Silver Marten rabbit

Black Silver Marten

The Silver Marten is a breed of domestic rabbit.[1] Although they are raised to compete in pet shows and agricultural shows,[2][3] they are also regarded as "loveable and charming" pets.[4]

Description

The Silver Marten is a medium-sized rabbit that weighs between 6.5 and 8.5 lbs. when fully grown. They are hardy and have fur that is described as soft "with a beautiful polished look to it".[4] While more timid than some larger breeds of rabbit, they are still considered an excellent pet. The Silver Marten is playful, enjoys romping around, and likes playthings it can toss around its cage.[4]

History

Early breeders of Chinchilla rabbits, a breed listed as critical on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Conservation Priority List,[5] attempted to improve Chinchilla rabbits' color and pattern by introducing black and tan bloodlines. These genes later manifested as black "sports" described as "strange little black rabbits"[6] as well as similar silver rabbits among standard Chinchilla rabbit litters. These oddities bred true and were named as a separate breed, the "Silver Marten", in 1924.[1][6]

In 1927, a working standard for black and chocolate varieties was established by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association and the first Silver Marten Club was chartered. A blue variety of this breed was accepted in 1933. The sable variety, the last to be approved, was accepted in 1993.[1][6]

Varieties

Silver Marten are a compatible breed for introducing color into Dwarf Rabbit bloodlines.[7]

See also

References

External links

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