SILVER MARTEN - Pet Rabbits

The Silver Marten rabbit is a very hardy medium sized rabbit, growing to be between 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds, with beautiful soft fur.

These bunnies make great pets, though they may be a bit more timid than some of the large breed rabbits. They are playful and love to romp around. They also like toys that they can toss about in their cage.



 

The Silver Marten breed is the result of naturally occurring "spots" in Standard Chinchilla litters. Early Chinchilla breeders at one time had introduced some black Tan bloodlines into the breed in hopes of improving the color and pattern of the breed, which resulted in the tan pattern genes being carried by these offspring. Some of these black and silver colored "spots" were saved and when crossed, bred true and the Silver Marten breed (named in 1924) was started. As far as meat this breed is a bit smaller and nearly the size you find in Rex pet rabbits.

In 1927, the first working standard was adopted for the black and chocolate varieties and the first Silver Marten Club was chartered. In 1929 the blues were accepted and in 1933, the sable variety was approved. These are the same 4 varieties still shown today.

 Color varieties include black, blue, chocolate, or sable; with silver-tipped guard hairs and silver white markings to the eyes, mouth, chin and under parts.
The Black Silver Martens are the most common at shows and have a stunning contrast between their black and silver white fur.


Back to Rabbit Breeds