The Comprehensive Guide to the Silver Fox Rabbit.

The Silver Fox Rabbit is a wonderful rabbit breed. It is surprisingly known for its beautiful, unique, glowing fur, naturally friendly temperament, and versatile uses. This breed is one of the few rabbit families developed in the United States.

The Silver Fox Rabbit has seized the hearts of rabbit pet owners, breeders, and lovers worldwide. This detailed guide will discover the Silver Fox Bunny’s detailed history, characteristics, care requirements, other uses, and much more.

The Basic History of the Silver Fox Rabbit:

The silver fox rabbit has an affluent and appealing history. This breed was developed in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. An expert rabbit breeder from Ohio named Walter B. Garland was the first person to develop this breed.

Initially, this breed was known as the American heavyweight silver. This rabbit family was bred for its dense, silver-tipped fur and its commercial value as a meat rabbit.

Breeder Walter B. Garland consistently tried to create a unique rabbit breed that would meet the dual needs of farmers and breeders, such as meat. To fulfill these requirements, he crossed several breeds, including the American Blue Rabbit, Champagne d’Argent, and Checkered Giant.

The American Rabbit Breeder Association (ARBA) accepted and recognized this breed in 1925, and it was named the Silver Fox Rabbit because of its fox-like fur texture and coloration.

Over time, the breed’s popularity waned due to competition from faster-growing commercial rabbits. However, it remains a cherished breed among enthusiasts and conservationists today.

Distinctive Features of the Silver Fox Rabbit:

Size and Weight:

The large breed Silver Fox Rabbit is around 9 to 12 inches in body length and 18 to 22 inches in fur length, with a fur length of 1.5 inches. This breed’s male and female rabbits have a minimum difference in weight, with males (bucks) weighing around 9 to 11 pounds and females (does) weighing around 10 to 12 pounds. Their remarkable size makes them the best choice for livestock for meat production and also for rabbit pet lovers.

Growth Chart of Sliver Fox Rabbit:

Growth Chart	Weight (Approx.)	Stages
From Birth	2 to 3 ounces	Kitten (Kit)
2 Weeks	0.5 to 1 pound	Kitten
4 Weeks	2 to 3 pounds	Weaning Stage
8 Weeks	4 to 5 pounds	Juvenile
4 to 6 Months	7 to 9 pounds	Adolescent
6 to 8 Months	9 to 12 pounds	Adult

 Fur Characteristics of Silver Fox Rabbits:

The defining feature of silver fox bunnies is their fur; their well-known “stand-up fur” brings them forward among all other rabbit breeds because they have soft, dense, and unique fur. The feature of its fur is that when stroked backward, it remains upright until it is stroked forward again. Their fur is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long, longer than most other rabbit breeds.

Ideal Uses of Silver Fox Rabbit Fur:

The expensive silver-tipped coat of this rabbit breed is a hot commodity for leather item manufacturers and textile industries. Their historical fur is used to make coats, Hats, and other garments, and it is popular among artisans and hobbyists for making high-quality textiles.

Color Variations of the Silver Fox Rabbit Breed:

The Silver Fox Rabbit is most often seen in black with silver-tipped fur. Still, other colors have been recognized or are being developed. American Rabbit Breeder Association (ARBA), as of January 2025, only recognizes the silver fox rabbit breed in two color varieties: black and chocolate.

However, initially, two colors, black and blue, were recognized before. Unfortunately, the blue variety dropped due to decreased numbers being shown. The ARBA officially accepted chocolate color in its 2021 convention. ARBA.

Color Variation Chart of Silver Fox Rabbit:

Color Variations	Description
Black	Classic silver-tipped fur with a deep black base coat.
Blue	A slate-gray color with silver highlights.
Chocolate	A rich brown shade with shimmering silver tips.
Lilac	Lilac

Why did you choose a Silver Fox Rabbit As a Pet?

The Silver Fox Rabbit is ideal for those looking for a cute, beautiful, friendly, and naturally easy to take care of as a pet.

