| Size: | Standard |
| Weight: | 6-8 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5-10 Years |
| Type of body: | Compact |
| Temperament: | Comfortable, mild, and friendly |
| The Best for: | All types of rabbit owners will love it! |
| Similar Breeds | American Chinchilla and Giant Chinchilla. Himalayan, Dutch, Havana. |
The Standard Chinchilla is the first of all the rabbit breeds known today as “Chinchillas”. It also weighs in at the smallest of three breeds that the American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes. These beautiful rabbits were first discovered in France under controversial breeding conditions. Their name is a tribute to a South American rodent, whose fur they very closely resemble.
Today’s article will explore the history and origins of this once-popular breed. Although they are difficult to find outside of dedicated breeders’ groups, we will be sharing helpful tips and hints about their care and grooming.
Let’s learn more about this unique and colorful rabbit breed that has a rich history.
The Standard Chinchilla Rabbit Breed: History and Origin
The discovery of the tiny rodents called “chinchillas”, in the age of European exploration of South America would forever change the European garment industry. These small animals were instantly sought-after for their thick, dense, and lustrous furs. They were almost extinct by the end of the 19th century.
A French rabbit breeder found a way to produce a rabbit that was almost identical in appearance to the South American natives after the Chilean government banned further hunting of chinchilla rodents.
A blue doe and agouti bucks of an unknown breed created a litter. This litter was then crossed to the Himalayans and English breeding is known as Black and Tan. The first Chinchilla Rabbits were created in 1913. This led to their adoption as valuable and sought-after garment material.
Chinchillas are the most popular breed in Europe and the United States because of their densely textured, richly colored fur. Despite the threat of World War II, interest in Chinchillas’ breeding was kept alive by dedicated fanciers and clubs of breeders.
General Description
The Chinchilla rabbit breeds are easily identifiable by their fur. It is a rich mixture of earthen colors (brown and chestnut), which is then woven in white, blue, or black bands. The Standard Chinchilla’s pearly eyes, which form white circles around the darkened eyes, make it stand out from all other Chinchilla breeds.
Standard Chinchillas, although smaller and more compact than other Chinchilla breeds than their relatives are more fragile and delicate than their descendants. They are a great choice for rabbit-handling veterans because of their gentle nature.
Nutrition and Health
Standard Chinchillas need the same diet as domestic rabbits: Plenty of timothy Hay and filtered water. They also need daily intakes of leafy greens, rabbit kibble, and plenty of filtered water.
Although they are smaller than other Chinchillas (which is why they need more space), they still require plenty of room to move around, stretch and play. They are smaller than other Chinchillas, which makes them more active. Litter training is an important step to give them freedom of movement in the house.
Grooming
Chinchilla rabbits have lustrous and rich coats that require extra care than other breeds. They should be brushed at least twice a week throughout the year. In spring, they will shed more frequently.
Temperament
The Standard Chinchillas are gentle and kind, making them a great choice for breeding. Because of their gentle nature, Standard Chinchillas are easy to handle and can be groomed easily. This makes them great house pets. They will be a constant companion and can be handled well from the moment they are born.
Last Thoughts on Standard Chinchilla Rabbit Breed
Although they are not as popular in the United States as they used to be, Standard Chinchillas (and all Chinchilla breeds) still make great pets. This breed is a great choice for anyone who loves it. Find a Chinchilla Rabbit Breeder Club near you to learn more about how to get one for your home.
What kind of rabbit is a Chinchilla?
Chinchilla rabbits were called after the South American rodent, the Chinchilla, and first appeared in France in the early 1900s. The Chinchilla rabbit breed was created in 1913 using Himalayans, Beveren’s, and wild-colored agouti rabbits, and it was first presented in France.
What is a typical chinchilla?
The Standard Chinchilla arrived in America in 1919, and the first American Chinchilla Rabbit Association was created in 1923, with a standard later that year recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. It is the smallest of the three Chinchilla breeds, weighing around 7 12 pounds at maturity.
What exactly is Rex rabbit Chinchilla?
There will be 5-6 skins or 4-6 stitching lines on a rex rabbit coat. This is not universal, but it applies in most circumstances, and the skins must be sewn horizontally. The authentic chinchilla has a black core region that is bordered by a soft gray area and white lines on the edges.
Chinchilla rabbits are hypoallergenic.
Their fur is thick and incredibly velvety, with hues ranging from gray-white to black, sapphire to violet, and variants of these colors. Because of their thick coats, they are generally thought to be hypoallergenic; nonetheless, persons with severe allergies may still have problems.
Are American Chinchilla rabbits suitable as pets?
While they are difficult to locate for sale, American Chinchillas make great pets. Their pleasant dispositions, adaptive attitudes, and stunning coats all contribute to their popularity.
How much does a typical chinchilla rabbit cost?
The American Chinchilla is ideal if you want a pet rabbit that can also provide you with meat. They will cost between $20 and $50 or more. Expect to pay a bit more for those for displaying, pedigreed, and purebred. They may not be widely available since they are one of America’s rarest rabbits.
Is a chinchilla a kind of rat?
Chinchillas are rodents, and they are related to mice, rats, squirrels, and other similar species. The usual rodent habits are also observed in chinchillas, which explains why they are classified as rodents. Rodents are often distinguished by their teeth and incisors.
What exactly is an agouti rabbit?
The agouti pattern is the wild-type allele, and it manifests as a multicolored, dark, and light-speckled coat caused by each individual hair having bands of color: dark alternating with light. An agouti rabbit’s belly is pale, commonly a cream hue.
How large can rex rabbits grow?
The Rex is a huge rabbit that may weigh between 3 and 4.5kg (6-10lbs). Rex rabbits are smaller in the UK, weighing approximately 3-3.5kg (6-8lbs), whereas they are bigger in the USA, weighing around 3.5-4.5kg (8-10lbs). Rex rabbits have a medium build, rounded body, robust legs, a large head, and erect ears.
Are chinchilla rabbits uncommon?
Despite the fact that the Chinchilla rabbit is scarce and difficult to locate, these bunnies are highly renowned for their coat. The Standard Chinchilla is considerably easier to locate than other varieties of the species and may make an excellent companion for anybody.