Belgian Hare

The Belgian Hare is a "fancy" (i.e., it is primarily for exhibition, not meat, fur or fiber) breed of domestic rabbit.

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.

Because the novice breeders were unable to turn the lanky rabbit into a production meat breed, by 1902 the flooded market had gone bust.

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 of America".

The original Rufus variety feature a deep red, rich chestnut color with black ticking.

[4] The Tan variety has either Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac on the top and sides of the body and reddish-tan belly color.

Belgian Hares are recommended to be kept on solid floors covered with a bedding material, such as shavings, straw or shredded paper.

[5] Due to their size and energetic nature, Belgian Hare should be provided with an adequately large cage to enable them to move freely.

[citation needed] 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 "Belgian Hare" breed of domestic rabbit
A Belgian Hare buck named "Fashoda" from the Bonanza Rabbitry in Los Angeles, CA. Book illustration from 1900. Caption reads:
"He captured twelve first prizes on the exhibition circuit of England in 1899." Fashoda was sold for US$5,000 in 1900. [ 2 ]
Illustration from the 1901 book The First Belgian Hare Course of Instruction. Twenty lessons. Complete directions for buying, sheltering, feeding, breeding, developing a business, etc. with a true history of the Belgian hare.
Book illustration from 1915. Caption reads: "The Belgian in the early years of the fancy was a very large rabbit, in color resembling the wild English Hare, having black hairs to produce a 'ticked' effect and ear lacing. The Belgian of today resembles the wild hare in body, limbs, head and ears; bold, clear, eye; but a color of rich golden tan, broken only by wavy ticking peculiar to no other variety."
A black Belgian Hare
Profile of a Belgian Hare