Cottontail rabbits are among the 16 lagomorph species in the genus Sylvilagus. The genus is widely distributed across North America, Central America, and northern and central South America. In appearance most cottontail rabbits closely resemble the wild European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Most members of the genus have a stub tail with a white underside that shows when they are retreating, giving them their name "cottontails." Cottontail rabbits have also proven more resistant to myxomatosis than European rabbits. ( Full article...)

The Checkered Giant is a breed of rabbit developed in Europe. In the UK the breed is known as Giant Papillon. Checkered Giants are one of 47 breeds of domestic rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Mature Checkered Giant bucks should weigh at least 11 pounds (5.0 kg), and mature does 12 pounds (5.4 kg), but there is no specified maximum weight. The Checkered Giant is outweighed by the Giant Chinchilla and Flemish Giant. The Checkered Giant is one of only 11 breeds with defined markings.

“	It was amazing that a play that seems dated in this world… A man whose best friend is a six-foot white rabbit… But it caught on, especially with young people — they surprised me most of all.	”
	—  James Stewart Referring to his 1950 film Harvey

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