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Gustavo8
 No one knows the exact origins of the Flemish Giant Breed. Some people surmise that the during the 16th and 17th century, Dutch Traders may have brought back giant Patagonia Rabbits from the Argentine Republic to Europe. The large rabbits of Flanders were well known at the time and may have been crossbred with the Patagonian. The name Flemish comes from Flanders. But because the Flemish exhibits the same body type and and appearance as the Patagonian,it seems obvious that our favorite Giant is descended from the wild Argentine rabbit. There is no verifiable record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit until 1860. Travelers from Flanders spoke of the giant rabbits raised in that country. English rabbit breeders, raising the typical 7-8 lb. rabbit, were having trouble meeting the demandfor rabbit meat in their country. So some of these "Giants" were imported to England and it was only a matter of time before they began showing up at local rabbit shows. The original Flemish Giant was typically impressive in size, about 14 lbs., and of a dirty iron grey color with sandy or white bars on the legs and long ears with bent tips. Now, through the efforts of "new" Flemish Giant Breeders Associations around the world, our Gentle Giants have evolved to seven varieties (colors), Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel and White, and sizes of 14-20 lbs. In the United States, the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders was founded in 1915 to promote and improve the breed. (Thanks to the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders for the historical information.) All rabbits need to be protected from direct sun, wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Most rabbits and especially the Flemish Giant do very well outdoors. The Flemish can handle cold temperatures but "story" don't like the heat. Temperatures above 90*F. can be difficult on them. Direct sun can damage their fur. The original Flemish Giant was typically impressive in size, about 14 lbs., and of a dirty iron grey color with sandy or white bars on the legs and long ears with bent tips. Now, through the efforts of Flemish Giant Breeders Associations around the world, our Gentle Giants have evolved to 7 varieties (colors), Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel and White, and sizes from 14-20 lbs. In the United States, the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders was founded in 1915 to promote and improve the breed. |
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