Blue of Sint-Niklaas
The Blue of Sint-Niklaas (Dutch: Sint-Niklase Blauwe) is a Flemish rabbit breed first produced in the 19th century near the city of Sint-Niklaas to supply the local fur industry. It is one of the oldest fur-rabbit breeds of the world. The Van Beveren, also bred for its fur, is related, and has been bred in the same region of Flanders, the Waasland. Internationally, only blue varieties are accepted by the standard, unlike the Van Beverens, where other varieties are accepted. The Blue of Sint-Niklaas is much heavier, up to 12 lb (5.4 kg), indicating resemblance to the Flemish Giant. After the decrease of pelt-selling and fur industries in the region (and the world) the breed became almost extinct, as it was not popular as a pet or for meat. Only a few European breeders in Belgium and France are left.
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Weight | 2-5 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Blue of Sint-Niklaas
Finding a responsible Blue of Sint-Niklaas 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 Blue of Sint-Niklaas. 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 Blue of Sint-Niklaass 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 Blue of Sint-Niklaas breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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