Chinchilla Giganta
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Chinchilla Gigantea, Giant Chinchilla (UK)
From United Kingdom (bred by Chris Wren of Hampton Wick around the First World War, introduced in the early 1920s) from French Chinchillas crossed with Flemish Giants; German breeders developed a similar large Chinchilla in parallel. The Wikipedia breed list gives France, the home of its Chinchilla ancestors.123
At a glance the quick version
Breed standard as quoted by Nikki White: minimum adult buck 3.855 kg, doe 4.07 kg, maximum 5.44 kg for either sex (BRC maximum 5.44 kg per Fur & Feather); Wikipedia list 8.5-12 lb (3.9-5.4 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense, silky short fur on a large, graceful body
A big, elegant rabbit with a thick, silky coat at least about 3 cm long, where density counts for more than length. The Chinchilla colouring is darker than in the standard breed: a slate-blue base for half the hair, a narrow pearl band, then darker ticked tips mixed with guard hairs.21
Personality what they are like
A friendly rabbit with a lively streak, often described as soft and cuddly despite its size, and considered a good pet as well as a show and utility breed.2
The story where it all began
Around the time of the First World War, British breeder Chris Wren crossed French Chinchillas with Flemish Giants to produce a large, graceful rabbit with good meat and a fine pelt, and he introduced it in the UK in the early 1920s. German breeders independently produced a heavy Chinchilla of their own around the same period.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was bred to be roughly double the weight of the original Chinchilla rabbit.2
- 2
Many authorities once regarded it as the ideal meat-and-fur rabbit and one of the most valuable normal-furred breeds commercially.2
- 3
Its top colour is noticeably darker than that of the standard Chinchilla, which helps judges tell the two apart.1
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised; Chinchilla pattern with a noticeably darker top colour than the standard Chinchilla; maximum adult weight 5.44 kg. Breed club: National Chinchilla Giganta Rabbit Club.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Listed as BRC-only (not ARBA), 8.5-12 lb.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinchilla Giganta. 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 Chinchilla Giganta?
Your Chinchilla Giganta needs unlimited fresh hay every day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. Offer a bundle of hay as big as the rabbit daily, plus a large handful of safe leafy greens and about 25 g of nuggets per kg of body weight. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.24 Furry Diary plan
What should a Chinchilla Giganta eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Chinchilla Giganta's diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% leafy greens, and 5% pellets. Never feed muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any human processed food. Always provide fresh water and avoid toxic items like alcohol, caffeine, and dairy.245
Should I bathe a Chinchilla Giganta?
No, you should not bathe a Chinchilla Giganta. Rabbits are very clean and can get stressed or chilled by water. Instead, check the fur around the tail daily to keep it clean, especially in summer, as noted in Furry Diary's plan.2 Furry Diary plan
Does a Chinchilla Giganta need brushing?
Yes, brushing once a week is part of Furry Diary's starting plan, and daily brushing is needed during moulting. This helps keep their dense, silky coat in good condition and reduces loose fur.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Chinchilla Giganta's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks as per Furry Diary's plan, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet for nail trimming guidance if unsure.2 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Chinchilla Giganta need?
Your Chinchilla Giganta needs at least 4 hours of free-roaming space daily, as Furry Diary suggests. Provide a large, clean cage with daily spot cleaning and weekly full cleaning for a happy, active rabbit.2 Furry Diary plan
Should a Chinchilla Giganta live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are social animals, so a Chinchilla Giganta can live with a neutered companion for company. However, it varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice on bonding.2
How long does a Chinchilla Giganta live?
A Chinchilla Giganta can live a long, happy life with proper care, but exact lifespan varies. Ask your vet for typical expectations for this breed.2
Is a Chinchilla Giganta a good pet for children?
Yes, this friendly and cuddly rabbit is often described as a good pet despite its size, with a lively but soft temperament. Always supervise interactions with children to ensure gentle handling.2
How do I hold a Chinchilla Giganta?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely when holding, as they are large and can be startled. Never lift by the ears or scruff, and ask a vet or breeder for a demonstration if needed.2
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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Flemish GiantLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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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 [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Chinchilla Giganta - Fur & Feather (BRC magazine) furandfeather.co.ukused for origin, breeder, BRC standard, max weight, club
- Chinchilla Giganta Rabbit - Nikki White breed page home.netspeed.com.auused for history, weight standard, coat, temperament, fun facts
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition, weight, origin
- 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.