A 3-month old Checkered Giant rabbit (black variety)
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]
History
In 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 [nl]- was bred in the Netherlands, where it is a stable breed.[5]
Appearance
For 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.
