Yes, these giant rabbits really do exist, and yes, you can have one in your house if you want it. Plus: exclusive video!
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the wizard Radagast the Brown rides on a sleigh pulled by giant "Rhosgobel Rabbits" — creatures that were very much not in J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved book.
Warner Bros. & New Line Cinema
In this exclusive clip from the extended edition Blu-ray for the film (out Nov. 5), director and co-screenwriter Peter Jackson reveals that these fantasy rabbits are based on quite real giant rabbits that exist in real life and are real.
Warner Bros. Pictures & New Line Cinema
The most common breed of giant rabbit is called the Flemish Giant, and they've actually been around since roughly the 16th century.
They were initially bred in Belgium for meat and fur, but eventually, their flopsy adorableness became too overpowering.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
Flickr: tjflex / Creative Commons
By 1893, Flemish Giants became a standardized domesticated breed for pets as well.
It was around this time that they were also imported from Europe to the United States.
Source: The Maryland Zoo
Flickr: anomieus / Creative Commons
