The Champagne d’Argent rabbit is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breed. It is a pretty small rabbit breed with very good nature. The exact origin of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit is unknown. But documentation suggests that the breed was present in France by the mid 1600s.
Champagne d’Argent means ‘Silver [rabbit] of Champagne’. And the word Champagne does not refer to the silvery color, rather to the region in France where the breed was actually developed. After development, the breed was acknowledged as the French Silver rabbit because of it’s silvery coat.
As a very old breed the Champagne d’Argent rabbit was once valued for its pelt and it was a common rabbit breed at that time. The Champagne d’Argents are also highly valued for their meat. And were very popular for their fat and solid meat.
Today there are at least seven breeds of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit available throughout the world. The British Rabbit Council recognizes five color varieties, which are Blue, Brun, Creme, Noir and Champagne.
But the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes only two color varieties of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit, which are Creme and Champagne. Now the breed is raised mainly as pets and show animal.
Champagne d’Argent Rabbit Characteristics
The Champagne d’Argent rabbit is a small breed which is medium in length. Their under color is portrayed as dark slate blue with a bluish white color body. They have strong hips and loin and their back is slightly curved.
They have elongated jet black hairs interspersed in their coat to generate a silvery tone if observed from a distance. The breed has well developed rib-section, shoulders, which are packed with solid firm flesh.
Ears, feet, nose and tail of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit are same in color as that of the color of their coat. The breed is more renowned for the color of their fur than the type of their body. They have a thick and silky fur, lying loosely on their body.
Champagne d’Argents are good for meat. The midsection of their body is wide, solid and meaty, holding as much flesh as possible down each side all through its entire body length. Their loin is wide and deep, bearing as much flesh as possible and it is balanced closely with their hips.
The hips of these rabbits are wide, soft, well rounded and crammed with heavy and solid flesh. The lower sides of their hips are also well developed. The bone structure is fine which allow them to produce more meat.
Average body weight of these rabbits is about 4.3 to 5.5 kg. Although body weight can vary depending on the variety. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Champagne d’Argent rabbit is mainly kept as pets and as show animal. The breed also has a very high meat to bone ratio. So, it is also very suitable for commercial rabbit farming business for producing meat. They are also very good for producing fine quality pelt.
Special Notes
Usually the Champagne d’Argent rabbits are of very good nature. So they are very good as pets. They are very clean animal and usually groom themselves and also each other.
Like most other rabbit breeds, this rabbit breed also love to live in groups. They feel comfortable and grow peacefully if they are kept in pairs. They are relatively calm in temperament and have very good personality.
Average lifespan of this rabbit breed is about 5 to 8 years. They require good food and proper care for fast growth. However, review full breed profile of this rabbit breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Champagne d’Argent |
| Other Name | French Silver Rabbit |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly kept as pets and show animal. Also very good for commercial meat production. |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Weight | Average body weight is between 4.3 and 5.5 kg. |
| Suitable for Commercial Production | Yes |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All |
| Color Varieties | Today there are at least seven color varieties of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit available throughout the world. But the British Rabbit Council recognizes five color varieties, which are Blue, Brun, Creme, Noir and Champagne. And the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes only two color varieties of the Champagne d’Argent rabbit, which are Creme and Champagne. |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | France |
