The Silver Fox rabbit is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. Originally bred and raised for meat and fur, Silver Fox rabbits are best known for their beautiful and unusual fur with silver ticking.
But, do Silver Fox rabbits make good pets? Silver Fox rabbits make wonderful pets for people of all ages. Gentle and docile by nature, these bunnies love to spend time with people and like to be picked up and held. Despite being mainly used as show rabbits, Silver Fox bunnies make fantastic first-time pets to families with children.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Silver Fox rabbit breed and tell you more about its temperament and care needs. Continue reading if you are looking for a calm, amicable, and gorgeous-looking pet rabbit!
What Is a Silver Fox Rabbit?
The Silver Fox is a rare breed of domestic rabbit, originally developed in the United States and mainly bred for meat, show, and its dense fur. Over the years, the number of Silver Fox rabbits declined and this breed was on the brink of extinction.
Today, the Silver Fox is becoming popular due to an increased interest in its meat and fur production. While they were considered threatened up until recently, thanks to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy efforts the Silver Fox rabbit breed is recovering (source).
Silver Fox Rabbit History and Origin
The Silver Fox rabbit was developed by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. They were the third breed of rabbit developed in the United States after the New Zealand rabbit and American rabbit.
The exact history of the Silver Fox rabbits is still a bit of a mystery since Garland hasn’t disclosed which rabbit breeds he used in his breeding program. Still, it’s widely believed that this breed was developed by crossing Checkered Giants, Champagne D’Argents, and either American Blue rabbits or English Silver rabbits.
This multi-purpose breed was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1925 in both blue and black varieties. At that time, this breed was known as the American Heavyweight Silver, but the name was changed to Silver Fox in 1929.
While both blue Silver Fox rabbits and black Silver Foxes were recognized at first, the blue color was later dropped from the standard. This happened due to low numbers of blue Silver Foxes being shown at rabbit shows.
The increased interest in Silver Fox rabbits due to their fur and meat production led to an increase in their population. The Silver Fox is rebounding in popularity and not considered threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Silver Fox Rabbit Characteristic
Large in size Silver Fox rabbits have a medium-long body with well-fleshed shoulders and hindquarters. Ideally, the Silver Fox rabbit should have a certain body type that allows for the maximum amount of meat in prime cuts.
Size, Weight, Shape
The Silver Fox is a large rabbit with a commercial body type. Male rabbits (bucks) should weigh from nine to 11 pounds. Females (does) tend to be larger and should weigh from 10 to 12 pounds.
Color Varieties
Originally, the Silver Fox rabbit came in both blue and black varieties. However, the blue variety was dropped from the standard and only black Silver Fox rabbits are officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
Still, these bunnies can come in a variety of colors besides black, such as lilac, chocolate, white, and blue. Regardless of the coat color, all Silver Fox rabbits have silver tipped coats with white hairs shot throughout the coat.
Coat
The Silver Fox rabbit has a rather unique and unforgettable coat. This breed is distinguished by its one-of-a-kind standing fur that resembles the pelt of the Silver Fox from the Arctic.
When the coat of the Silver Fox rabbit is stroked from tail to head, it will remain standing straight until stroked in the opposite direction.
Silver Fox bunnies have an extremely dense fur that’s ideally between one and a half and two inches long. But, despite its uniqueness and thickness, the fur of the Silver Fox rabbit doesn’t require any special treatment.
Brush your bunny twice a week using a slicker brush to remove loose hair and keep its coat clean during the off-shedding season. During spring and fall, your Silver Fox bun will shed more than usual so brush them more often to reduce the loose hair and shedding.
Lifespan
The Silver Fox rabbit has an average lifespan of five to eight years. Having said that, these bunnies can live longer when properly cared for and kept indoors with their families.
Temperament
While Silver Fox rabbits were originally bred for fur and meat, they make wonderful pets and show rabbits. Gentle, docile, and friendly by nature, these gorgeous bunnies are ideal companions to seniors, singles, couples, and families with children.
When properly socialized from an early age, Silver Foxes like to be picked up, held, and petted. These bunnies love attention, so be prepared to spend time interacting and playing with your pet rabbit every single day.
While they are moderately active, Silver Foxes still need regular exercise, otherwise, they can become bored and frustrated. A frustrated bunny will easily turn destructive and chew everything in sight including your brand new shoes.
Training rabbits is definitely not the same as training cats or dogs, and it can become challenging. However, training a rabbit to use the litter box or to come when called isn’t impossible! Invest time, patience, and arm yourself with tasty treats to teach your Silver Fox rabbit how to use a litter box.
Silver Fox Rabbit Care
The Silver Fox rabbit, like all other rabbits, needs care and attention to stay healthy and happy. While rabbits are generally considered low-maintenance pets, they too have specific needs that have to be met.
Here’s what you should consider when coming up with a care routine for your Silver Fox rabbit:
Housing
Silver Fox rabbits can live both indoors and outdoors. Regardless of where you decide to keep your rabbit, they will need a spacious enclosure that will accommodate their large body and allow them to stretch, stand, and hop comfortably inside the cage.
Outdoor rabbits should be kept in wooden hutches that are raised from the ground to keep the rabbit protected against the elements and predators. Indoor Silver Foxes should live in sturdy wire cages with plastic bottoms.
Line the inside of the cage with hay, shredded paper, wood pellets, or any other type of bunny-safe bedding. Spot clean the bedding every day and remove it completely once a week to maintain hygiene inside the enclosure.
Diet
Like any other breed of rabbit, Silver Fox bunnies need a diet that consists of at least 70% hay. The rest of their diet should include fruits, vegetables, pellets, and leafy greens.
Keep an eye out on what types of fruits and veggies you’re feeding to your pet rabbit, as not all produce is safe or good for rabbits to eat. Iceberg lettuce, for example, doesn’t offer any nutritional value, while beans and potatoes contain too much sugar that can be problematic for rabbits (source).
Health
Considered generally healthy, the Silver Fox rabbit doesn’t suffer from any inherited health conditions. However, like all other bunnies, they too can be affected by common rabbit diseases.
Overgrown teeth are one of the most common issues seen in all rabbits, including the Silver Fox. As you probably know, a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing, making it possible for them to become ingrown in your bunny’s jaws and cheeks.
Lack of hay in a rabbit’s diet is the main cause of overgrown teeth as chewing on hay naturally wears the teeth and keeps them short. Feed your Silver Fox rabbit a varied diet that includes 70% hay to keep their teeth nice and short.
Bear in mind that keeping your Silver Fox rabbit outside makes it more likely to suffer from flystrike. This condition happens when flies lay eggs in a rabbit’s soiled fur, usually around their bump.
Once the larvae hatch, they will start eating your rabbit inside out, causing excruciating pain. If there is even the slightest chance that your bunny has a flystrike, take them to the vet right away as this is a potentially lethal condition.
Silver Fox Rabbit Price
Silver Fox rabbits on average cost between $20 and $50 for pet quality rabbits. Prices for show-quality bunnies vary, depending on the breeder, coat colors, and pedigree.
Conclusion
Originally bred for meat and fur, Silver Fox rabbits make fantastic pets and show animals. Known for their docile, gentle, and friendly personalities, these bunnies love to spend time with people and are wonderful companions.
Silver Fox rabbits adapt well to indoor and outdoor living and are fairly easy to keep, which makes them ideal for first-time owners.
Do you own a Silver Fox rabbit? What’s your bunny like? Share your experience raising this gorgeous bunny with us and our readers in the comment section below!
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