Description: Beveren
The Beveren is a distinguished and historic breed of domestic rabbit, originating from the town of Beveren near Antwerp in Belgium. First developed in the late 19th century, this breed is prized for its luxurious, dense fur and robust, muscular body. Beverens are among the largest rabbit breeds, notable for their elegant mandolin-shaped bodies and distinctive wide, medium-length ears that stand upright. The breed is most commonly found in blue, but also exists in white, black, and lilac varieties. Known for their gentle, inquisitive, and active personalities, Beverens are suitable for both show and as companions. Thanks to their calm demeanor and sociability, they adapt well to family environments and can become affectionate pets when properly socialized. Additionally, their hardy constitution makes them relatively easy to care for compared to more delicate breeds.
Beveren ratings
Properties
The Beveren rabbit is one of the oldest and largest recognized breeds developed primarily for its commercial value in fur and meat production. Originating in Belgium in the late 19th century, specifically in the small town of Beveren near Antwerp, this breed quickly gained popularity due to its large size, soft and dense fur, and gentle temperament. The Beveren is recognized by major rabbit breeding associations such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC).
The Beveren rabbit is known for its impressive size, typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kilograms) when fully mature. Its body is long, with a strong, muscular build, and features a well-rounded rump—a trait that is highly prized in show animals. The breed's ears are substantial, usually 4.75 to 5.75 inches long, and are held upright in a 'V' shape, giving the rabbit an alert and expressive appearance.
Beverens are best known for their luxurious fur, which comes in several recognized colors, including blue, white, black, and sometimes lilac. The coat is short to medium in length, extremely dense, glossy, and soft to the touch. This made them especially coveted in the fur industry, though today, most Beverens are raised as pets or for competitive showing.
In terms of temperament, Beverens are considered docile, friendly, and intelligent rabbits. They are often recommended for both beginner and experienced breeders. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable as family pets, although their large size means they require more space and robust housing compared to smaller breeds.
Beverens are also highly fertile, with does (female rabbits) known for excellent mothering abilities and large, healthy litters. They are hardy animals with a reputation for good health when properly cared for. Due to their origin as a utility breed, they have robust appetites and require a well-balanced diet of hay, fresh greens, and quality rabbit pellets to maintain optimal health and fur condition. Regular grooming is necessary, especially during molting season, to keep their coats in prime condition.
The Beveren's combination of size, fur quality, friendly temperament, and utility continues to appeal to rabbit enthusiasts around the world, whether for showing, breeding, or companionship.
Appearance
The Beveren is a large, elegant rabbit breed noted for its distinctive and attractive physical characteristics. This breed is particularly valued among rabbit enthusiasts and breeders for both its appearance and versatility. One of the primary features of the Beveren is its substantial size; adult Beverens typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6–5.4 kg), classifying them as one of the larger rabbit breeds. Their bodies are described as mandolin-shaped or semi-arch, meaning they display a graceful curve rising from the shoulder and arching smoothly over the back, which is admired in both show and home settings.
The Beveren’s coat is one of its most striking attributes. The fur is dense, glossy, and soft, with an ideal length of about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches (approximately 3–4 cm). This lush fur offers a luxurious feel that breeders and enthusiasts appreciate, and it is relatively easy to maintain with occasional grooming. Beverens can be found in recognized color varieties such as blue, white, black, chocolate, and lilac, though blue and white are the most popular and commonly seen, especially in shows. The blue Beveren, in particular, stands out with its unique slate blue hue that is uniform and vibrant throughout the coat.
The head of the Beveren is well-proportioned to its body, with a slightly rounded skull. Their ears are another defining feature; they are well-furred, upright, and ideally measure between 4.75 to 5.75 inches (12–15 cm) in length, giving the animal an alert and elegant appearance. The eyes are bright, wide-set, and match the coat color: blue eyes for white Beverens, and dark eyes or matching hues for other color varieties. The legs are strong, straight, and of medium length, allowing for graceful and agile movement.
Overall, the Beveren’s balanced structure, sizeable frame, and luxurious coat make it a favorite both for exhibition and as a companion. Its dignified presence, complemented by a soft coat and distinctive ear carriage, embodies the standards set by rabbit breeding organizations, such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The Beveren’s harmonious combination of size, coat, and structure truly defines its breed standards and classic beauty.
History
The Beveren is one of the oldest and largest breeds of domestic rabbit, originally developed in Belgium. The breed takes its name from the town of Beveren, located near Antwerp in the Flanders region of Belgium, where it was first bred around 1898. Early breeders sought to create a rabbit renowned for its fur quality and size, which was highly valued at the time. The original Beveren rabbits were blue in color, and the breed was selectively bred to enhance their unique blue fur, which was considered highly desirable in the fur trade industry.
The first official recognition of the Beveren rabbit as a distinct breed took place in 1902 in Beveren, Belgium. Not long after, the breed gained popularity throughout continental Europe due to its luxurious fur and good temperament. The breed was imported to England in the early 20th century, where British breeders continued to refine it and expand the color varieties, adding white, black, and eventually lilac. In England, a separate club for the Beveren was established in 1918.
The Beveren rabbit was introduced to the United States in the early 1910s, finding a niche among rabbit breeders interested in both show quality animals and reliable sources of meat and fur. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized the Beveren as a distinct breed in 1925. Over time, the breed was further developed to meet American standards, which resulted in some divergence from European lines in terms of size, shape, and coat characteristics.
Throughout the early 20th century, the fur and meat industries provided a significant market for Beveren rabbits, and they were seen as highly productive due to their hardiness and good mothering abilities. With the decline of the fur market in the later 20th century, the Beveren started to become rarer but continued to maintain a loyal following among enthusiasts and breeders dedicated to conserving heritage and rare breeds.
Today, the Beveren is recognized for its distinct arched body type, luxurious coat, and gentle demeanor. Breeders and enthusiasts value the Beveren for exhibition, meat, and as a heritage breed. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and promote this historically significant rabbit breed, ensuring that the story of the Beveren continues for future generations to appreciate.