Belgian Hare
The Belgian Hare is a "fancy" (i.e., it is primarily for exhibition, not meat, fur or fiber) breed of domestic rabbit. It has been selectively bred to resemble the wild European hare, but it is a rabbit rather than a true hare. 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. The breed is responsible for launching the domestic rabbit industry, as well as popularizing rabbit shows in the United States.
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Weight | 2-5 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Belgian Hare
Finding a responsible Belgian Hare breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells rabbits commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Belgian Hare. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Belgian Hares appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Belgian Hare breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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