Champagne d'Argent (US)

Champagne d'Argent in the United States refers to the American show and breeding population of the French silver rabbit, maintained under the American Rabbit Breeders Association standard. It is a large commercial-type rabbit, usually shown in one silver variety, with a dark undercolor and a surface made pale by intermingled white hairs. Youngsters start nearly black and silver gradually, often looking patchy during the change. Compared with some European Argent lines, United States stock has been selected heavily for meat-rabbit depth, fullness through the hindquarters, and a clean, even silver finish.

Because the breed is judged after a slow color transition, buyers should not expect a junior to display the adult coat. Breeding programs keep an eye on body type, dense fur, a dark undercolor, and freedom from rusty or uneven silvering. These rabbits are generally manageable but powerful enough to need secure handling, a roomy pen, and flooring that protects hocks. A hay-based diet with controlled pellets helps prevent overweight senior animals, especially breeding does kept through multiple litters. For exhibition, it is worth asking whether a line is bred to the current United States standard rather than only to the general Champagne name.

Colors: Agouti, Albino, Black, Blue, Broken, Charlie, Chestnut, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Harlequin, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Magpie, Marten, Opal, Orange, Otter, Pointed White, Red, Sable, Seal, Squirrel, Tortoise, Tri-Color, Vienna Marked, White