SILVER FOX RABBIT

The Silver Fox rabbit is one of three breeds developed in the United States. It was created by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. The Silver Fox is truly a multi-purpose breed, raised for meat and fur. The breed was recognized and had its standard approved in 1925 under the name “American Heavyweight Silver.” In 1929 the name was changed to the American Silver Fox and later to Silver Fox. The breed was recognized in two varieties – blue and black, but the blue variety was later dropped. The chocolate variety was accepted by ARBA in 2021.

The genetic make-up of the breed was never divulged. What is known is that Garland was one of America’s earliest breeders of the Checkered Giant breed and kept Champagne D’ Argent rabbits as well. It is likely that Garland used self-colored Checkered Giants for the very large size, Champagne D’ Argents for the silvering, fur length, and meat qualities, and perhaps an infusion of American Blue to improve on the meat-producing qualities and the blue color. The truth is lost to history.

The breed is not recognized in other countries. The breed known as Silver Fox in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom is actually the same rabbit breed as the Silver Marten in America.

The Silver Fox is a beautiful rabbit that stands apart from other breeds. Early in the 20^th century many breeders worked to produce breeds of rabbit whose furs would resemble desirable pelts such as the Arctic silver fox. Garland strove to couple this desirable fur with a good, commercial meat-type body. At its peak popularity, Silver Fox rabbits were said to dress out at up to 65% of its live weight, with a good meat-to-bone ratio. Does have litters of 6-8 kits, produce plenty of milk, are excellent mothers, and many make good foster mothers.

The Silver Fox is a large breed with bucks weighing up to 11 lbs. and does reaching a maximum of 12 lbs. as adults. They have a commercial-type body, a small head, and big, upright ears. The young are born a solid color and begin to show the silvering of their fur at about 4 weeks. The silvering process takes 4 months to complete. Their fur is one of the most attractive and unusual features of the breed. It is extremely dense and 1 ½-2 inches in length. When the fur is stroked from tail to head, it will stand straight up until stroked in the opposite direction. This trait is found in no other breed.

Silver Fox are known for their docile, gentle nature, and are a good choice as a first family pet. They were developed for meat and their pelts, but they are also successful as exhibition rabbits.

Did you know:

The Livestock Conservancy helps heritage breed farmers and ranchers successfully raise endangered livestock and poultry.  Tools ranging from microgrants for farm infrastructure improvements to conservation breeding plans for individual flocks and herds help fight extinction threats across America every day.