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Belgian Hare
The Belgian Hare is a "fancy" (i.e., non-utilitarian)
breed of domestic rabbit that has been selectively bred
to resemble the wild European hare.[1] It is a rabbit
rather than a true hare. Averaging 6–9 pounds (2.7–
4.1  kg), the Belgian Hare is known for its slender and
wiry frame and its long and powerful legs.

Contents
History
Appearance
Lifestyle
Behaviour
Diet The "Belgian Hare" breed of domestic rabbit
See also
References
External links

History
The precursors of the Belgian Hare were created in Belgium in the early 18th century, through the
crossbreeding of early domestic rabbits with the wild European rabbit. The intent was to create a
practical meat rabbit for small livestock. These rabbits were first imported to England in 1874, where
they were dubbed the "Belgian Hare". Breeders there made the Belgian Hare more spirited and lithe,
like the wild rabbits of England. By 1877 the first Belgian Hares were being shown in America, where
the breed immediately rose in popularity. By 1898, the 'Belgian Hare boom' was peaking. One
shipping firm in England at the time stated in its annual report: "Over 6,000 Belgian Hares conveyed
safely to the United States during 1900." Numerous Belgian Hare clubs were formed across America
and countless rabbits were bred. Because the novice breeders were unable to turn the lanky rabbit
into a production meat breed, by 1902 the flooded market had gone bust.[2]

The first of these American Belgian Hare clubs was known as the "American Belgian Hare
Association", but with a wide and scattered membership, it lasted not much more than a year. The
"Boston Belgian Hare Club" was formed in 1880, and in 1897 the "National Belgian Hare Club of
America" came into being. Twelve years later, as additional breeds were being introduced and
developed in the US, a new "all-breed" club was formed, called the "National Pet Stock Association".
After several name changes, this became today's American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). With
the passing of the National Belgian Hare Club many years prior, a dedicated group of breeders applied
for a specialty club charter from ARBA, which was granted in July, 1972. The American Belgian Hare
Club was born and continues to this day.
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A Belgian Hare buck named "Fashoda" from the

Bonanza Rabbitry in Los Angeles, CA. Book
illustration from 1900. Caption reads: Illustration from the 1901 book The First
"He captured twelve first prizes on the exhibition Belgian Hare Course of Instruction. Twenty
circuit of England in 1899." Fashoda was sold for lessons. Complete directions for buying,
US$5,000 in 1900.[2] sheltering, feeding, breeding, developing a
business, etc. with a true history of the
Belgian hare.
Today, the Belgian Hare remains a "fancy" rabbit, with
devoted followers in the UK as well as the US,
where The Livestock Conservancy currently
lists the breed's conservation status as
"threatened".[3]

Appearance
The Belgian Hare is most known for its
distinctively close resemblance to a hare, with a
long, fine body with muscular flank, and
distinctly arched back with loins and well-
rounded hind quarters. Their head is long and
their tail straight and carried in line with the
backbone. The fore feet of a Belgian Hare are
usually long and fine-boned and perfectly
straight, while their hind feet are long, fine, and Book illustration from 1915. Caption reads: "The Belgian in
flat. They are believed to be the only breed of the early years of the fancy was a very large rabbit, in
domestic rabbit featuring a deep red, rich color resembling the wild English Hare, having black hairs
chestnut color of the Belgian Hare, together to produce a 'ticked' effect and ear lacing. The Belgian of
with black ticking of a wavy or blotchy today resembles the wild hare in body, limbs, head and
appearance and an extended down the sides.[4] ears; bold, clear, eye; but a color of rich golden tan,
broken only by wavy ticking peculiar to no other variety."

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In the USA, Rufus Red coloration is the only variety recognized. The BRC now recognizes both Black
and Tan (called the Tan Hare), and Black Hares in addition to the Rufus Red.

Lifestyle
Due to their difference from other breeds of domestic rabbit, the Belgian Hare may require different
dietary and housing requirements to other rabbits, and as a result, they may demand more attention
and care.

Due to their size and energetic nature, it is recommended that the Belgian Hare be provided with an
enclosure to enable them to move freely. For an outdoor rabbit the ideal home is a shed or indoors
with a waterproof roof. If the rabbit is going to live indoors then an enclosure is best. Belgian Hares
should have a cage with at least a 3 by 2 metres floor and a height of 1 metres. A breeding or brood
enclosure should be 3 metres by 3 metres, at least (can be bigger)

All rabbits must have an adequate exercise area, whether it is an

outside run or an enclosed area in the house. Softwood shavings
should not be used for the floor of the enclosure as they can cause
respiratory problems. Fine sawdust can cause eye irritations so this
should be avoided. Bedding material should be provided especially in
cold and wet weather for the outdoor rabbit. A recommended
practise is to place the straw on top of a layer of the hardwood
shavings in the sleeping compartment, in order to ensure warmth
and insulation for an outdoor Belgian Hare. The rabbit home should
A black Belgian Hare
be cleaned out weekly and any old food removed. If it is necessary to
wash the home then only use a cleaner specifically designed for
cleaning rabbit hutches.

