Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The Beveren is a large, heavy commercial-type rabbit known for a broad, well-rounded body, dense rollback coat and a calm, docile temperament. Qualitatively it is valued for substance (muscling and bone), a level back and a smooth, glossy fur that presents well for both meat and show purposes. Quantitatively mature adults typically weigh about 4.5–5.5 kg (10–12 lb), reach sexual/adult maturity around 6–8 months, have an average litter size of roughly 6–8 kits, and a usual companion/utility lifespan of approximately 5–8 years under good care.
Detailed origin
The Beveren was developed around the town of Beveren in Belgium during the late 19th to early 20th century. Breeders in that area selected for a large, heavily-built rabbit with an attractive, dense blue coat; the blue variety became the original and best-known color. From Belgium the breed was exported to neighbouring countries and later to the United Kingdom and North America in the early decades of the 20th century, where additional color varieties (black, white and others in some registries) were accepted by different clubs. Quantitatively this development period spans roughly the 1880s–1910s, with international spread occurring mainly between 1900 and 1930.
Detailed description
Conformation: broad skull, full cheeks, very wide, level back and full hindquarters giving a rectangular, substantial outline. Qualitatively the Beveren shows solid bone and muscle with a firm, deep chest and well-balanced proportions. Coat and color: the fur is medium in length with a dense undercoat and a glossy outercoat that rolls back when stroked (rollback type). The original and most characteristic color is uniform blue, but reputable breed clubs also recognize black and white varieties; color standards demand uniformity and even ticking. Quantitatively, adults commonly weigh 4.5–5.5 kg; ears are medium-long (commonly around 11–14 cm), maturity is normally reached by 6–8 months, and show-quality animals are judged by weight, broadness across the shoulders and hips, fur density and color uniformity. Grooming needs are moderate (weekly brushing, heavier during moult) and feeding should emphasize high-fiber forage with controlled concentrates to maintain condition without excess fat.