Soviet Giant (Grey and White)

The Grey Giant has wild-rabbit (agouti) colouring; the White Giant is all white with red eyes. Both are large, long-bodied rabbits with long upright ears. Adults usually weigh 5–7 kg. Young stock grows more slowly than the Californian: about 2–2.2 kg at 3 months and 2.5–3 kg at 4 months, with a dressing percentage of about 55–57%.

Does are prolific (usually 7–8 kits, sometimes up to 12), milky and attentive, and rarely eat their young. The temperament is calm and they are not fussy about feed.

Uzbekistan climate. These breeds were developed for a continental climate and cope easily with −15 °C winters. In heat, the large body becomes a problem: shade, ventilation and cool water are essential in summer. The Grey Giant has less fur on its soles and often develops sore hocks on wire, so a board or solid floor is better.

Buying locally. “Velikan” is the vaguest word in local ads: it covers purebred animals, Flemish crosses and so-called “pol velikan” (half-giants). The White Giant looks like any other white rabbit. See the adult parents and weigh them: a doe under 4 kg is not a giant.