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The Silver Fox Rabbits Handbook: The Complete Guide to Silver Fox Rabbits: Care, Feeding, Breeding, Grooming, Showing, and Raising One of the Rarest R (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798270903459)
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Mark W. Steve
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Description
xIntroduction to Silver Fox Rabbits
Origins of the Breed
The Silver Fox rabbit holds a special place in the history of American rabbit breeding because it is one of the very few rabbit breeds developed entirely within the United States. The breed was created in the 1920s by a dedicated breeder named Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. Garland sought to develop a rabbit that could serve multiple purposes-a rabbit with excellent meat-producing qualities, a unique and attractive coat, and a calm temperament that would make it manageable for farmers and families alike. To achieve this, he carefully crossed Champagne d'Argent rabbits (renowned for their silvered coats and good meat qualities) with other breeds such as the Checkered Giant and possibly the English Silver. The goal was to create a medium-to-large rabbit with a beautiful silver-tipped coat that resembled the fur of the actual silver fox, a rare and highly prized animal in the fur trade at the time. Garland's breeding efforts produced a rabbit that was both striking in appearance and practical in utility. In 1925, the breed was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) under the name American Silver, but the name was later changed to Silver Fox to reflect the resemblance to the luxurious fur of the silver fox animal. Over the years, the breed became popular not only in the United States but also spread to other regions where breeders valued its unique combination of beauty, size, and versatility. Though it never achieved the global dominance of some commercial rabbit breeds, it has maintained a loyal following among breeders, exhibitors, and homesteaders, and today it is recognized as one of America's heritage rabbit breeds. Why They Are Unique Among Rabbit Breeds Silver Fox rabbits stand out in the rabbit world for several reasons, making them a truly unique breed. The most striking feature is their fur, which is unlike that of any other domestic rabbit. Their coat is dense, soft, and carries a distinctive silvering effect. Each hair shaft is tipped with silver, giving the rabbit a frosted, shimmering look that glistens in the light. Unlike most rabbit breeds whose fur naturally lies flat, the Silver Fox coat stands upright when stroked "against the grain." This unusual quality, called standing fur, is rare in domestic rabbits and mimics the texture of actual fox fur. It was this trait that made the breed so desirable during its early years, especially when natural fur was in high demand. Another unique quality lies in their temperament. Silver Fox rabbits are known for being calm, gentle, and easy to handle compared to many other breeds of similar size. Their docile nature makes them excellent choices for families, children, and first-time rabbit owners who may be intimidated by more high-strung breeds. Their size, generally between 9 and 12 pounds for adults, makes them substantial yet manageable. Additionally, Silver Fox rabbits are considered dual-purpose animals, combining traits valued in both show and production contexts. Their body type is well-suited for meat production, with a commercial body shape that yields good carcass quality, while their beautiful fur and markings make them competitive in the show ring. Few rabbit breeds successfully combine these two qualities, making the Silver Fox especially significant in the world of rabbit husbandry. Their rarity also contributes to their uniqueness. Despite being recognized by ARBA and admired by breeders, Silver Fox rabbits have often been considered a rare or heritage breed. The Livestock Conservancy lists them among breeds needing preservation, meaning their population is not as widespread as more common commercial breeds like the New Zealand or Californian. Their rarity makes them not only valuable as pets or show animals but also important as a genetic resource to preserve biodiversity in domestic rabbits.
Author: Mark W. Steve
ISBN-13: 9798270903459
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 10/21/2025
Pages: 156
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.48lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.33d
Origins of the Breed
The Silver Fox rabbit holds a special place in the history of American rabbit breeding because it is one of the very few rabbit breeds developed entirely within the United States. The breed was created in the 1920s by a dedicated breeder named Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. Garland sought to develop a rabbit that could serve multiple purposes-a rabbit with excellent meat-producing qualities, a unique and attractive coat, and a calm temperament that would make it manageable for farmers and families alike. To achieve this, he carefully crossed Champagne d'Argent rabbits (renowned for their silvered coats and good meat qualities) with other breeds such as the Checkered Giant and possibly the English Silver. The goal was to create a medium-to-large rabbit with a beautiful silver-tipped coat that resembled the fur of the actual silver fox, a rare and highly prized animal in the fur trade at the time. Garland's breeding efforts produced a rabbit that was both striking in appearance and practical in utility. In 1925, the breed was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) under the name American Silver, but the name was later changed to Silver Fox to reflect the resemblance to the luxurious fur of the silver fox animal. Over the years, the breed became popular not only in the United States but also spread to other regions where breeders valued its unique combination of beauty, size, and versatility. Though it never achieved the global dominance of some commercial rabbit breeds, it has maintained a loyal following among breeders, exhibitors, and homesteaders, and today it is recognized as one of America's heritage rabbit breeds. Why They Are Unique Among Rabbit Breeds Silver Fox rabbits stand out in the rabbit world for several reasons, making them a truly unique breed. The most striking feature is their fur, which is unlike that of any other domestic rabbit. Their coat is dense, soft, and carries a distinctive silvering effect. Each hair shaft is tipped with silver, giving the rabbit a frosted, shimmering look that glistens in the light. Unlike most rabbit breeds whose fur naturally lies flat, the Silver Fox coat stands upright when stroked "against the grain." This unusual quality, called standing fur, is rare in domestic rabbits and mimics the texture of actual fox fur. It was this trait that made the breed so desirable during its early years, especially when natural fur was in high demand. Another unique quality lies in their temperament. Silver Fox rabbits are known for being calm, gentle, and easy to handle compared to many other breeds of similar size. Their docile nature makes them excellent choices for families, children, and first-time rabbit owners who may be intimidated by more high-strung breeds. Their size, generally between 9 and 12 pounds for adults, makes them substantial yet manageable. Additionally, Silver Fox rabbits are considered dual-purpose animals, combining traits valued in both show and production contexts. Their body type is well-suited for meat production, with a commercial body shape that yields good carcass quality, while their beautiful fur and markings make them competitive in the show ring. Few rabbit breeds successfully combine these two qualities, making the Silver Fox especially significant in the world of rabbit husbandry. Their rarity also contributes to their uniqueness. Despite being recognized by ARBA and admired by breeders, Silver Fox rabbits have often been considered a rare or heritage breed. The Livestock Conservancy lists them among breeds needing preservation, meaning their population is not as widespread as more common commercial breeds like the New Zealand or Californian. Their rarity makes them not only valuable as pets or show animals but also important as a genetic resource to preserve biodiversity in domestic rabbits.
Author: Mark W. Steve
ISBN-13: 9798270903459
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 10/21/2025
Pages: 156
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.48lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.33d
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