At a glance the quick version
Sources give about 12-16 lb (roughly 5.4-7 kg); the UK breed page lists 5.67 kg for bucks.
Coat and looks how to spot one
normal fur, medium length; large, powerful body
A big, strong rabbit with a long, flat back, broad shoulders and hindquarters, sturdy legs and tall upright ears. Its coat is soft, dense and of medium length.13
Personality what they are like
A friendly, easygoing rabbit that would rather lounge than race around. Like its Flemish Giant ancestors it is known for being gentle and tolerant, which makes it a pleasant companion for families who have room for a large rabbit.34
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate energy. It still needs daily time in a large, safe area to stretch, hop and keep fit.45
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing keeps the dense coat tidy and helps during moults; check nails routinely. Support the whole body when lifting a rabbit this heavy.4
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully. Breed guides suggest a giant like this needs at least about 20 sq ft (roughly 1.9 m2) of its own, often a shed with a run or a dedicated room.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.54
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.5
The story where it all began
British breeders wanted a giant rabbit in more colours than the steel grey allowed for the British Flemish Giant, so they worked with coloured Flemish Giants brought over from America in the late 1940s. Richard Kirk is credited with creating the first British Giants, which were shown at Alexandra Palace in the early 1960s, although some sources date its recognition as a separate breed to the 1940s.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the largest of the rabbit breeds that were developed in Britain.1
- 2
Some British Giants grow as big as a small dog.1
- 3
The breed exists largely because the British Flemish Giant standard only allows one colour, steel grey.1
- 4
The first British Giants made their show debut at Alexandra Palace in London.2
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed; now looked after by the Rare Varieties Rabbit Club. Little known outside the UK.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a British Giant. 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 British Giant?
Unlimited hay or grass should be available every day, along with fresh water. Offer a small measured portion of pellets and some leafy greens daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.456 Furry Diary plan
What should a British Giant eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Hay and grass make up the bulk of the diet, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and other foods listed as toxic. Always provide fresh water.4567
Should I bathe a British Giant?
Bathing is not usually needed as rabbits keep themselves clean. If a bath becomes necessary, ask your exotic-pet vet for safe guidance. Never submerge a rabbit without professional advice.
Does a British Giant need brushing?
Yes, regular brushing keeps the dense coat tidy and helps during moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, and daily while moulting.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a British Giant's nails and teeth?
Check nails every six weeks and trim if needed. Teeth grow continuously, so provide plenty of hay and chew toys; have a vet check teeth weekly. Furry Diary's plan includes nail care every 42 days and weekly teeth checks.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a British Giant need?
A giant rabbit needs at least 20 square feet of its own space, often a shed with a run or a dedicated room. Daily exercise in a large safe area for at least four hours is recommended.45 Furry Diary plan
Should a British Giant live alone or with friends?
British Giants are sociable and should share their home with at least one compatible rabbit. They also enjoy regular gentle time with people.5
How long does a British Giant live?
A British Giant typically lives 4 to 6 years with good care.4
Is a British Giant a good pet for children?
Yes, they are gentle and tolerant, making them pleasant companions for families with enough space. Always supervise young children to ensure safe handling.34
How do I hold a British Giant?
Always support the entire body, especially the hindquarters, when lifting this heavy rabbit. Never lift by the ears or scruff. Ask your vet to show you the safest technique.4
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.
- British Giant rabbit (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, body, coat, colours, weight, fun facts
- Fur & Feather: British Giant furandfeather.co.ukused for history, Richard Kirk, colours, buck weight, breed club
- Omlet: British Giant Rabbits omlet.usused for weight, temperament, recognition era
- Hepper: British Giant Rabbit articles.hepper.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, space, activity
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- 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.