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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Belgian Hare?
Your Belgian Hare needs unlimited good-quality hay every day, plus a measured portion of rabbit pellets and a daily handful of fresh leafy greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer fresh water at all times. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.36 Furry Diary plan
What should a Belgian Hare eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly hay and grass (about 70 percent or more), with rabbit pellets, leafy greens, and tiny fruit treats. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, as these are dangerous for rabbits. Always provide fresh water.3678
Should I bathe a Belgian Hare?
No, rabbits should not be bathed. Bathing can cause stress and health problems. If your Belgian Hare gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer.3 Furry Diary plan
Does a Belgian Hare need brushing?
Yes, but minimal: an occasional soft brushing or rub lifts out loose hairs. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, or daily while moulting. This keeps the short, glossy coat sleek and healthy.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Belgian Hare's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden toys to help wear down teeth naturally. Ask your vet for guidance on nail trimming and dental care.3 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Belgian Hare need?
This athletic breed needs generous space to run and leap daily. The RSPCA recommends a total living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high, with a hutch as a sleeping base and a large run or at least four hours of free-roam time each day.326 Furry Diary plan
Should a Belgian Hare live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are sociable, so a neutered, bonded rabbit companion is best, plus calm daily contact with you. A quiet environment helps this sensitive breed feel secure. Never keep a rabbit alone if possible.6
How long does a Belgian Hare live?
With proper care, a Belgian Hare typically lives between 7 and 11 years. Providing a good diet, space, and regular vet check-ups can help them enjoy a long, healthy life.3
Is a Belgian Hare a good pet for children?
This breed is gentle with people it knows but is sensitive to sudden noises and can be nervous. It may suit calm, older children who understand quiet handling and a consistent routine. Always supervise interactions.213
How do I hold a Belgian Hare?
Support the rabbit's full body securely, with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters. Never lift by the ears or legs. Approach calmly and announce yourself to avoid startling this sensitive breed.213
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.