Giant rabbits apparently make great pets

A giant Continental rabbit on track to be the biggest in the world died in unexplained circumstances on a United Airlines flight from Britain to Chicago, according to media reports.

The rabbit, whose father Darius held the title of the world’s biggest rabbit at 4-feet, 4-inches long, was being transported to a celebrity owner. While questions are still swirling about what caused the rabbit's death, on social media many are wondering about giant rabbits and where they can get their hands on one.

Sure, they're undeniably cute, but are they good pets?

A lot of people think smaller rabbits are easier to handle than larger breeds, but that's not always the case, according to Eric Stewart, Executive Director of American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), Inc., about giant rabbits and whether they are good pets.

"The giant breeds are really rewarding as well," Stewart said. "The giant rabbits may not always be the first rabbit someone thinks of for companion animal, but they actually have some of best temperaments and have a very docile nature."

The rabbit on the United flight was a continental rabbit, which is a breed recognized in Europe, but not by ARBA in the United States. The ARBA recognizes a similar giant breed called the Flemish Giant, which is the largest recognized breed in the U.S., according to Stewart.

All domesticated rabbits originated from what was originally the European wild rabbit, according to Stewart. The Flemish Giant rabbit can reach 20-30 pounds, but can be larger, according to Stewart.

"Giant rabbits are bred for size," Stewart said. "The Flemish giant we have recognized in the United States has no maximum weight, they can be as heavy as possible, but they are a little different body type than the continental, but both have a heavy thick bone, a broad head and these long ears."

More coverage:

Mystery as world's-biggest-rabbit contender dies on United Airlines flight to O'Hare

While giant rabbits are often bred for meat in the U.S. and around the world, they also make great companions for those who aren't interested in eating them.

Stewart said some giant rabbits, which can run from $30 from backyard breeders to $400 or more for purebred rabbits, can compete in competitions much like dog agility courses.

"There are individuals that have harnesses, leashes and take their rabbits on walks and with ARBA we have competition for rabbit hopping with course jumps," he said. "Some rabbits that are just born to jump and love going through the courses and over the hurdles."

In the case of rabbit that died on the United flight, Stewart iterates that any travel can be stressful on an animal, especially rabbits. He notes that airlines typically "work very hard to ensure the safety of animals."

"Rabbits can be delicate," he said. "Travel is stressful, and rabbits can be pretty sensitive to travel."

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