Im writing this because of all of the wild mixes I have found while pouring thru endless hours of Google searches for Flemish Giants for sale. Im not saying this to discourage people with good intentions, or to sound rude. I am saying it because hopefully someone will gain some useful information regarding a great breed of rabbit, and not un-knowingly be sold a mix-breed, or poor quality rabbit that does not meet the breed's standard of perfection. And yes - granted - if someone is searching for a pet and they don't mind that getting a mix-breed rabbit, then that is fine. But for someone who is expecting the rabbit they are being sold as "a rare breed" or a "new/rare color" and buyer is wanting a Flemish that does meet the qualifications of being a "pure breed" or fully pedigreed rabbit, well, that buyer will be very upset in the long run. And not only will the person be upset, but any person who purchases such an animal with intent to breed, raise, sell, and/or show that animal will be sorely disappointed, especially if they have spent a large amount of money (most pet quality rabbits sell, per average, of $25-50 each... brood to show quality range $50 to $250+). And - to add insult to injury - anyone who INCORRECTLY breeds Flemish Giants and sells the offspring as "quality/fully pedigreed" rabbits is doing no favor to the breed! In fact, the lineage of such a rabbit has been effectually "ruined" for up to as long as 18 generations because those traits are genetic and will be passed on from generation to generation.
Flemish Giants only come in 7 colors. Those are Black, Blue, Steel, Light Grey, Sandy, Fawn, and White. There is no such thing (nor will there be) a Flemish Giant that has mixed coloration with white coloration (aka "a broken pattern). Nor is there such a thing as a Blue Eyed White (BEW) Flemish Giant. "Silver", "Frosty", "Pearl", "Albino" and "Brown", "Red", or "natural color" are not colors that are used to describe the breed either. If someone tries to sell you one of these as a quality, pedigreed rabbit - walk away!
Flemish Giants are the largest rabbit that is a *recognized breed* in the United States, per the ARBA - which is the rabbit equivalent of the "AKC" for dogs. Senior aged Flemish Giants (those above the age of 8months old) will typically weight between 13 - 18lbs, with the occasional one reaching upwards of 20+ pounds. Their ears stand fully erect, and should be a minimum of 6" long from base to tip. And their bodies resemble a mandolin shape. All toenails should match, and there should be no stray "different" or white colored hairs on the top/main part of the body.
If you are involved in breeding and selling Flemish Giants described as above - aka "disqualifying rabbits" - please - BE RESPONSIBLE ABOUT IT - do NOT offer a pedigree with them. If you wish to provide "papers" for those rabbits, create "Birth Certificates" for them, and clearly state on those certificates that said-rabbit is a PET ONLY, and is not to be used for breeding or showing. Furthermore, if it an option, also tattoo the LEFT EAR of the rabbit as "PET ONLY" or "Pet: Thumper".
OTHERWISE... I, AS WELL AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER *REPUTABLE BREEDERS* WOULD BE MORE THAN GLAD TO DISCUSS AND TRY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE REGARDING THE RABBITS THAT THEY RAISE (& if that person you talk to doesnt raise the breed you're wanting to buy, ask and more likely than not, they will help you find a person who is knowledgeable in the breed you want.) All you have to do is ask. :-)
Flemish Giants only come in 7 colors. Those are Black, Blue, Steel, Light Grey, Sandy, Fawn, and White. There is no such thing (nor will there be) a Flemish Giant that has mixed coloration with white coloration (aka "a broken pattern). Nor is there such a thing as a Blue Eyed White (BEW) Flemish Giant. "Silver", "Frosty", "Pearl", "Albino" and "Brown", "Red", or "natural color" are not colors that are used to describe the breed either. If someone tries to sell you one of these as a quality, pedigreed rabbit - walk away!
Flemish Giants are the largest rabbit that is a *recognized breed* in the United States, per the ARBA - which is the rabbit equivalent of the "AKC" for dogs. Senior aged Flemish Giants (those above the age of 8months old) will typically weight between 13 - 18lbs, with the occasional one reaching upwards of 20+ pounds. Their ears stand fully erect, and should be a minimum of 6" long from base to tip. And their bodies resemble a mandolin shape. All toenails should match, and there should be no stray "different" or white colored hairs on the top/main part of the body.
If you are involved in breeding and selling Flemish Giants described as above - aka "disqualifying rabbits" - please - BE RESPONSIBLE ABOUT IT - do NOT offer a pedigree with them. If you wish to provide "papers" for those rabbits, create "Birth Certificates" for them, and clearly state on those certificates that said-rabbit is a PET ONLY, and is not to be used for breeding or showing. Furthermore, if it an option, also tattoo the LEFT EAR of the rabbit as "PET ONLY" or "Pet: Thumper".
OTHERWISE... I, AS WELL AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER *REPUTABLE BREEDERS* WOULD BE MORE THAN GLAD TO DISCUSS AND TRY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE REGARDING THE RABBITS THAT THEY RAISE (& if that person you talk to doesnt raise the breed you're wanting to buy, ask and more likely than not, they will help you find a person who is knowledgeable in the breed you want.) All you have to do is ask. :-)