Large Rabbit Breed Guide: 10 lbs +

These big breeds often weigh in at over 10 lbs, meaning there is plenty of bunny to love. Though their size might be a bit intimidating, many of them are known for being the sweetest pets available. If you have the room to accommodate these giants, they might just be the perfect fit. For each breed, we include the weight, body shape, color, personality/temperament, and a short description. Keep in mind that the personality/temperament description is a generalization. All bunnies are different!

A big thank you to all the breeders, rescues, and owners that allowed us to use their pictures! If you like what you see, show them some love and check out their instagram listed below each picture, or links in the descriptions.

Not sure what large breed will suit you best? Click below to take our quiz and find out.

American

Weight: Maximum 9-12 lbs

Body Shape: Semi-arch

Colors: Blue and REW are the only colors recognized by the ARBA, but Black is also a common mutation.

Personality/Temperament: Owners usually describe them as sweet and docile.

Defining Characteristic: Dense, silky hair that is entirely pigmented in colors other than REW

The American rabbit breed has been through several name changes. It was originally known as German Blue Vienna Rabbits. Shortly after Word War I, it was changed to American blue and then simply American after REW was added to the recognized colors. Though American rabbits were bred primarily for commercial use at first, they are now known to make great pets as well. They are low maintenance and hardy, characteristics their owners greatly appreciate. Unfortunately, they are a very rare breed.

Thanks @raesdelightfarm for providing pictures of their gorgeous American Rabbits! Check out their website here

American Chinchilla

Weight: 9-12 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Chinchilla

Personality/Temperament: Gentle, curious, and docile, American Chinchillas are great pets.

Defining Characteristic: Their classic salt and pepper chinchilla coloring and lush fur.

American Chinchillas originated in France and quickly gained popularity for their fur coloring. These large rabbits were originally kept for commercial use, but have since been recognized as a great pets. They are known for their gentle nature, and are usually laid back pets.

Thank you to @offgridhomesweethome for providing pictures of their American Chinchillas!

Beveren

Weight: 8-12 lbs

Body Shape: Semi-arch

Colors: Black, Blue, and BEW are the only colors accepted by the ARBA, but others are available.

Personality/Temperament: Like many breeds of their size, Beverens are usually energetic and playful with a laid back nature.

Defining Characteristic: Dense, glossy fur that is rich in color.

Beverens were originally bred for commercial use, but were later recognized as great show and pet rabbits. They are fairly large, and require a large amount of room for adequate exercise. Due to the density of their beautiful fur coats, they also need to be groomed regularly during their molts.

Thanks @desertember for providing pictures!

Champagne d’Argent

Weight: 9-12 lbs

Body Shape: Semi-arch

Colors: Silver

Personality/Temperament: Relaxed and docile, occasionally playful.

Defining Characteristic: Beautiful silvery coat.

Originally bred in Champagne, France, Champagne d’Argents were imported to England and America shortly after their creation. There, they were developed into the breed available today. Champagne kits are born entirely black and silver as they age. They are prized for their silky fur and beautiful coloring, making them a common choice for show breeders. As pets, they are generally friendly and laid back.

Thanks to @rabbitchilla and @hoppymeadowsrabbitry for providing pictures of their Champagne d’Argents! Check out Hoppy Meadows Rabbitry’s website here.

Checkered Giant

Weight: 11-13 lbs

Body Shape: Full arch

Colors: Black or blue Checkered giant markings

Personality/Temperament: A friendly, gentle breed that may not be as cuddly as other breeds of their size. They should be socialized from a young age.

Defining Characteristic: Their large size and full arch.

Through the careful breeding of Flemish Giants, Spotted rabbits, and French lops, Checkered Giants were created. They were then imported to the US, and quickly accepted as a breed by the ARBA. This large breed is primarily used for showing, but many pet owners love them as well. Like most full arch breeds, they have powerful back legs require a large cage to move around in.

Thank you to DG’s Hops & Lops Rabbitry for providing pictures of their Checkered Giants! Check out their instagram @dgs_hops_and_lops_rabbitry_

Cinnamon

Weight: 9-11 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Cinnamon

Personality/Temperament: Calm, low maintenance rabbits

Defining Characteristic: Rich brown coloring.

Cinnamons were first created through the crossing of a New Zealand, Chinchilla, Checkered Giant, and California. Several members of the rabbit community took a liking to the unique rabbits, and they were recognized by the ARBA. They are considered to be all purpose rabbits, great as pets and show rabbits. They are very hardy, and are great for beginner rabbit owners.

Thank you to @thevanderfluffs for providing photos of their Cinnamon!

Creme d’Argent

Weight: 8.5-11 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Signature silver/cream color

Personality/Temperament: Usually relaxed and friendly.

Defining Characteristic: Their unique cream coloring.

The original Creme d’Argents were imported to the US and gained popularity for their beautiful fur coloring. They were bred to be larger, and eventually were recognized as the breed we know today. They are a fairly rare breed, and have been marked as “a breed to watch” in previous years. They are now increasing in numbers, and many breeders and pet owners have found them to be lovely additions to their herd.

Thank you to @melissabrown2345 and @chelciebry for sharing pictures of their beautiful rabbits!

English Lop

Weight: 9-11 lbs

Body Shape: Semi-arch

Colors: A variety of colors in both solid and broken

Personality/Temperament: Playful and curious with a laid back nature.

