Rabbit Breed Profiles: The Argente Rabbit

Recognized as one of the oldest breeds of European show rabbit, the Argente is a French-bred rabbit, well known for it's beautiful coat. In the United States, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes two varieties of the Argente rabbit; the Champagne and Crème d'Argent. These are only a portion of the Argente family however - American rabbit fanciers may be surprised to learn that there are actually five different varieties of this beautiful and noble breed.

The Origins of the Argente Rabbit

It's uncertain how and when the Argente breed first came into being, but it is recognized as having first appeared in France and the breed can be historically dated as far back as 1631. It was at this time that Gervaise Marrkham first encouraged rabbit breeders to begin crossing for the unique coloration that, in time, became known as the Champagne d'Argent or Argente Champagne. However, it's believed that the original breed history far predates this.

In 1765, France's "Encyclopaedia of Science" described a rabbit resembling the Argente though, at the time, it was known as the Riche Rabbit. Their fur was worth considerably more than that of a normal rabbit, which probably explains the name change.

The Champagnes first made their way into the United States in 1912, where they were called the French Silver but would later be accepted as the Champagne d'Argent n 1932.

The Argente Rabbit Appearance

The European Argente Rabbit may share the same name, but it should not be mistaken for the American version of the breed. Where Champagne d'Argents commonly weigh 12 pounds or more, with Crèmes being only a pound lighter, the European Argente rabbits have an ideal weight of 6 pounds as mature adults. The only exception to this is the Argente Crème, which usually weighs roughly 5 pounds as an adult rabbit. While the American versions are bred for a commercial, or meat body, the European Argente rabbits are more petite and fall more along the fancy breed category. They come in six distinctly beautiful varieties:

Argente Blue - Possessing a lavender blue under-color, the Argente Bleu is usually heavily-silvered as an adult and has the distinctive lavender-colored tint to their coat.

Argente Brun - Argente Brun rabbits have a very rich chocolate brown under-color and are then covered with the heavy silver shading, giving them their unique frosted chocolate appearance.

Argente Noir - In coloration, the Argente Noir is a replica of the popular Champagne d'Argent of the United States. Possessing a distinctly beautiful black under-color and a liberal silvering of white hairs, the European and American versions only differ in size.

Argente de Champagne - Very similar to the Argente Noir, the Champagne has a black under coat and a bluish-white body though the coloration should also possess a liberal sprinkling of longer black guard hairs. When viewed at a distance, the color is said to best resemble "old silver." The Argente de Champagne should weigh no more than 10 pounds as a mature adult.

Argente St. Hubert - Taking a black agouti, or wild-colored, rabbit and then dusting it with a silvered pelt creates the unique coloration of the Argente St. Hubert. Possessing a blue-gray fur near the skin, the coat then changes to a rich orange or red ring and then has a distinctive black tip on the hairs that have not lost their pigment or become "silvered."

Argente Crème - The smaller version of the American Crème d'Argent, both have a creamsicle-colored orange coloration with a liberal dusting of silver. This makes them appear a "creamy white with an orange cast carried throughout," as noted by the ARBA Standard of Perfection.

The Argente as a Pet

The Argente rabbit has been bred for many, many years - for food, for fun and for fancy. Rabbit fanciers are quick to point out that, while generally good natured, the Argente can sometimes be a bit skittish when compared to other breeds and there is a tendency for females to become territorial. However, if you buy your Argente from a respectable breeder and always handle them kindly, chances are that you'll have a sweet and beautiful friends for many years to come.

Sources:

Personal experience as a long time rabbit breeder

http://www.thebrc.org/standards.htm - Listing of the different varieties and breed Standard of Perfection