Their loving temperament and extraordinary coat make them a golden addition to any household. Would you be ready to bring one silver fox bunny as your next pet friend?

Gentle and Affectionate Rabbit:

Silver Fox bunnies are well known for their calm and friendly nature. Unlike other smaller rabbit breeds that are often excited, silver fox rabbits are gentle and enjoy being picked up. These natural habits make them the ideal choice for families with children. This rabbit family is very patient and tolerant when handling after proper socialized training.

Dual-Purpose Usage:

The silver fox rabbit is recommended as a commercial breed, which means it is perfect for meat production and fur harvesting. Small-scale farmers and breeders prefer this breed because of its large size and fast growth rate.

Great for Cuddles:

Silver fox bunnies larger size (weighing 9–12 pounds) makes them perfect cuddly pets. You feel their soft, plush fur, which adds to the comfort of holding them.

Low Maintenance and Grooming:

Although silver fox bunnies have beautiful fur and coats, they need little grooming requirements compared to other long-haired rabbit breeds. Occasionally, nail trimming and brushing are enough for them.

Intelligence and Trainability:

Silver fox rabbits are very intelligent, so they can be litter-trained with some patience. Their calm and friendly natures make them good indoor pets. They love learning new tricks and playing interactive games with their owner friends.

Rare and Special Rabbit Breed:

The Silver Fox is one of the rarer rabbit breeds. By choosing one as a pet, you have also become one of the guardians of this heritage breed.

A Showstopper at Rabbit Shows:

If you are interested in rabbit shows, the Silver Fox is a popular choice due to its unique fur and adherence to ARBA standards.

Guidelines for Exhibiting Silver Fox Rabbits in 2025 ARBA Sanctioned Shows:

Participating in American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) sanctioned shows with your Silver Fox rabbits requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure fairness and uniformity. Below is a comprehensive overview of the process and procedures for the 2025 show season:

ARBA Membership and Show Entry Process:

• Membership: Ensure you are a current member of the ARBA. Membership provides access to official resources, show schedules, and updates.
• Show Entry: Obtain the show catalog from the hosting club; complete the entry form carefully and accurately, specifying the breed, variety, class, and ear number of each rabbit.

Rabbit Identification Procedure:

• Permanent Identification: As per ARBA rules, a permanent and legible ear tattoo in the left ear. Ensure the tattoo is neat and clear and matches the entry from the details.

Health and condition criteria:

• General Health: Rabbits should be in normal health conditions, free from diseases, parasites, and injuries.

• Disqualification Factors: Be aware that mentioning the wrong eye color or coat texture could lead to disqualifications.

Presentation and Grooming:

• Coat Preparation: The Silver Fox’s unique fur should be clean and well-groomed. Regular grooming helps maintain the desired texture and appearance.
• Nail Trimming: Ensure all nails are trimmed to an appropriate length.

Adherence to ARBA Standards:

• Standard of Perfection: Familiarize yourself with the ARBA’s “Standard of Perfection 2021-2025,” which provides detailed descriptions and standards for all recognized breeds and varieties, including the Silver Fox. This resource is essential for understanding the ideal characteristics judges seek.

How to Care for a Silver Fox Rabbit:

For better looking after your pet friend, you have to consider some recommendations mentioned below:

Housing Requirements:

As you know, this rabbit breed is large, so it needs special housing to accommodate its size. The indoor cage should be at least 4ft x 4 ft and have an additional play area for hopping around. Outdoor living hutches should be installed in safe and secure places to protect the rabbits against extreme weather and other predators.

Substrate Options:

For silver fox rabbit bedding, use recycled paper or hay bedding. Do not use cedar and pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory problems; instead, use aspen shavings.

Dietary Needs for Silver Fox Rabbits:

Like all other rabbit families, silver fox rabbits require a well-balanced diet to maintain their energy, health, and beautiful fur. Here is a detailed guide to their dietary needs.

