The Checkered Giant, known as Géant Papillon in French, is a breed of domestic rabbit that originated in France.[1] One of the largest rabbit breeds, the Checkered Giant is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).[2] The Checkered Giant is one of the minority of rabbit breeds with specific coat markings. The markings defined in the breed standard of the Checkered Giant[2] differ somewhat from those in the breed standard of the Giant Papillon.[3] For ARBA show purposes, a mature Checkered Giant buck must weigh a minimum of 11 pounds (5.0 kg), and a mature doe must weigh a minimum of 12 pounds (5.4 kg). ARBA does not specify a maximum weight for Checkered Giants.[2]
(black variety)
(black variety)
History
editIn 1904, Otto Reinhardt of Reinfalz, Germany interbred the Great German Spot and black Flemish Giant rabbit. Six years later, the Checkered Giant was introduced in the United States.[4] Some time later, a smaller variant - the Miniature Checkered rabbit- was bred in the Netherlands, where it is a stable breed.[5]
Appearance
editFor the Checkered Giant, ARBA recognizes two varieties: Black ("white with black markings"), and Blue ("white with gray markings").[6] Each sex and variety is judged separately.
| Category | Age | Minimum Weight |
Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Does | 8+ months old | 12 lb (5.4 kg) | [none specified] |
| Senior Bucks | 8+ months old | 11 lb (5.0 kg) | [none specified] |
| Intermediate Does & Bucks | 6-8 months old | 9 lb (4.1 kg) | [none specified] |
| Junior Does & Bucks | 3-6 months old | 6 lb (2.7 kg) | [none specified] |
| Pre-Junior Does & Bucks | <3 months old | 4 lb (1.8 kg) | 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
See also
edit
- Domestic rabbit (includes rabbit health and care)
- List of rabbit breeds
References
edit- ^ Whitman, Bob D. (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World. Leawood KS: Leathers Publishing. ISBN 978-1585972753.
- ^ a b c d ARBA Standard of Perfection 2021-2025. American Rabbit Breeders Association. 2021. ASIN B08QG6242B.
- ^ "Breed Standards 2021-2025" (PDF). British Rabbit Council. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ "The Checkered Giant Rabbit – Complete Guide & Facts". Animal Corner. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ "Klein lotharinger". Stichting Zeldzame Huisdierrassen. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ^ "About [the Checkered Giant]". American Checkered Giant Rabbit Club. Retrieved 21 November 2022.