Defining Characteristic: Long, velvety ears.

Not much is known about where English Lops were first bred. Many believe they originated from Africa, with the boiling heat accounting for the growth of their long ears. They were popular show rabbits in several countries because of their distinct appearance, and pet owners would later become just as enthralled. Because of the length of their ears, they do require a bit of extra care. English lop owners must always make sure their bunny’s nails are trimmed in case they step on them, and should occasionally check their ears to make sure they are clean.

Thanks to @bunnywiththebigears for providing pictures of their English Lop, Totoro!

Flemish Giant

Weight: 13-22 lbs

Body Shape: Semi-Arch

Colors: REW, Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, and Steel Gray are the only colors recognized by the ARBA, but other colors are available.

Personality/Temperament: Low maintenance, sweet, and interactive.

Defining Characteristic: Massive size!

Though little is known about their origin, Flemish Giants are thought to be one of the oldest breeds in existence. They were first recorded in Flanders, Belgium. Since then, they have been imported to many countries and gained a reputation for being “Gentle giants”. Their large size made them a popular choice for commercial use, but pet owners quickly realized their potential as well. Most of them are larger than many teacup dog breeds, and make wonderful house pets.

Thank you to @sarafina.thebelgiangiant and @junior_giant for providing pictures!

French Lop

Weight: 10-15 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: A variety of colors in both solid and broken

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, relaxed, cuddly, and social.

Defining Characteristic: Massive size and lopped ears

Believed to have been created through the crossing of an English Lop and French Butterfly (French Flemish Giant-like breed), French Lops are the largest lop-eared breed. Some of the sweetest rabbits available, they are favorite of many pet owners. Their large size makes them nearly comparable to dogs, and they require ample space to run and play.

Thanks to @lulu_and_the_lops, as well as their amazing rescue @rescue.rabbits.rock for providing pictures of their beautiful lop!

Giant Angora

Weight: 9-10.5 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: REW is the only color recognized by the ARBA, but they are available in a variety of colors.

Personality/Temperament: Sweet, laid back rabbits.

Defining Characteristic: Large size and wool.

Giant Angoras were originally created to develop a new, larger Angora breed. Through the crossing of German Angoras and other larger breeds, this was achieved. They are popular wool producers, and also a great choice for pet owners. As with all wool rabbits, they need to be groomed regularly or sheared.

Thank you to @cedarhillfiberfarm and @mcmurray_brittany for providing pictures of their Giant Angoras!

Giant Chinchilla

Weight: 12-15 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Chinchilla

Personality/Temperament: Calm, playful, and social rabbits that make great house pets.

Defining Characteristic: Large size and chinchilla coloring.

After the immediate popularity of Chinchilla rabbits, breeders set out to create a larger version of this beautiful breed. They began by crossing New Zealand, American, and Chinchilla rabbits. The result was the large, friendly breed we have today. Their size and temperament makes them great house rabbits, as they need plenty of room to run and jump.

Thank you to @jessica_the_giant_bunny and @toasterbrutal for providing pictures of their Giant Chinchilla!

New Zealand

Weight: 9-12 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Black, Red, and REW in broken and solid

Personality/Temperament: Easy going, relaxed, and calm.

Defining Characteristic: Laid back personality.

Though its name suggests otherwise, the New Zealand breed was created in California. It was the first breed that originated in America. As more colors were discovered, they branched into multiple breeds, including ‘New Zealand Whites’ and ‘New Zealand Reds’. These different strains were eventually recognized as the single breed we know today.

Thank you to @nutbun_trio and @missbunanddora for providing pictures!

Palomino

Weight: 8-11 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: Lynx or Golden

Personality/Temperament: Curious, laid back, and social

Defining Characteristic: Beautiful creamy coloring

Originally developed in Washington, Palominos went through several name changes before being recognized by the ARBA. They were first known as Tawnies, then Washingtonians. Finally, sparked by a submission in a coffee can suggestion box, they were named Palomino rabbits. Though not the most widespread breed, they are hardy, social, and make great house-pets.

Thank you to @hunzibunzi and @cupidandmaizey for providing pictures!

Satin

Weight: 8.5-11 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Colors: A variety of colors in both broken and solid

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, social, and docile.

Defining Characteristic: Sleek, shiny coats

Satin rabbits were unintentionally created by a Havana breeder when the undiscovered fur gene began to show up in his line. They began to gain recognition as Satin Havanas, but were eventually accepted as simply Satins by the ARBA. Their beautiful coats are fine and soft with tiny air bubbles in each hair that give it its shiny look. Despite the uniqueness of their coats, they do not require any grooming beyond the normal requirements for rabbits.

Thank you to Van H Acres and Hop it Laine Rabbitry for providing pictures!

Silver Fox

Weight: 9-12 lbs

Body Shape: Commercial

Color: Black is the only ARBA accepted color, but Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac are also available.

Personality/Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and attention seeking.

Defining Characteristic: Their dense, long coat that is said to ‘stand up’ rather than lay flat like most breeds.

Silver fox was the second breed created in the US, and considered a multi-use rabbit. Despite this, they are listed by the ARBA as critically endangered. They were named for their coats resemblence of the Silver Fox animal, which stands up straight due to its density and length. They make wonderful pets, and their friendly yet gentle demeanor is loved by their owners.

Thank you to @silverfoxfarm.nh and @river_side_homestead for providing pictures!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to send us pictures or a personality quote about your bunny!