The Belgian Hare has a short coat and if kept clean, requires little grooming other than an occasional
rub over to remove any dead coat. When in moult the coat benefits from a good combing through
every other day to remove the old coat. This will help bring the new coat through faster and minimize
the old fluffy undercoat matting up when its on the way out.

Behaviour
The Belgian Hare is one of the most intelligent and energetic breeds of rabbit, with the potential to
train rabbits to become responsive to the sound of their name. Due to their active nature and alert
temperament, they can very easily be startled by sudden noise or movement. As a result of their active
personality, they have been called "the poor man's racehorse". The Belgian Hare is known to be
responsive to handling, particularly when trained from an early age, however, it is recommended that
the Belgian Hare should not be handled by children mainly due to their large size and speed that may
cause injury.

Diet
As the Belgian Hare has a very high metabolic rate, it may require more food and more consistent
feeding than other breeds of domestic rabbit. The specific dietary requirements of a Belgian Hare do
not differ significantly from other breeds of domestic rabbit, and like the majority of rabbits, the most
important component of the diet of a Belgian Hare is hay, a roughage that reduces the chance of
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blockages and malocclusion whilst providing indigestible fiber necessary to

keep the gut moving. Grass hays such as timothy are generally preferred
over legume hays like clover. Legume hays are higher in protein, calories,
and calcium, which in excess can cause kidney stones and loose stool. This
type of hay should be reserved for young kits or lactating does.

It is recommended that the Belgian Hare, like other rabbits, receive a

standard intake of 2 cups of chopped dark, green, leafy vegetables per 6 lb
(2.7  kg) of body weight (although this should only be given after four
months of age to prevent enteritis), and up to 2 tablespoons of fruit or
carrots per 6 pounds of body weight daily. It is common for some owners to
provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a few
pellets, a slice of strawberry, or other suitable foods. Commercial treats are
Profile of a Belgian Hare
available in the pet stores can be fed, but owners should stay away from
anything with a yoghurt coating, or other ingredients that the rabbit would
not encounter in the wild.

Some of the vegetables that rabbits enjoy are romaine lettuce, escarole, turnips, collards, kale, parsley,
thyme, cilantro, dandelion, and basil. The green, leafy tops of radish and carrots also are excellent
sources of nutrients, but should be fed sparingly due to the high calcium content. New vegetables
should be introduced slowly due to the delicate digestive systems of rabbits. It is recommended that
cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage be avoided, as they cause gas and can lead to gastrointestinal stasis,
which can be fatal. Vegetables such as potatoes and corn should also avoided due to their high starch
content. Belgian Hares also require an unlimited amount of fresh water, usually provided for in a
water crock, tip-proof ceramic pet dish, or hanging water bottle.

See also
Rabbits and hares
portal

Domestic rabbit
List of rabbit breeds

References
1. Faria, Diana (14 July 2016). "Belgian Hare" (https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/belgian-har
e/). Pet Guide. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
2. Whitman, Bob D. (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World.
Leawood, KS: Leathers Publishing. ISBN 978-1585972753.
3. "The Conservation Priority List (CPL)" (https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/interna
l/conservation-priority-list#Rabbits). The Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
4. "Belgian Hare Breed Description" (https://web.archive.org/web/20090107061109/http://www.furryc
ritter.com/resources/rabbits/Belgian_Hare.htm). Archived from the original (http://www.furrycritter.c
om/resources/rabbits/Belgian_Hare.htm) on 7 January 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2009.

External links
PetPlanet - Small Breed profile (https://web.archive.org/web/20110716183237/http://www.petplan

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et.co.uk/small_breed_profile.asp?sbid=12)
Belgian Hare Breed Description - Furry Critter Network (https://web.archive.org/web/20090107061
109/http://www.furrycritter.com/resources/rabbits/Belgian_Hare.htm)
Horn Rabbits Rabbitry - Belgian Hare Care (https://web.archive.org/web/20090228062343/http://w
ww.hrrabbits.com/raisingbh.htm)
Central Pets - Belgian Hare (https://web.archive.org/web/20090228073825/http://www.centralpets.
com/animals/mammals/rabbits/rbt1416.html)
Belgian Hare Rabbit Breed History (https://rabbitbreeders.us/belgian-hare-rabbits)
Different Breeds of Rabbits (https://rabbitbreeders.us/rabbit-breeds)

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