Continental vs Flemish Giant Rabbits: Key Differences
The key differences between Continental and Flemish Giant rabbits are their size, behavior, and temperament. The Continental and Flemish Giant rabbit breeds share many common physical characteristics. They have thick, heavy bones, large, broad heads, and long straight ears. In the past, these giant rabbits were bred for meat but are now kept mainly as pets. Though they can appear identical, both have unique differences that set them apart, as explained below.
Continental vs Flemish Giant Rabbits: Appearance
Both Continental and Flemish Giants have thick and dense fur; however, Flemish Giants do not have coats as thick or long as some Continental Giants. Contis have thick, dense fur that comes in two color variations, White and Colored. Colored variations can be black, light grey, dark grey, agouti, opal, or yellow. They have a double coat of guard hairs and a soft underlayer and often need grooming. Continental Giants are not currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Flemish Giants have a smooth, glossy coat that requires little grooming. They have a wide variety of coat colors, from black, light grey, dark grey to white, sandy, blue, or fawn.
Continental vs Flemish Giant Rabbits: Size
One major difference between Continental and Flemish Giant is that Flemish Giant has no maximum size or weight requirement and can be as large as possible. Continental Giants are up to 3 feet long and can weigh 16-20 pounds on average. They have defined and well-muscled hindquarters and back legs, and long ears that are up to 25% the length of their bodies. They live an average of 5 years. The Flemish Giant generally weighs up to 22 pounds. However, the breed can become overweight quite easily, and some Flemish rabbits are the size of a medium dog. They also have powerfully muscled hindquarters and legs, with a noticeable semi-arched body. The ears are 8 inches in length, and this breed has an average lifespan of 5-7 years.
Continental vs Flemish Giant Rabbits: Behavior And Temperament
On average, Flemish and Continental giants are gentle, docile, and even-tempered. This easygoing nature makes both giant breeds excellent family pets. Like most rabbits, they are intelligent and can learn a variety of commands. The Continental Giant is gentle and easy to train, but the key personality distinction is energy. It is a bit smaller than the Flemish Giant and often has a more playful nature. While it is often content to spend quiet time with its owner, it equally enjoys a good play session. The Continental Giant is a bit more impatient with being held, and owners also state that the Conti is not a fan of having its feet touched. This breed is reasonably active and prefers playful engagement. Much more laid-back than the Continental Giants, Flemish Giants are cuddly and docile pets. As they are less active on average than most rabbits, they tend to be more content with being held. Unless threatened, the Flemish Giant is often more accepting of young children and one of the most patient rabbit breeds!
Which Giant Rabbit Breed Is Right For You?
If you are interested in adopting a rabbit, you can’t go wrong with either of these giant breeds. Both are docile and gentle animals that can be excellent companions for the right owner. However, it is essential to note that the Flemish Giant has additional health concerns and risks to look out for. Due to their very large size, they are at risk of becoming overweight. Additionally, their low activity can contribute to this concern and should be monitored. Also, the Continental Giant often needs more grooming due to its thicker and longer coat. This is a concern for all giant rabbit breeds, as sometimes they struggle with maintaining their hygiene. But both breeds benefit from regular grooming sessions. Rabbits groom each other often as a sign of affection, and these sessions can help an owner bond with their pet! For more information on what caring for a pet rabbit entails, check out this article on what rabbits eat!
