Continental Giant Rabbit

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: March 7th, 2017

About Continental Giant Rabbit

Size

Giant

Weight

13-35+ lb

Lifespan

4-7 years

Body Shape

Semi-Arch/Mandolin

Best Suited For

Experienced rabbit owners with the room and resources to accommodate a large breed

Temperament

Docile, intelligent, friendly, playful, gentle, easy to train

Comparable Breeds

Flemish Giant, Belgian Hare

Continental Giant Rabbit Breed History/Origin

One of the oldest and largest rabbit breeds, experts suggest that the Continental Giant dates back to the middle of the 16th century. Many of these rabbits are descendants of the Flemish Giant from Belgium, but this breed also shares a heritage with other breeds, such as the Belgian Hare. However, it was not until 1893 that the first standards for Continental Giant Rabbits were written.

In the late 19th century, Continental Giants and Flemish Giants were sent to the United States from Europe and Britain in an effort to increase the size of rabbits that were being used for meat. As a result, Giant rabbit breeds were seen at small livestock shows, and they became popular as pet rabbits as well because they were naturally docile.

There are actually two varieties of the Continental Giant Rabbit, and they are the White Continental and the Colored Continental. Although the breed is recognized by the British Rabbit Council, it is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association.

You might have also come across the name Conti- which is an accepted nickname given to this majestic rabbit breed by their loving owners.

The Continental Giant is of the oldest and largest rabbit breeds.

Overall Description

Because the Continental Giant is a rabbit that features a semi-arch body type, the arch of the back will start at the shoulders and continue to the base of the tail, giving the animal a mandolin shape.

The body of this breed will also be powerful and long, and there will be muscular and broad hindquarters, but the underline of the Continental Giant’s body should not feature a hare-like arch. The front legs should be sturdy, straight, and well-proportioned.

Males will feature a wide and large head that is larger than the head of females. Also, females will have an evenly spread and pronounced dewlap. The eyes on both males and females should be wide open, bright, and round, and the ears should be thick, robust, held upright, well covered, rounded, and long. The length of the ears should be roughly 25% of the length of the body. And you will also notice that the cheeks are well developed.

Coat

A Continental Giant’s fur will be glossy, dense, and thick. There will be guard hairs visible, and the undercoat will be soft and abundant, with a good amount of density as well.

You will need to groom your rabbit regularly in order to keep the coat healthy. Also, large rabbit breeds sometimes have trouble keeping themselves clean, particularly when they get older, so you will need to take steps to ensure your Continental Giant is always clean.

Colors

This breed can feature a variety of colors that include light gray, steel gray, fawn, sandy, black, and white.

A Continental Giant’s fur will be glossy, dense, and thick.

Care Requirements

Because of its large size, the Continental Giant will do best in a house that has plenty of space. You can give your pet a large dog crate so that he will have a hideaway to relax in and retreat to, but this should only be a temporary solution. While having a lot of space to hop about freely and explore is a must for a big rabbit such as the Conti, they still need a home of their own.

For this purpose, you can choose a spacious rabbit cage, made from natural, rabbit-safe materials or coated aluminum wires. The bottom of the cage shouldn’t be made from wire, though, as this could seriously hurt your rabbit’s feet and cause issues such as sore hocks. Instead, opt for solid flooring, lined with bunny-safe bedding.

The best bedding for Continental Giant is the one used for most other rabbit breeds and that’s straw or hay. Alternatively, wood and paper pellets or shredded cardboard could do the trick. The bedding should be frequently replaced to ensure good hygiene and eliminate unpleasant odors in the cage.

If you decide to give your bunny free reign of your home, keep in mind that these rabbits will chew on household items, so it is best to rabbit-proof your home so that your pet will not end up destroying everything from papers and shoes to wires and furnishings. Also, potty training your bunny is a fantastic idea- and with a bit of patience, the Continental Giant will learn where to do his business. This will make cleaning up after your pet so much easier! Providing your indoor rabbit with some time to play in your safe and secure outdoor garden is also a good idea. Just make sure to supervise them during the playtime, as they are vulnerable to many predators.

In case you are planning on giving your Continental Giant the chance to live in the great outdoors, make sure that his hutch is large enough to accommodate your pet’s size. You can even provide your rabbit with a garden shed that is ventilated, has natural light, and is secure.

