year.

3: Cuddly Companions: Despite their size, Continental Giant rabbits love cuddles. They enjoy sitting on their owner’s lap and seeking affection. They’re not always aware of their large stature and will happily bond with their human family members. Showering them with love and attention from a young age helps build trust and closeness within the household.

Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets?

Continental Giant rabbits can be great family pets because they’re friendly and calm. They enjoy being around people and love getting attention. If you have kids, they’ll likely get along well with this breed.

However, handling them carefully is essential, mainly if your children aren’t used to rabbits. Rabbits have delicate bodies, so teaching them how to handle them gently is crucial. They can accidentally hurt their backs as they grow, so be cautious.

They might kick out with their back legs if they feel scared or hurt. In such situations, it’s best to let them go rather than trying to calm them down to avoid getting hurt or breaking them.

These rabbits are better suited for people who have experience with rabbits and have enough space for them to play. Since they like to chew on things, keeping them away from cables and wires in your home is essential.

Does The Continental Giant Rabbit Get Along With Other Pets?

The Continental Giant rabbit can get along well with other animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits. Its large size often deters cats and certain dog breeds from seeing it as prey and chasing it.

When introducing a Continental Giant to a home with other pets, it’s best to do so gradually and observe their reactions. Introducing them when they’re young can help ensure they all get along.

However, it’s important to note that rabbits, including Continentals, may sometimes fight for dominance, especially when living with other rabbit breeds. Regularly monitoring them is a good idea to prevent any conflicts.

You might have unexpected baby rabbits if you don’t spay or neuter your rabbits. Older rabbits could also harm younger ones, so it’s best to separate them if necessary.

Conclusion

Continental giant rabbits are a popular choice because they can grow big, even more significant than some dogs, and weigh more than regular pet rabbits. This makes them suitable for food, but they’re also great as pets because they’re friendly, happy, and intelligent.

They’re lovely pets that can fit in well with your family, including kids and other animals. But because they’re pretty delicate, they’re better for people who know how to care for rabbits.

If you’re thinking about getting a continental giant rabbit, make sure you have enough space for it to hop around happily. Also, be prepared to provide lots of good food and water because they eat a fair bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Continental Giant Rabbit Weight?

A Continental giant rabbit typically weighs between 16 to 25 pounds on average.

Are Continental Giant Rabbits Friendly?

Yes, Continental Giant rabbits are usually friendly, pleasant, and calm. They typically get along well with children and other pets, and because they’re bigger, it’s generally safer for them to interact with others.

Where Did The Continental Giant Rabbit Come From?

The Continental Giant rabbit originates from the Flanders region in Belgium.

What Is Continental Giant Rabbit Lifespan?

Continental giant rabbit lifespan is between 4–7 years.

Source

Continental Giant Rabbit-Overview

What is a Continental Giant Rabbit?

Litter Training FAQ