Hay is the Main Component:

The core element for the rabbit’s diet is Timothy Hay because it contains 70 percent to 80 percent of the rabbit’s daily diet. Therefore, timothy hay is necessary for silver for rabbits and for young silver bunnies aged under six months. Alfalfa hay is the best choice; it contains reach protein and calcium, which are essential for normal growth.

Pellets For Silver Fox pet:

• High-Quality Rabbit Pellets: Feed your Silver Fox rabbits 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-fiber pellets daily, calculating their size and activity level.Give them pellets with at least 18 to 22% fiber, and remember, do not add seeds or dried fruits.
• For Baby Rabbits: Provide alfalfa-based pellets until 6 months of age, then transition to timothy-based pellets.

Fresh Vegetables Eat Silver Fox Rabbits:

• Introduce Gradually: When silver rabbits become at least three months old, provide them with fresh vegetables in small amounts.
• Safe Vegetables: Silver Fox Rabbit’s main leafy green vegetables include Romaine lettuce, kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, and bok choy.
• Other Veggies (in moderation): Carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini.
• Daily Amount of veggies:  Give them about 1 cup of vegetables per 2 pounds of their body weight.
• Fresh Fruits For Treats only: Offer fruits only occasionally (1–2 times per week) due to high sugar content.
• Safe Fruits: Apples (seedless), strawberries, blueberries, bananas, papaya, and mango.
• Portion: 1–2 tablespoons per serving.
• Fresh water: Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
• Delivery: Use a heavy ceramic bowl or a water bottle to prevent spills. Clean it daily.

Avoid These Foods:

• Toxic to Rabbits: Chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, rhubarb, and potato.
• Gassy or High-Starch Foods: Cabbage, beans, corn, and bread.
• Sugary and Processed Foods: Candy, crackers, or cereal.
• Special Notes for Kits (Baby Bunnies)
• Mother’s Milk: Kits should be fed until 6 to 8 weeks old.
• Weaning: Begin offering alfalfa hay and pellets alongside milk around 3 weeks of age.

Balanced Diet Chart (By Age) for Silver Fox Rabbit:

Age/Size	Hay	Pellets	Fresh Veggies	Fruits (Treats)
Kits (0–3 months)	Alfalfa (free-feed	Alfalfa-based	None	None
3–6 Months	Alfalfa (gradually introduce timothy)	Transition Pellets	Small Portions	None
Adults (6+ Months)	Timothy (free-feed)	1/4–1/2 cup	1–2 cups daily	1–2 tbsp weekly

 Exercise and Enrichment:

Daily exercise is essential for your silver fox rabbit’s physical and mental well-being. Prepare a timetable for their daily routine, which should include a minimum of three to four hours of free roaming time. However, remember that the exercise area should be safe and, secure, and rabbit-proofed. Give them enrichment toys like chew sticks, tunnels, and puzzle feeders for more enjoyable exercise time.

Grooming Needs for Silver Fox Bunny:

• Brushing: Brush your rabbit weekly to remove loose fur. Increase brushing frequency during shedding seasons (spring and fall) to prevent matting.
• Bathing: Avoid bathing your rabbit unless necessary. Rabbits groom themselves, and bathing can cause stress.

Health Concerns of the Silver Fox Rabbit:

Like other rabbit breeds, this breed also has some common health issues that should be considered in time.

Dental Problems in Silver Fox Rabbits:

Their teeth grow regularly throughout their lives. So you can keep an eye on them and give them timely fibrous food, such as Hay, which tackles overgrown teeth problems. If you see signs like difficulty eating, mouth infections, drooling, a decrease in appetite, or clear changes in facial structure, these could be signs of dental issues.

• Remember that regular check-ups and wooden chew toys can enhance healthy teeth.

Parasite problems in silver bunnies:

This issue is common in all rabbit breeds, and the silver fox rabbit is no exception. If your rabbit continuously shakes its head or scratches excessively, then it could be the issue of Ear mites. On the other hand, skin mites can cause hair loss, redness, and scaly patches on the skin. Take care of your rabbit from Fleas if it lives outdoors. 

