At a glance the quick version
BRC standard weight about 6 lb (2.72 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense, glossy, silky normal fur
A small, neat rabbit with a greyish-white silvered surface sitting over a deep slate-blue undercolour, giving a frosted silver look. It has bold brown eyes.1
Personality what they are like
The Argenté breeds are known for a good temperament and are regarded as excellent pets, combining an easygoing nature with a small, tidy build.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat is short and lies close to the body. Rabbits keep themselves clean, so routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth.13
Home where they are happiest
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m so it can hop, play, stretch, hide and exercise, with toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Hay should form the foundation of the diet, as constant chewing keeps the teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets alongside. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.3
Company who they like around
A social animal that should live with at least one other rabbit; a neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match.3
The story where it all began
The Argenté rabbits are one of France's oldest groups of show breeds, prized for silvered coats over a coloured undercoat. Britain has kept several colour forms as separate breeds, and Argente Noir is one of the six recognised by the British Rabbit Council.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Argenté kits are born a solid colour and only take on their silvered adult coat between about 6 weeks and 4 months old.1
- 2
The British Rabbit Council recognises six Argenté breeds, while the ARBA recognises three.1
- 3
The ideal Argenté body is small and neat, with well-developed hindquarters and a gently arched back.1
- 4
Despite its name, the Argente Noir looks silvery grey-white on top, with the dark colour hidden in its slate-blue undercoat.1
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as one of the six Argenté breeds in the BRC standard, at about 6 lb (2.72 kg).1
- ARBA
- Not recognised (ARBA recognises three other Argente breeds).2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Argente Noir. 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 Noir?
Feed unlimited hay every day, as it is the foundation of the diet. Offer a large handful of safe leafy greens daily and a measured amount of pellets (about 25g per kg of body weight, check the label). Treats like carrots should only be given occasionally.34 Furry Diary plan
What should an Argente Noir eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes. Always provide fresh water and avoid any processed human food.345
Should I bathe an Argente Noir?
No, rabbits keep themselves clean and do not need baths. Bathing can cause stress and health issues. If your rabbit gets dirty, consult a vet for safe cleaning methods.3
Does an Argente Noir need brushing?
Yes, brushing once a week helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat glossy. During moulting, brush daily to prevent fur ingestion. This is part of routine care.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Argente Noir's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly and provide unlimited hay to wear them down naturally. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed. A vet can show you the proper technique for both.3 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does an Argente Noir need?
Provide a secure enclosure at least 3m by 2m by 1m for hopping and playing. Give at least four hours of supervised exercise outside the enclosure daily, with toys and hiding spots for enrichment.3 Furry Diary plan
Should an Argente Noir live alone or with friends?
Argente Noirs are social and should live with at least one other rabbit. A neutered male and female pair is often the easiest and happiest match.3
How long does an Argente Noir live?
Lifespan varies, but with good care rabbits often live 8 to 12 years. For specific information about your rabbit, ask your vet.
Is an Argente Noir a good pet for children?
Yes, Argente Noirs have a good temperament and are easygoing, making them suitable for children with proper supervision. Always teach gentle handling and respect for the rabbit.1
How do I hold an Argente Noir?
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely when lifting. Never pick up by the ears or scruff. Ask a vet or experienced breeder to show you the correct technique.
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.
- Argenté rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Argente group history, coat and colour descriptions, kit colour change, temperament
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin, coat and ear type, BRC/ARBA recognition
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: diet, companionship, space, enrichment
- 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.