The Real Giant Rabbits That Inspired Peter Jackson For "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Yes, these giant rabbits really do exist, and yes, you can have one in your house if you want it. Plus: exclusive video!
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the wizard Radagast the Brown rides on a sleigh pulled by giant "Rhosgobel Rabbits" — creatures that were very much not in J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved book.
In this exclusive clip from the extended edition Blu-ray for the film (out Nov. 5), director and co-screenwriter Peter Jackson reveals that these fantasy rabbits are based on quite real giant rabbits that exist in real life and are real.
The most common breed of giant rabbit is called the Flemish Giant, and they've actually been around since roughly the 16th century.
They were initially bred in Belgium for meat and fur, but eventually, their flopsy adorableness became too overpowering.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
By 1893, Flemish Giants became a standardized domesticated breed for pets as well.
It was around this time that they were also imported from Europe to the United States.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
They weigh on average about 15 pounds but they can grow as big as 22 pounds for males, and 20 pounds for females.
They can also grow up to 2.5 feet in length.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
According to the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders — yes, that is a real thing — the Flemish Giant is recognized to come in seven varieties (or colors).
They are black, blue, fawn (light yellowish brown), light gray, sandy, steel gray, and white.
Source: The NFFGRB
Depending on the breeder, Flemish Giants can run from roughly $50 up to $250.
Considered to be docile and gentle, they can make for excellent pets.
They can even be litter box trained.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
Their lifespan runs from just 5–10 years, though, so be sure to soak up the rabbit-y goodness, because it won't last long.
That much cuteness is just not long for this world.
Sources: Double L Rabbit Ranch & The Maryland Zoo
This is what they look like at a few months old.
TOO MUCH CUTENESS!
This is what they look like as newborns.
STOP. IT.
There are also rabbit "shows" — like dog shows — throughout the country.
And the world of giant rabbit breeders is, evidently, quite competitive.
View this video on YouTube
There are also British Continental Giants, Grey German Giants, and Spanish (or Valenciano) Giant Rabbits.
Bizarrely, the photos of giant rabbits Jackson and his team found online appear to have been altered — not of the giant rabbit, but of the man holding the giant rabbit.
The real photo
The doctored photo
It would appear the prestige of owning a giant rabbit is so irresistible that some guy apparently felt it necessary to trick people into thinking he was the one holding it.
Because who doesn't want a photo of themselves holding a giant rabbit?