Giant Chinchilla
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called American Giant Chinchilla, Giant Chinchilla Rabbit, The Million Dollar Rabbit
From United States: developed from 1921 by Edward H. Stahl in Holmes Park, Missouri.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Bucks 12-15 lb, does 13-16 lb; ARBA maximum 16 lb. Wikipedia gives 12-16 lb (5.4-7.3 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short flyback coat on a large commercial body
A big, heavy rabbit built for meat, with a long, well-filled body. Unlike the other Chinchilla breeds its fur is a flyback coat that snaps straight back into place, and lifting the silvery top coat shows several distinct colour bands in each hair, with a white belly.562
Personality what they are like
A laid-back, gentle giant that is happy to lounge and usually enjoys being handled once it is used to people. Its size makes it best for adults and families with children old enough to lift it safely.562
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Fairly relaxed and not very demanding about exercise, but needs plenty of floor space for its size.65
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush every couple of weeks, twice a week during the two yearly heavy moults, and trim nails regularly.56
Home where they are happiest
A large enclosure with a solid floor and soft bedding such as hay or straw; LoveToKnow suggests a cage at least 6 ft long, PetGuide at least 3 x 3 x 4 ft. Works indoors or outdoors with shelter and good ventilation.652
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited timothy or other grass hay as the base (about 70% of the diet), a measured amount of pellets for its weight, plus leafy greens, vegetables and a little fruit.56
Company who they like around
Tame and people-friendly when gently socialised from an early age.6
The story where it all began
Edward H. Stahl set out in 1921 to put the prized Chinchilla fur on the largest possible rabbit, crossing Chinchillas with big breeds such as Flemish Giants, New Zealand Whites and American Blues. On Christmas Day 1921 he produced his ideal doe, the 'Million Dollar Princess'. ARBA recognised the breed in 1928.126
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is nicknamed 'The Million Dollar Rabbit' because Edward Stahl is said to be the only person ever to earn a million dollars selling rabbit breeding stock.1
- 2
Stahl's ideal doe, born on Christmas Day 1921, was named the 'Million Dollar Princess'.2
- 3
Stahl is remembered as the 'Father of the Domestic Rabbit Industry in America'.2
- 4
It is the only Chinchilla breed with a flyback rather than a rollback coat.5
- 5
Young Giant Chinchillas grow so fast that they can reach about 7 lb at only two months old.2
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in 1928; one colour; maximum 16 lb. National club: Giant Chinchilla Rabbit Club / Association.1
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List: Threatened (the 2021 chart lists Watch).2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Giant Chinchilla. 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 Giant Chinchilla?
Your Giant Chinchilla needs unlimited timothy or other grass hay every day as the main part of its diet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer a measured amount of pellets plus leafy greens and a little fruit each day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.56 Furry Diary plan
What should a Giant Chinchilla eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed unlimited grass hay (about 70% of the diet), measured pellets, leafy greens, vegetables, and a little fruit. Never give muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, lawnmower clippings, or processed human food. Always provide fresh water.5689
Should I bathe a Giant Chinchilla?
No, you should not bathe a Giant Chinchilla. Rabbits are fastidious groomers and bathing can cause stress and health issues. If the coat gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and consult your vet.
Does a Giant Chinchilla need brushing?
Yes, brush your Giant Chinchilla every couple of weeks, and twice a week during the two yearly heavy moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, and daily while moulting, to keep its short flyback coat in good condition.56 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Giant Chinchilla's nails and teeth?
Trim nails regularly, about every six weeks as per Furry Diary's starting plan. Check teeth weekly because they never stop growing; provide plenty of hay and safe wooden chews to help wear them down. If you see overgrowth or drooling, see a vet.56 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Giant Chinchilla need?
This large rabbit needs plenty of floor space, with a cage at least 6 ft long or 3 x 3 x 4 ft, and a solid floor with soft bedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roaming exercise daily in a safe area.652 Furry Diary plan
Should a Giant Chinchilla live alone or with friends?
Giant Chinchillas are tame and people-friendly when gently socialised, but they are social animals and often enjoy a neutered companion. Introduce any new rabbit slowly and under supervision; ask a good breeder or rescue for advice.6
How long does a Giant Chinchilla live?
A Giant Chinchilla typically lives between 7 and 10 years with proper care. Providing a good diet, regular vet check-ups, and a safe environment helps them reach the upper end of that range.56
Is a Giant Chinchilla a good pet for children?
Its laid-back, gentle nature makes it a good pet for adults and families with older children who can lift its heavy body safely. Always supervise interactions and teach children to handle it calmly.562
How do I hold a Giant Chinchilla?
Support its entire body securely, with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping it close to your body. Never lift by the ears or scruff, and let it get used to being handled gradually.
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.
- ARBA - Giant Chinchilla arba.netused for history, ARBA recognition, nickname, max weight
- Giant Chinchilla Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, weights, temperament, housing, conservation
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
- Chinchilla rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin
- Giant Chinchilla Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, coat, care, housing, diet
- Giant Chinchilla Rabbit - LoveToKnow Pets lovetoknowpets.comused for lifespan, coat bands, temperament, care
- ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for colour
- 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.