If parasites are found in your rabbit, immediately contact your Vet consultant and adopt appropriate treatments, such as medicated drops or shampoos. However, with all of these concerns, it is essential to maintain a clean living environment to prevent parasite infestations.

GI Stasis problems in rabbits:

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition in rabbits where the digestive system slows down or stops altogether. Symptoms include a lack of appetite.  If you suspect GI stasis, seek immediate veterinary care, as delayed treatment can be fatal.

Silver Fox Rabbit Meat Importance:

The Silver Fox Rabbit is prized for its meat due to its tenderness, flavor, and nutritional value. Rabbit meat is high in protein, low in fat, and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. This breed’s larger size and efficient feed conversion ratio make it a favorite among small-scale meat producers.

Silver Fox Rabbit Pros and Cons:

Pros	Details
Friendly and Easy to Handle	Calm and gentle temperament, making them ideal companions for families and first-time owners. Easy to train and enjoy human interaction.
Unique Silver-Tipped Fur	Their silver-tipped, soft, and dense fur resembles that of a fox and is admired for its unique shimmer and beauty.
Great for Meat and Fur Production	Known for high-quality meat and luxurious fur, they are efficient dual-purpose rabbits, popular among homesteaders.
Ideal for Families and Kids	Social and less skittish, they adapt well to family environments and are perfect for children learning to care for a pet.

Cons	Details
Requires Large Housing Space	Their larger size (9–12 pounds) means they need spacious housing or free-roaming setups for proper exercise and movement.
Regular Grooming Needed	Dense fur requires weekly brushing, especially during shedding seasons, to prevent matting and hair ingestion that may lead to GI issues.
Rare Breed, Harder to Find	As a rare breed, locating Silver Fox rabbits can be challenging, often requiring searches for specialized breeders or rescues.
Higher Upfront Cost	Rare availability leads to higher costs, especially for pedigreed rabbits. Larger size also means increased expenses for food and housing.

Where to Find a Silver Fox Rabbit for Sale:

The Silver Fox Rabbit is a Rare breed, which is not commonly found in pet stores. Instead, search for reputable breeders online or attend rabbit shows to connect with breeders. Expect to pay $50–$100 depending on the rabbit’s color and pedigree. You can also check local agricultural fairs and events for availability.

Silver Fox Rabbit FAQ:

1. How rare are Silver Fox rabbits?

Silver Fox rabbits are considered a rare breed. They are one of the few actual American rabbit breeds developed in the early 1900s. Despite their excellent qualities as meat and fur rabbits, their population declined over time, leading to their classification as a rare or heritage breed by organizations like the Livestock Conservancy. However, their numbers have been growing in recent years due to increased interest from breeders and homesteaders.

2. Are Silver Fox rabbits good pets?

Yes! Silver Fox rabbits make excellent pets due to their friendly and docile temperament. They are known for being gentle, affectionate, and good with children, making them an excellent choice for families. Unlike other rabbit breeds, they tolerate handling well, making them easier to bond with. They also have a calm demeanour, making them a good choice for first-time rabbit owners. However, like all rabbits, they require proper care, a spacious enclosure, a healthy diet, and regular social interaction.

3. How much does a Silver Fox rabbit cost?

The price of a Silver Fox rabbit can vary based on location, breeder reputation, and whether the rabbit is pedigreed. On average, Silver Fox rabbits cost between $40 to $100 for pet-quality rabbits. If you’re looking for show-quality or breeding stock, prices can be higher, typically ranging from $75 to $200 or more. Transportation costs and initial setup expenses (such as a hutch, food, and veterinary care) should also be considered.

4. What age do you butcher Silver Fox rabbits?

Silver Fox rabbits are commonly butchered between 10 and 12 weeks of age for optimal meat quality. At this age, they typically reach a weight of around 5 to 6 pounds, providing tender meat with good feed efficiency. Some breeders prefer to wait until 16 to 20 weeks for more significant meat production. Still, the meat can become more arduous beyond this age. Proper management and selective breeding can help optimize growth rates and efficiency if Silver Fox rabbits are raised for meat and breeding.