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At Leap & Burrow, we are passionate about preserving and promoting the rare and versatile Silver Fox rabbit. Located in Clarksville, TN, our small family-run rabbitry is dedicated to raising healthy, high-quality rabbits with excellent temperaments and stunning coats. Whether you’re looking for a meat rabbit, a show animal, a pet, or a source of luxurious fur, our Silver Foxes are bred with care and purpose. Explore our site to learn more about this unique heritage breed and how you can bring one home!
Silver Fox Rabbits | A Rare American Treasure
The Silver Fox is a striking and multi-purpose rabbit breed, proudly developed in the United States in the 1920s by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. Known as the third truly American rabbit breed, it was originally called the “American Heavyweight Silver” before being renamed in 1929. This large, docile breed is celebrated for:
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Unique Fur: The Silver Fox boasts a dense, “stand-up” coat that mimics the pelt of an Arctic silver fox. When stroked from tail to head, the fur stands upright until smoothed back down—a trait exclusive to this breed.
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Versatility: Raised for meat, fur, shows, and as pets, Silver Fox rabbits are a homesteader’s dream and a favorite among rabbit enthusiasts. They are cherished for domestic use as calm, affectionate pets that thrive in family environments, excel in breeding programs due to their robust genetics and reliable reproduction, stand out in competitions for their stunning appearance and unique fur, and are highly valued for their high-quality meat production with an excellent meat-to-bone ratio.
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Temperament: Known for their gentle and friendly nature, they make excellent companions for families, including those with children.
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Size: Bucks typically weigh 9-11 pounds, while does range from 10-12 pounds, offering a robust frame with a high meat-to-bone ratio.
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Silvering Process: Kits are born solid black or blue, with silver ticking appearing around 4 weeks and fully developing by 4-6 months.
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Despite its rich history, the Silver Fox remains rare, listed as “Recovering” by the Livestock Conservancy after once being critically endangered. By choosing a Silver Fox from Leap & Burrow, you’re supporting the preservation of this heritage breed!
Various Fur Types
Traditional Black
ARBA Recognized
Available at Leap & Burrow
The most common and iconic Silver Fox color, starting as solid black at birth. By 4 weeks, silver ticking emerges, creating a shimmering, frosted effect over a deep black base. Fully silvered adults resemble the Arctic silver fox, with a dense, stand-up coat that’s both luxurious and eye-catching.
Blue
ARBA Non-Recognized
Available at Leap & Burrow
A softer, diluted version of black, this variety begins as a solid slate blue. Silver ticking gradually appears, blending into a misty, steel-gray sheen. Blue Silver Foxes offer a subtler elegance, prized for their unique hue and plush texture.
White
ARBA Non-Recognized
Available upon special request
The “REW” (ruby-eyed white) gene, carried recessively, could produce a white rabbit if both parents pass it on. Known as an albino trait, this results in a solid white coat with red/pink eyes, overriding the Silver Fox’s typical coloration and silvering. Such a rabbit wouldn’t meet ARBA standards for the breed but could occur in a litter. For a white Silver Fox to appear naturally in a purebred line, both sire and dam must carry a recessive white gene (like REW) and pass it to the kit. For example, if two black Silver Foxes carrying REW produce a litter, there’s a 25% chance per kit of it being white (homozygous recessive). This color is sought by niche rabbit collectors.
Lilac
ARBA Non-Recognized
Not available at Leap & Burrow
Another experimental color, lilac begins as a pale, dove-grayish pink. As silvering develops, it gains a delicate, ethereal glow, making it a standout for collectors and breeders working to expand the breed’s palette.
Chocolate
ARBA Non-Recognized
Not bred at Leap & Burrow
Occasionally bred but not yet ARBA-standard, chocolate Silver Foxes start with a rich brown coat. Silvering adds a warm, frosty overlay, creating a distinctive, cocoa-dusted look that appeals to enthusiasts of rare colors.