In terms of nutrition, you should give your Continental Rabbit a diet that has variety. Include high quality rabbit pellets and hays, along with fibrous vegetables, for a well-balanced nutrition. Hay will make up the most of your pet’s diet, but nutritious pellets and leafy greens are an equally important part of a Continental Giant’s meal plan. In addition, you should make sure that your pet always has access to fresh, clean water.

Health

In general, the Continental Rabbit is a healthy breed, but there are certain issues that affect them and that are common for bunnies of their size. For instance, while sore hocks are a risk for any rabbit housed in a cage with inadequate flooring, the heavy Conti will develop this condition much more easily than a smaller bunny. Additionally, these large bunnies need a lot of space to stay healthy and content- housing them in a cramped cage will bring about a host of health issues; both mental and physical.

Then, there’s the issue of overgrown teeth. Just like other rabbit breed, the Continental Rabbit could develop dental problems because the teeth continually grow. When they live as pets, they need our assistance to be able to grind them down to an acceptable level. Providing your pet with roughage and chew toys will help keep the teeth worn down.

Hay should be the main part of your pet’s diet both for its nutritional qualities and the fact that keeps plenty of issues at bay. In addition to assisting with teeth filing, hay will help with the passing of hairballs and work to prevent intestinal blockage. GI Stasis is a deadly issue that affects all rabbits which is why prevention and monitoring are very important. Proper grooming, a diet based on hay and inspection of your pet’s feces for “pearl string poop” are the best course of action.

When speaking of diet, you should also make sure to keep servings within the recommended size. You don’t want your pet to become obese, as Continental Giants are at risk for serious health issues when they are overweight. Excess weight will make grooming even more difficult for your large rabbit, and being overweight will also make him more susceptible to flystrike.

The Continental Giant is intelligent, friendly, and easy to train.

Temperament/Behavior

Known as gentle giants, Continental Giant Rabbits are intelligent, friendly, and easy to train. They will play games, can be trained to use a litter tray, and will even respond when their name is called.

A lot of people who keep these rabbits as pets will describe them as acting much like dogs, but in order for these animals to feel relaxed around people, they need to be handled frequently while they are young, and they need to be handled gently.

Because they are so large, Continental Giants might not be the right choice for inexperienced owners and kids. They need to be handled carefully in order to prevent injuries, and you also need to know how to pick up and hold a large rabbit without frightening him. This will also make grooming and flystrike inspection an easy, pleasant task instead of the ordeal it can become when a large rabbit isn’t accustomed to handling.

Photo credit: Anna Hull/Flickr; Franie Frou Frou/Flickr; maiagreen/Flickr

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Enigmatic Respiratory Illness Targets Dogs – These Are The Symptoms

A mysterious and seemingly quite dangerous dog respiratory illness is spreading across the United States– and has veterinarians perplexed. This illness is compared to pneumonia, as it starts with coughing and gradually worsens. To make matters even worse, the illness seems to be resistant to common antibiotics.Officials are now releasing  statements that say dogs are most likely to contract this enigmatic illness directly through contact with other dogs. What this means is that the danger lurks in dog parks, grooming salons, kennels, and any other place where a lot of dogs can be found.While there are some enigmatic aspects to the disease, there are ways, luckily, to recognize it quickly. The most common symptoms to keep an eye out for are coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, fatigue, lethargy, and so on. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, dogs who exhibit these symptoms may also test negative for common causes of respiratory illnesses. Needless to say, owners who spot these symptoms in their dogs should go to the vet immediately. In the meantime, vets are advising owners to avoid places with a lot of dogs for the time being, and also to make sure that their pets are “up to date” with all the necessary vaccinations. And although it is a new illness, officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture have said that three main categories of cases can already be observed.Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6 to 8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.Acute pneumonia rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.Checkups are advised, of course, and vets urge owners to schedule visits before exposing their dogs to potentially dangerous environments. According to officials, the illness had been reported in the following U.S. states: Washington, Idaho, Illinois, California, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, and New Hampshire.“Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs.” the officials advise. “Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.”While experts advise dog owners to be careful, but not to worry too much without a reason. Needless to say, you should avoid contact with dogs that look sick or exhibit symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or runny nose and eyes. Do your best to keep your dog away from them. Another thing to avoid is communal water sources from which many dogs drink. And if your four-legged friend exhibits these symptoms, make sure to keep them at home in order to keep other dogs safe – and of course contact a vet to make sure they get the right treatment on time.

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

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