Checkered Giant Rabbit 101

The Checkered Giant rabbit is a large breed of rabbit that is said to have originated in France.

Weighing over 11 lbs, it takes a certain type of bunny owner to handle one of these rabbits. You’ll need to make sure you have the space and the food for this furry creature, as well as lots of energy as they are an active bun.

That being said, they can make a wonderful family pet in homes with those who understand their needs. If you’re interested in learning more about this big rabbit and seeing whether they might be the pet for you, keep watching this video.


HISTORY OF THE CHECKERED GIANT RABBIT.

The American Checkered Giant rabbit is usually seen as a show-rabbit because of its impressive size and appearance. They are one of the largest rabbit breeds yet are still commonly seen as companions in many different homes. The Checkered rabbit is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.


BREED ORIGIN.

While some believe the Checkered Giant rabbit originated in France, others believe the breed originated in Germany. Either way, these rabbits were first created by breeding together Flemish Giants, French Lops, and spotted rabbits. These bunnies were called “Land Kaninchen” although they did not have the markings we know today’s Checkered Giant to have.

These Land Kaninchen continued to be bred with Flemish Giants throughout Germany to increase their size and eventually the “Lorraine rabbit” was created, sometimes called the “Great German Spotted rabbit”.

In 1904, a breeder called Mr. Otto Reinhardt of Reinfalz, Germany, bred the Great German Spotted rabbit with a black Flemish Giant rabbit. This created the Checkered Giant we know today. They first arrived in the United States in 1910, shortly after which they were recognized by ARBA.


CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHECKERED GIANT RABBIT.

The Checkered rabbit certainly is unique thanks to its size and markings. These bunnies are normally born in litter sizes of between 11 and 14 kits! A Checkered rabbit can be more expensive than other breeds, especially if you are looking for a show-quality bun, due to its size.


APPEARANCE.

It is no secret that the Checkered rabbit is a giant breed. They have no maximum weight, but a minimum weight of 11 lbs for senior bucks and 12 lbs for senior does.

This breed has a slender yet muscular build and their body is hare-like and long while also being arched. Their legs are long and powerful and they have a wide head with upright, broad ears.


COAT.

Checkered Giant rabbit has a short to medium-length coat that is soft and thick. They have rollback fur, which means that when the fur is stroked from the opposite direction, it returns to its original position. Fortunately, they do not require too much grooming.


COLOR.

The Checkered Giant rabbit is one of the few breeds recognized by ARBA as having distinctive markings. The only color that the ARBA accepts is white with either blue or black markings. The blue or black markings include rings around the eyes, colored ears, cheek flashes, and a butterfly-shaped marking on the nose, as well as a dorsal stripe that runs down the spine from ears to tail.


TEMPERAMENT.

This breed of rabbit is not as affectionate as other rabbit breeds, but it doesn’t mean that the Checkered Giant rabbit is aggressive. Gentle and friendly, these bunnies live happily with their owners and will enjoy affection from time to time, but simply aren’t as cuddly or needy as other rabbits.

Once they have bonded to you, the Checkered rabbit will trust you and will like to spend time with you. Of course, every rabbit’s personality is different, and you may find that your Checkered is more affectionate than average.

These bunnies are very energetic and active and so will need an owner who can keep up. They like to spend time outside and will need lots of toys to play with before they start chewing through the furniture or household wires. You should always respect your Checkered’s personal space, especially when they are new to your home. If they are afraid or frightened, then they might try to bite.

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