Breed Origin:
The American Chinchilla rabbit is actually one of the few breeds of rabbit that originated in the United States. The credit for developing this breed can not be given to one breeder; several American breeders wanted to produce a larger bodied rabbit, one that was larger than the Standard Chinchilla. They want these larger bodied rabbits for the obvious reasons, for larger pelts and more meat. They started the development of the new breed in the very early 1920’s. Their new breed was originally known as the Heavyweight Chinchilla, but by the time 1924 rolled around and the breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) the name was changed to the American Chinchilla, which is what we still know them as today.
Today's Breed:
The American Chinchilla rabbits are a large and hardy breed but also known for their gentleness gentle. The ARBA Standard of Profection calls for mature bucks to weight from 9 to 11 lbs and mature does to weigh from 10 to 12 lbs. The American Chinchilla does are known for producing large litters, the average size litter is usually 7 to 10 kits per litter. They are known for having good mothering instincts. The fryers are also hardy and known to reach market weight quickly.
When you first see this rabbit it appears to be a salt and pepper color, but when you blow into the fur four distinct bands of color appears. They attract a lot of attention at shows because of their large size and their fur is so soft and beautiful.
The American Chinchilla breed slogan is "Ring a Winner". They only have one variety, it should resemble a chinchilla or a salt and pepper look and it should be a rollback type fur. They are known to be a very gentle breed.
The ARBA Schedule of Points goes as follows:
General Type...
- Body...30
- Head and Ears...8
- Eyes...2
- Feed and Legs...5
Fur...25
Color...25
- Undercolor...5
- Ring Color and Definition...8
- Surface Color...12
Condition...5
Total Points...100
The Future of this breed:
Attracting a lot of attention at shows may not be enough for this beautiful breed, sadly this breed is very close to extinction. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has this breed listed as critical, and is listed on the “Rare Breed Rabbits” list. If there is not more interested sparked among breeders we could be in danger of loosing another beautiful breed forever. Visit the American Chinchilla Rabbit Breeders Association to learn more.
Cindi Hinton - I love animals and I love helping kids with their animal projects. I live on a small farm in north Texas. My husband and I raise Holland ...
