Argente Brun
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Argenté Brun, Argente Brown
From France, late 1800s; the breed later disappeared and was recreated in England by H.D.H. Dowle in 1939-1941. The ARBA-type Argente Brun is listed as coming to the US from Canada.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Two standards: the US (ARBA) type averages about 9 lb with a maximum of 10.5 lb (Wikipedia list: 8-10.5 lb, 3.6-4.8 kg); the UK (BRC) type is about 6 lb (2.7 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense, glossy, silky short coat, silvered brown
A neat, well-filled rabbit whose coat looks like chocolate dusted with frost: a rich brown undercolour that runs down to the skin, lighter silvered tips on top and darker brown guard hairs mixed evenly through. A slightly darker muzzle, ears and feet are wanted in the US standard. Like other Argentes, the young are born solid coloured and silver as they grow.251
Personality what they are like
A good-natured, calm rabbit that is usually easy to handle. Rabbits that are handled from an early age tend to become affectionate and playful companions, and the Argente group as a whole has a reputation as pleasant pets.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Benefits from daily exercise time outside its cage.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A short coat that needs only light brushing; keep the coat dry, as wet fur can mat.1
Home where they are happiest
A roomy, dry hutch or indoor pen sized for a medium rabbit, plus a safe area for daily exercise.1
Company who they like around
Enjoys gentle human contact and becomes friendlier with regular handling from a young age.1
The story where it all began
The Argente Brun first appeared in France in the late 19th century but had died out by the early 1900s. English breeder H.D.H. Dowle recreated it between 1939 and 1941, and the breed has been shown in the UK since. In North America a breed club formed in 2015 and ARBA accepted the breed in 2016.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed was lost once and had to be rebuilt from scratch by an English breeder around the start of the Second World War.1
- 2
Argente kits are born a solid colour and develop their silvery adult coat between about 6 weeks and 4 months of age.2
- 3
It is one of the newest ARBA breeds, accepted in 2016.1
- 4
Does are known as attentive mothers, with litters averaging about eight kits.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Accepted into the ARBA Standard of Perfection in 2016, after the American Argente Brun Rabbit Club was founded in 2015; adults average about 9 lb, up to 10.5 lb.1
- ARBA
- Listed among the three ARBA Argente breeds; accepted at the 92nd ARBA Convention in Portland, Oregon, presented by Charmaine Wardrop. Dense, glossy, silky coat over a deep chocolate undercolour. National club: AABRC.5
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as a smaller UK type of about 6 lb, with a brownish-white surface and an undercolour as deep brown as possible.2
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List status: Watch (the 2021 quick-reference chart listed it as Threatened).1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Argente Brun. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Argente Brun?
Your Argente Brun needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label for pellet amounts, checking with your vet for your rabbit's exact needs.16 Furry Diary plan
What should an Argente Brun eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be about 85% hay and grass, 10% safe leafy greens, and 5% pellets. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or muesli mixes, as these are dangerous for rabbits.67
Should I bathe an Argente Brun?
No, you should not bathe your Argente Brun. Rabbits groom themselves and baths can cause stress and health issues; keep the coat dry to prevent matting.1
Does an Argente Brun need brushing?
Yes, light brushing once a week is usually enough, but daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose fur. This keeps the short, silky coat in good condition.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Argente Brun's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks and check teeth weekly, as they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet for nail trimming guidance. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does an Argente Brun need?
A roomy hutch or indoor pen sized for a medium rabbit is needed, plus at least four hours of safe running space daily. Daily exercise outside the cage is important for this breed.1 Furry Diary plan
Should an Argente Brun live alone or with friends?
This breed enjoys gentle human contact and becomes friendlier with regular handling. Whether to have a rabbit companion depends on your situation; ask a good breeder or rescue for advice on bonding.1
How long does an Argente Brun live?
Lifespan varies, but with proper care rabbits often live 8 to 12 years. Ask your vet for breed-specific longevity information.
Is an Argente Brun a good pet for children?
Yes, this breed is known as good-natured, calm, and usually easy to handle, making it a pleasant pet. Always supervise children and teach gentle handling.12
How do I hold an Argente Brun?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. Regular gentle handling from a young age helps them become affectionate and calm.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Argente Brun Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, ARBA recognition, weight, temperament, care, conservation status
- Argenté rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for UK standard, coat description, kit colour change
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for US weight range and origin
- The Livestock Conservancy - Quick Reference Guide to Heritage Rabbits (2021) livestockconservancy.orgused for origin, chart status
- ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for ARBA listing and coat
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.