Checkered Giant
A giant white rabbit with bold black or blue markings and a butterfly-shaped nose.
Origin
The Checkered Giant descends from large spotted rabbits bred in Europe, particularly Germany and France, where Flemish Giant-type rabbits were crossed with spotted stock in the late 19th century. The breed reached the United States in the early 1900s, and ARBA recognized it in 1919.
Typical Adult Size
A giant breed. ARBA sets no maximum weight, and well-grown adults are big, long rabbits that need plenty of room.
Coat Type
Short, flyback fur that snaps back into place when stroked against the grain.
Colors
White with markings in black or blue, the two varieties ARBA recognizes. The pattern includes a butterfly-shaped nose marking, colored ears, circles around the eyes, cheek spots, an unbroken stripe along the spine and two spots on each side of the hindquarters.
Temperament
Active, alert and often independent. Checkered Giants are a "running breed" that moves freely on the show table instead of holding a pose, and they suit owners with plenty of room and patience for a big, lively rabbit.
Grooming and Care
Grooming is simple: a weekly brush, more during molts. Space is the real need. ARBA notes that the breed requires a large cage, and daily exercise, solid footing and cushioned resting areas matter for a rabbit this size.
Distinctive Features
A long, arched body held well off the ground, large upright ears and a striking pattern that should be balanced on both sides.
What Makes It Notable
ARBA calls it "the rabbit beautiful". Its markings are among the most demanding in the fancy, because a matched butterfly, eye circles, cheek spots, spine stripe and side spots are hard to produce on such a large rabbit.