Giant Chinchilla Rabbit vs. Flemish Giant Rabbit: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Giant Chinchilla rabbit and the Flemish Giant rabbit are just as immense as their names suggest! Compared to the typical pet rabbits that most of us know and love, that is. All giant rabbits originate from Flemish Giants, which is no different for the Giant Chinchilla rabbit. However, there are a few differences between these two cousin breeds that should be explored by those who are curious or are thinking about adopting one or the other.

Visual Differences

One of the first differences that you will notice between the Giant Chinchilla rabbit and the Flemish Giant is their hair. The Giant Chinchilla has a flyback coat; their guard hairs are coarse and bounce right back into place after being stroked against the grain. Flemish Giants have a rollback coat, and their guard hairs are fine and slowly roll back into place after being stroked against the grain.

The Flemish Giant typically has a more arched body and longer legs than a Giant Chinchilla rabbit. Their heads also tend to be narrower, and their ears are more pointed. Flemish Giants come in sandy, black, fawn, white, and grey colors. Giant Chinchillas are typically light gray or slate blue unless they are crossbred.

At a Glance

Giant Chinchilla Rabbit Overview

The Giant Chinchilla rabbit was introduced to the United States in the 1920s, and since then, they have become popular family pets, as well as farm and 4H animals. These huge rabbits are smaller than their Flemish Giant counterparts, but not by much. They love to jump, play, and explore, but they enjoy lounging around and napping just as much.

They usually display a calm temperament and will happily sit by watching their family members cook dinner or manage household chores without getting in the way. They can do well with children but should be introduced to them while still kits so they can get used to kids’ exuberant behavior. They can be litter-trained, but not as easily as the Flemish Giant typically can.

Exercise

These large rabbits need room to stretch out, move around, and explore, whether inside or outdoors. However, they are not highly active and need no specific exercise routines. A toy or two, a big cage to hang out in, and the opportunity to get out and explore the house or the backyard for an hour or more each day should be enough.

Health & Care

The Giant Chinchilla rabbit has no hereditary health conditions to worry about. However, they are prone to a condition called flystrike, which happens when flies lay eggs in the rabbit’s coat. The eggs hatch into maggots that eat the rabbit’s flesh, which is painful and can even be fatal.

If they are living outdoors, Giant Chinchillas should have fully enclosed habitats. The cover protects them from the sun so they do not overheat during the hottest periods of the day. A large dog kennel cage can be utilized as a habitat for indoor living. To stay healthy, Giant Chinchillas should eat hay, rabbit pellets, and vegetables each day. They can enjoy fruits as snacks, but they should be limited to minimize the risk of unhealthy weight gain.

Suitability

The Giant Chinchilla rabbit can get nervous around loud and energetic kids, especially young ones who have difficulty controlling their excitement. They do best with older kids, adults, and seniors. They can get along with cats and some dogs if they are fully grown and out of the kitten and puppy stages.

Flemish Giant Rabbit Overview

Flemish Giants are the gentle giants of the rabbit world. They are low-key, curious, and intelligent. They’re calm and gentle if they don’t feel threatened, making them great pets for households with or without kids. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Flemish Giant does not put up with mistreatment or a strong hand and will quickly put up a fight, causing scratch and bite marks if they deem necessary.

Therefore, children should be supervised while spending time with a Flemish Giant rabbit. But when treated nicely, they provide nothing but love and are happy to act as a lap warmer. Flemish Giants love to be petted and rubbed. They will even follow family members around the house when they want hands-on attention. They can get along well with other animals, including other rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and dogs.

Exercise

Flemish Giants seem lazy, but they need a great deal of exercise during the day and should have access to plenty of space to roam. If living outside, they should have access to a fenced-in yard that is safe from loose dogs, not just a cage. If living indoors, they should have access to an entire room, if not the whole house, to roam around during their waking hours. Luckily, they can be litter box trained, so owners do not have to worry about dealing with droppings around the home. Indoor rabbits can spend supervised time on the porch or yard to get sun and extra leg space.

Health & Care

Flemish Giants are generally healthy but prone to a few health conditions that can develop at any time throughout their lives.

Regular visits to the veterinarian will help ensure that any of these conditions are caught early so they can be effectively treated. Flemish Giants should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods. They need a large, enclosed habitat that is outfitted with wood shavings or straw, fresh water, and a comfortable bed to sleep in during their downtime.

Hay and rabbit pellets are this rabbit’s primary source of calories and nutrition. They can enjoy leafy greens, carrots, and other vegetables daily. As for grooming, they have short hair, so they only need to be combed or brushed once a week. They shed their hair twice a year, during the spring and fall. They may need to be brushed more often during these times. If they do not get enough outdoor exercise, their nails may need to be trimmed every few weeks.

Suitability

The Flemish Giant is suitable for those with enough room to share who do not mind big fluffy animals lounging around on their laps. Families with older children and friendly cats or dogs can provide fun-loving homes for these rabbits. They prefer spending quality time with their family rather than being alone outside or in a cage all day.

Final Thoughts

The Giant Chinchilla rabbit and the Flemish Giant are cuddly, cute, and huge. They do not cause havoc and are affectionate with their well-balanced family members. However, there are a few differences between the two breeds to consider before deciding on one to adopt for your household. No pet is suitable for everyone. Choosing a breed should depend on your family’s specific preferences and expectations.

Which rabbit breed do you think would be the best fit for you? Let us know in the comments!

See Also:

• Flemish Giant Rabbits For Sale: Breeders List in the United States
• Continental Giant Rabbit vs. Flemish Giant: Differences Explained (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Top – Mary Swift, Shutterstock | Bottom – Eric Isselee, Shutterstock