Silver Fox rabbit facts for kids
A Silver Fox doe (female rabbit)
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| Other names |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
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| Fur type | Standing |
| Classification | |
| ARBA recognized | Yes |
| ARBA type | Commercial |
| ARBA class | 6 |
| Show classes |
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The Silver Fox rabbit is a rare breed of domestic rabbit developed by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio, and bred for meat, show, and its unique fur. The breed is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
History
The Silver Fox breed was developed by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio and was the third breed to be developed in the United States. The breeds used to develop the Silver Fox are still disputed. However, it is believed that Checkered Giants and Champagnes were used. In 1925, the breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) at the Colorado Springs convention in both blue and black varieties. The Silver Fox was originally named the "American Heavyweight Silver", but the name was changed to Silver Fox in 1929. Due to low numbers shown at ARBA national conventions, the blue variety was dropped from the standard in the 1990s so that only the black varieties can be shown (none exhibition). Today the Silver Fox is rebounding in popularity due to an increased interest in its fur and meat production. However, the Silver Fox is still considered threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The Silver Fox is also recognized by Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste, a catalog of U.S. foods in danger of extinction.
Appearance and personality
The Silver Fox is a large, docile breed that is excellent with children. Senior bucks should weigh 9–11 pounds and senior does should weigh 10–12 pounds. The breed is named for its dense, unique fur which is to closely resembles the pelt of the silver fox. The fur of the Silver Fox rabbit is unique in that it is classified as "stand up" fur; it stands on end until stroked back into place. The Silver Fox is the only breed accepted by ARBA that has stand up fur; by ARBA standard the fur is ideally 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length.
The Silver Fox breed is classified as "Commercial" by ARBA. This means that the ideal shape of the Silver Fox is to provide the maximum amount of meat in the prime cuts of the carcass. Well-filled, wide, straight hindquarters; a deep profile which allows for a deep loin; body width equal to the depth of the hindquarters; and a short shoulder all are ideal components of any commercial breed, including the Silver Fox.
Currently, only black Silver Foxes can be shown, but the breed comes in a variety of colors, such as blue, chocolate, lilac, and white. Blue was previously included in the breed standard, but was removed in the 1970s due to a decrease in the number of blue Silver Fox rabbits being shown. Currently, there are two "Certificates of Development" for chocolate and blue Silver Foxes. Both of these varieties can be shown in ARBA recognized shows for exhibition.
Silver Foxes are known to be friendly, enjoying attention and handling.
