Hare, Belgian

Physical

Features Contrary to its name, the Belgian Hare is not a hare, but a fancy breed of domestic rabbit that looks like the wild hare. It is said to be among the smartest and most active breeds of the domestic rabbit. The Belgian Hare is most known for its distinctively close resemblance to a hare. It has a long body with muscular flanks, and a distinctly arched back and well-rounded hind quarters. They have hazel colored eyes and their head is long and their tail straight and carried in line with the backbone. The front feet of a Belgian hare are long, smooth-boned and flawlessly straight. Their rear feet are smooth and level. Their coat has a deep red, rich chestnut color with a wavy or blotchy appearance. The average body weight of the Belgian Hare is 6 to 9 pounds.

Habitat

The first Belgian Hares were bred in Belgium in the early 18th century out of selective breeding between domestic and wild European rabbits, with the intent of creating a practical meat rabbit. In 1874, they were imported to England and called the 'Belgian Hare.' In 1877 the first Belgian Hares were introduced to America, where they immediately rose in popularity and were bred and even sold for as much as 1,000 US dollars. Due to their domesticated nature Belgian Hare are usually kept in captivity. Due to their size and energetic nature they need adequate space to run around and exercise and an enclosed area that offers adequate protection.

Diet

Due to their domesticated nature and the fact that they are often kept as pets, they have a diet consisting mainly of domestic vegetables. They enjoy basil, cilantro, parsley, basil, collard, escarole, thyme, turnips, dandelion, turnips and romaine lettuce. The green leaf tops of radish and carrots also provide good nutrients. The Belgian Hare has a sensitive digestive system, so new foods should be introduced little by little. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage cause gastrointestinal stasis, which can be lethal and should not be fed to them. 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.

Meat

Belgian Hare meat is light colored, closely textured meat that has an outstanding sweet taste. It is fat free and contains a lot of protein. It has more protein than chicken, veal, beef and other meats. These rabbits became affordable after the First World War after which the rabbit industry flourished. The Belgian Hare offers a good choice as a meat, fur and fertilizer, thus making a good option for small-scale subsistence farming.

Behavior

The Belgian Hare is more intelligent than hamsters and guinea pigs, and can be trained to learn their name. The female begins breeding at around 9 months of age, and she must give birth before she is one year old, because once her pelvic bone fuses, she will not be able to give birth in a natural way. The female produces litters of 4 to 8 babies, within a 28 to 31 day gestation period. The Belgian Hare has a lifespan of more than 5 years.

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