Silver Fox rabbit

Silver Fox
A Silver Fox Doe
Conservation status Threatened
Other names American Heavyweight Silver
American Silver Fox
Country of origin United States
Traits
Weight
  • Male: 9–11 lb
  • Female: 10–12 lb
Fur type Standing
Classification
ARBA recognized Yes
ARBA type Commercial
ARBA class 6
Show classes Junior buck
Junior doe
Intermediate buck
Intermediate doe
Senior bucks
Senior does

The Silver Fox rabbit is a rare breed of domestic rabbit developed by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio, and is bred for meat, show, and unique fur.[1] The breed is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.[2]

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.[3] The breeds used to develop the Silver Fox are still disputed however it is believed that Checkered Giant's and Champagnes were used. In 1925 the breed was accepted by the 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 today 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 producing abilities. However, the Silver Fox is still considered threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.[1] The Silver Fox is also recognized by the 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 and excellent with children. Senior bucks should weigh 9–11 pounds and senior does 10–12 pounds. The silver fox 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 to be ideally 1 1/2 inches in length.

The Silver Fox breed is classified as "Commercial" by ARBA. This means that the ideal shape of the Silver Fox is to lead to 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, width of the body to equal the depth of the hind quarters 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 they come in a variety of colors, such as blue, chocolate, lilac, and white. Blue was in the breed standard but was removed in the 1970s due to a decrease in the number of blue Silver Fox rabbits being shown.[3] Currently there are two Certificates of Development out 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.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Silver Fox Rabbit". The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  2. ↑ "List of recognized breeds". American Rabbit Breeders Association. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  3. 1 2 "Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Silver Fox". voices.yahoo.com. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
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