The Flemish Giant is the largest breed of domestic rabbit. Originating in Flanders and being bred potentially as early as the 16th century, the first authentic records of the breed are known from roughly 1860. Breed standards for the Flemish Giant were first written in 1893, and it is the ancestor of the Belgian Hare and Continental Giant rabbit breeds. Flemish Giants were imported to America in efforts to breed larger rabbits for meat. It became fairly popular at rabbit shows due to its large size and varying colors, and has been promoted by the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders since the club's formation in 1915.