Belgian Hare
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Belgian Hare rabbit, the poor man's racehorse
From Belgium, early 18th century, from crosses between domestic rabbits and wild European rabbits; refined in England from 1873-1874 onward.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Livestock Conservancy, Wikipedia and PetGuide give 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg) for both sexes; ARBA maximum 9.5 lb (4.3 kg); the UK standard is about 8-9 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, glossy, close-lying fur on a long, fine-boned full-arch body
A tall, racy rabbit built to look like a wild hare: a long, slender body with a clearly arched back, a muscular flank, long powerful legs and a straight tail held in line with the spine. The short coat lies sleek and shiny and is a deep chestnut red with wavy black ticking, with lighter rings around the eyes.1234
Personality what they are like
A clever, lively and alert rabbit that is generally gentle and responds well to people it knows. It is sensitive to sudden noises, so a calm routine suits it best; many keepers announce themselves or keep background sound playing so the rabbits stay relaxed.213
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Highly active and athletic; needs generous space to stretch, run and leap every day.326
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal: an occasional rub or soft brushing lifts out loose hairs. Rabbits should not be bathed.3
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Because of its long legs it needs height and length: PetGuide suggests at least a 24 x 60 inch floor with 24 inches of headroom as the base unit. The Livestock Conservancy recommends solid wooden floors with deep bedding of shavings and straw, and a cool, dry setting rather than hot, humid conditions.326
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.36
Company who they like around
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best. A quiet environment helps this sensitive breed feel secure.6
The story where it all began
The breed began in Belgium in the 1700s and was taken up by English fanciers William Lumb and Benjamin Greaves, who imported stock from Antwerp in 1873 and gave it its hare-like name. In America it set off the 'Belgian Hare Boom' around 1898-1901, when thousands were shipped across the Atlantic and top animals fetched huge prices before the market cooled.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite the name it is a true domestic rabbit, bred to look like a wild hare.1
- 2
Its speed and racy looks earned it the nickname 'the poor man's racehorse'.1
- 3
More than 6,000 Belgian Hares were shipped to the United States in 1900 alone.2
- 4
A buck called Fashoda, winner of twelve first prizes in England, sold for 5,000 US dollars in 1900.1
- 5
Some breeders play music or run a fan in their rabbit barn so these sound-sensitive rabbits get used to everyday noise.3
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised; described as having a very distinct, lithe and elegant body; maximum 9.5 lb. National club: American Belgian Hare Club.4
- ARBA
- Specialty club charter for the American Belgian Hare Club approved in July 1972.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised; UK standard weight about 8-9 lb, rich deep chestnut red with black ticking.5
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List status: Recovering.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Belgian Hare. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Belgian Hare - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, nickname, history, body, colours, Fashoda, club charter 1972
- Belgian Hare - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, weights, temperament, housing, conservation status, 1900 exports
- Belgian Hare - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, enclosure size, grooming, temperament
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition, body description, maximum weight, origins
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition and UK weight
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet and companionship guidance
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.