At a glance the quick version
Bucks 9-11 lb, does 10-12 lb; ARBA maximum 12 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, soft rollback coat on a commercial body
A medium-long, meaty rabbit with a gently curved topline and straight, upright ears. From a distance the coat looks salt-and-pepper grey, but blowing into it reveals distinct rings of colour in each hair over a dark slate-blue undercoat.216
Personality what they are like
A calm, sweet-natured rabbit that is used to being handled and generally relaxed around people, which makes it a good choice for beginners.16
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs an enclosure big enough to stretch out fully and regular time out to move around.6
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short rollback coat needs little upkeep; brush about every two weeks, more during the spring and autumn moults.6
Home where they are happiest
Does well indoors or outdoors in moderate temperatures; outdoor hutches should be raised off the ground for safety, and indoor cages roomy.6
Food basics what goes in the bowl
At least 70% hay, plus quality pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and small amounts of fruit such as apple as treats; skip iceberg lettuce.6
Company who they like around
Bred to be handled and enjoys gentle human contact.6
The story where it all began
After the Chinchilla rabbit came to America in 1919, US breeders selected for a bigger animal known as the Heavyweight Chinchilla. When both Chinchilla breeds entered the standard in 1924 it was renamed the American Chinchilla. Its numbers fell after fur demand dropped in the late 1940s.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Chinchilla rabbit has been used to create more rabbit breeds and varieties worldwide than any other breed.1
- 2
It is shown as a six-class breed, with separate junior, intermediate and senior classes for each sex.2
- 3
Its first name was the Heavyweight Chinchilla.1
- 4
Does typically raise litters of about 6-9 kits.2
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Recognised, one colour; maximum 12 lb. National club: ACRBA. Described by ARBA as the rarest of the Chinchilla breeds.4
- ARBA
- Entered the standard in 1924 under the new name American Chinchilla (previously Heavyweight Chinchilla).1
- The Livestock Conservancy
- Conservation Priority List: Watch (Wikipedia notes an earlier Critical listing).1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Chinchilla. 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 support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- American Chinchilla Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, weights, temperament, conservation, fun facts
- Chinchilla rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for body type, show class, litter size
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
- ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for ARBA recognition, max weight, rarity
- The Livestock Conservancy - Quick Reference Guide to Heritage Rabbits (2021) livestockconservancy.orgused for weights, traits
- American Chinchilla Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, care, diet, housing
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.