Standard Chinchilla Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Standard Chinchilla, Chinchilla (BRC name)
From France; developed by M.J. Dybowski and first shown in 1913. Reached England by 1917 and the US in 1919.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Livestock Conservancy: 5-7 lb average, max 7.5 lb (ARBA max 7.5 lb); Wikipedia list 5-7.5 lb (2.3-3.4 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, soft rollback fur on a compact body
A compact, plump rabbit with upright ears no longer than about 5 inches. Its rollback coat imitates the fur of the wild chinchilla: a dark slate-blue base, a pale pearl band and darker tips, with neat pearl-coloured eye circles and a tail that is black on top and white underneath.63
Personality what they are like
A friendly, mellow rabbit that generally accepts handling well, even from new people. Curious and bright, it suits first-time owners, older children and calm households.16
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily exercise time outside its pen and regular interaction with people.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush every two weeks, and weekly while moulting. Do not bathe; spot-clean stains with a damp cloth.6
Home where they are happiest
An enclosure long enough to stretch out fully, with space for toys, food and water and a solid floor with bedding; spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly. Its moderate size suits apartments as well as houses.6
Food basics what goes in the bowl
At least 70% good-quality hay (timothy is a favourite), about a quarter cup of high-fibre pellets per 5 lb of body weight per day, and vegetables and fruit as treats.6
Company who they like around
The story where it all began
French engineer M.J. Dybowski created the Chinchilla rabbit to copy the valuable fur of the South American chinchilla at a lower cost, and showed it in 1913. It was an immediate success in Europe and arrived in America in 1919, where a breed association formed in 1923. Interest faded as fur demand declined later in the century.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the smallest of the three ARBA Chinchilla breeds and the original from which the American and Giant Chinchillas were bred.1
- 2
The breed was made to imitate chinchilla fur, which was so costly that close to 100 real chinchilla pelts were needed for one coat.1
- 3
Between November 1928 and 1929, 17,328 Chinchilla rabbits were registered in the US, a record The Livestock Conservancy says has never been broken.2
- 4
Blow into the coat and you can see distinct bands of colour in each hair.2
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised, one colour; maximum 7.5 lb; the breed became hugely popular in the US in the 1920s for its fur.5
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised as the Chinchilla.4
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List: Threatened.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Standard Chinchilla 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Standard Chinchilla Rabbit?
Your rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, as it should make up at least 70% of its diet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily, and you can offer a quarter cup of high-fibre pellets per 5 lb of body weight each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.67 Furry Diary plan
What should a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed mainly good-quality hay like timothy, plus a small portion of high-fibre pellets and safe leafy greens as treats. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any human processed food, as these are toxic. Always provide fresh water.678
Should I bathe a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit?
No, you should never bathe your rabbit. Instead, spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth. Bathing can stress them and harm their skin.6
Does a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, brush your rabbit every two weeks, and weekly while it is moulting. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily brushing during heavy moults to keep its short, soft coat in good condition.6 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks, and check teeth weekly because they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly teeth checks and nail trims every 42 days. If teeth seem too long, ask your vet for advice. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit need?
Your rabbit needs an enclosure long enough to stretch out fully, plus at least four hours of free-roaming exercise daily. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily time outside the pen for running and exploring.16 Furry Diary plan
Should a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit live alone or with friends?
This rabbit enjoys regular human interaction and handling, so it can live alone if you give it plenty of attention. For companionship, consider a neutered friend, but always introduce slowly and ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.16
How long does a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit live?
With good care, your rabbit can live between 5 and 8 years. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet help it reach the upper end of that range.6
Is a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, its friendly and mellow nature makes it a good fit for older children and calm households. Always supervise interactions to keep both the rabbit and child safe.16
How do I hold a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit?
Support its hindquarters and chest securely, and never lift by the ears or scruff. This rabbit generally accepts handling well, but always be gentle and calm. For specific techniques, ask your vet or a good breeder.16
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.
- Standard Chinchilla Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, weight, temperament, conservation
- American Chinchilla Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history dates, registration record
- Chinchilla rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, breeder
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, BRC recognition
- ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for ARBA recognition, max weight
- Standard Chinchilla Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, coat, care, diet, housing
- 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.