Champagne d'Argent
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Argente de Champagne (BRC), Argenté de Champagne, French Silver
From Champagne region, France; one of the oldest known rabbit breeds, possibly present by the mid 1600s. Exported to America around 1912.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
PetGuide and the Wikipedia breed list give 9-12 lb (4.1-5.4 kg); ARBA maximum 12 lb; the Argenté article gives 3.6-5.0 kg for the ARBA type.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense silvered fur on a commercial body
A large, well-muscled rabbit with full shoulders, deep hindquarters and medium-long ears. The adult coat is the colour of old silver or skimmed milk, sprinkled with longer black guard hairs over a dark slate-blue undercolour, with slightly darker ears and nose.32
Personality what they are like
A gentle, inquisitive rabbit that likes attention from people once it has been handled from a young age. PetGuide compares its manners to those of a well-behaved cat.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A large rabbit that needs room to move and regular exercise time; it can even be trained to walk in a harness.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly, and daily during moults. Spot-clean rather than bathe.3
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or outdoors in a spacious solid-floored enclosure; spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
At least 70% hay, plus pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and a little fruit.3
Company who they like around
Does well with other rabbits and enjoys human company when socialised early.3
The story where it all began
Thought to have been kept in France's Champagne region since at least the 1600s, it was long valued for its silvery pelt and once went by the name French Silver. It reached America around 1912, where breeders refined it into a larger rabbit with a shorter, softer coat.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Kits are born jet black; the silver starts on the belly at a few weeks old and spreads until the coat is finished at around 6-8 months.3
- 2
Its name means 'silver of Champagne'.1
- 3
It is counted among the oldest known rabbit breeds, possibly kept in France by the mid 1600s.1
- 4
A grown Champagne d'Argent is big enough to wear a medium-sized dog harness.3
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised, one colour; maximum 12 lb. National club: CDARF. Prized for its silvery pelt and meat qualities.1
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as the Argente de Champagne: dark slate-blue undercolour, bluish-white surface with long black guard hairs.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Champagne d'Argent. 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 Champagne d'Argent?
Provide unlimited fresh hay every day, as it should make up most of their diet. Offer a small portion of pellets and leafy greens daily, following the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.35 Furry Diary plan
What should a Champagne d'Argent eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Champagne d'Argent's diet should be mostly hay, plus pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and a little fruit. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, these can be harmful. Always provide fresh water.356
Should I bathe a Champagne d'Argent?
No, you should not bathe a Champagne d'Argent. Spot-clean any dirty areas instead, as baths can stress rabbits and damage their coat.3
Does a Champagne d'Argent need brushing?
Yes, brush your Champagne d'Argent weekly, and daily during moulting periods. This keeps their short, dense coat in good condition.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Champagne d'Argent's nails and teeth?
Trim your rabbit's nails every 6 weeks or as needed. Check their teeth weekly, they never stop growing, and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. If you notice overgrowth, consult a vet. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Champagne d'Argent need?
Champagne d'Argents need a spacious enclosure and at least 4 hours of supervised exercise daily. They are active and can even be trained to walk on a harness.3 Furry Diary plan
Should a Champagne d'Argent live alone or with friends?
These rabbits do well with a rabbit companion and also enjoy human company if socialised early. Consider adopting a bonded pair for their happiness.3
How long does a Champagne d'Argent live?
With good care, a Champagne d'Argent typically lives 7 to 9 years.3
Is a Champagne d'Argent a good pet for children?
They are gentle and inquisitive, making them suitable for calm, older children who handle them gently. Always supervise interactions to ensure the rabbit feels safe.3
How do I hold a Champagne d'Argent?
How to hold a rabbit varies by individual. Always support their hindquarters and chest, and never pick them up by the ears. Ask your vet or a good breeder for a demonstration.
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.
- ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for origin, recognition, max weight
- Argenté rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC standard, coat, history name
- Champagne d'Argent Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, care, kit colour change
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin
- 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.