Silver Marten
A glossy dark rabbit with crisp silver-white markings and silver-tipped guard hairs.
Origin
The Silver Marten appeared in the United States in the early 1920s, when Chinchilla breeders introduced black-and-tan rabbits to improve their stock. Occasional "sports" turned up in Chinchilla litters, described at the time as "strange little black rabbits", and they bred true. A breed club had formed by 1927, and ARBA established working standards for black and chocolate in 1927 and for blue and sable in 1933.
Typical Adult Size
Medium, about 6 to 9½ pounds (2.7 to 4.3 kg), with an ARBA maximum of 9½ pounds.
Coat Type
Short, glossy, dense fur, with silver-white guard hairs scattered along the sides, chest and lower hindquarters.
Colors
ARBA recognizes black, blue, chocolate, lilac and sable, each pairing a dark body color with crisp white or silver markings.
Temperament
Usually described as docile, and sometimes shy at first. The Livestock Conservancy notes that Silver Martens need gentle socialization but become affectionate and entertaining once they bond.
Grooming and Care
Grooming is easy: a weekly brush, more during molts. A roomy enclosure, daily exercise and a calm introduction to handling suit this gentle breed.
Distinctive Features
The marten pattern: white inside the ears, around the nostrils, in fine rings around the eyes, under the chin and jaw, on the belly and under the tail, with silver ticking along the sides.
What Makes It Notable
"Silver Marten" is both a breed and a color. The breed came first and was later used to bring the color into other breeds, including the Netherland Dwarf and the Mini Rex.