Silver Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Silver, Silver Grey, Millers, Silver Sprigs, Lincoln Silver
From Uncertain; one of the oldest domestic breeds, recorded at least as far back as the 1500s. Traditionally said to have come to Europe via Portugal (possibly from Siam) and to England around the time of Sir Walter Raleigh (Wikipedia gives 1592), with England as its recognised home country.1234
At a glance the quick version
ARBA and Livestock Conservancy: 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg) for senior bucks and does, 7 lb maximum; UK standard about 5-6 lb (2.3-2.7 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, very dense flyback fur with silver-tipped guard hairs
A neat, compact rabbit of small to medium size. Its short coat is among the densest of any breed and snaps straight back into place when stroked backwards. White guard hairs are sprinkled evenly through the base colour from nose to tail, including the head, ears and feet, giving the whole rabbit a frosted silver shimmer.2531
Personality what they are like
A sociable, non-aggressive rabbit that is usually calm and gentle while still being lively and playful. It is considered a good companion for singles, seniors and families with children.253
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic breed that needs a few hours out of its enclosure each day to run and explore.536
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush once a week with a slicker brush; the dense flyback coat stays tidy with little effort.5
Home where they are happiest
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Outdoor housing should be raised and weatherproof.526
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.56
Company who they like around
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.6
The story where it all began
The Silver is one of the most ancient rabbit breeds still kept, probably arising as a silvered mutation of the European wild rabbit centuries ago. It was known in England by the early 1600s and later travelled with settlers as far as Australia, and in the United States it was among the very first breeds accepted by ARBA in the early 20th century.231
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It has collected many old nicknames, including Millers, Silver Sprigs and Lincolnshire Silver-Grey.2
- 2
Silvers were mentioned in English writing as early as 1631.2
- 3
The variety once called Grey is now shown in the US under the name Black.2
- 4
Its silvering should be spread evenly over the whole rabbit, right down to the feet and tail.2
- 5
It was one of the first breeds ever accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.3
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised in black, brown and fawn; maximum 7 lb. Wikipedia gives ARBA acceptance in 1920 (one of the first breeds accepted); PetGuide says around 1910. National club: Silver Rabbit Club.1
- ARBA
- Accepted in 1920 as one of the first ARBA breeds; compact body type.3
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in grey, brown, fawn and blue; UK weight about 5-6 lb.4
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List status: Watch.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silver Rabbit. 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
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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.
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition, varieties, maximum weight, age of breed
- Silver Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for other names, history, weight, coat, varieties, temperament, conservation status
- Silver rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, Raleigh 1592, ARBA 1920, colours, flyback coat, temperament
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition, UK colours and weight
- Silver Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, coat, temperament, care, exercise
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for space, diet and companionship guidance
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.