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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Silver Rabbit?
Provide unlimited good-quality hay every day, a measured portion of rabbit pellets, and a daily handful of fresh leafy greens. Fruit is only a small treat, and fresh water must always be available. Furry Diary's starting plan includes refilling hay daily.56 Furry Diary plan
What should a Silver Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The diet should be mostly hay and grass (about 70% or more), with pellets, leafy greens, and occasional fruit treats. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes, never give these.5678
Should I bathe a Silver Rabbit?
Rabbits generally do not need baths as they groom themselves, and bathing can cause stress. If your rabbit gets very dirty, consult an exotic-pet vet for safe cleaning methods.
Does a Silver Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, brush once a week with a slicker brush to keep the dense flyback coat tidy. During moulting, Furry Diary suggests brushing daily to remove loose fur.5 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Silver Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every 6 weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes nail care every 42 days and a weekly teeth check. Ask your vet for the best technique. Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Silver Rabbit need?
The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, with a hutch as a sleeping base attached to a large run. This energetic breed needs a few hours of free-roam daily, Furry Diary suggests at least 4 hours of running space.526 Furry Diary plan
Should a Silver Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Rabbits are very sociable, and the RSPCA advises against keeping one alone. A neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily human contact suits this breed best.6
How long does a Silver Rabbit live?
With proper care, a Silver Rabbit typically lives 7 to 10 years.5
Is a Silver Rabbit a good pet for children?
Yes, this breed is sociable, non-aggressive, calm yet playful, and is considered a good companion for families with children. Always supervise interactions to ensure gentle handling.253
How do I hold a Silver Rabbit?
Rabbits need careful handling, always support the hindquarters and never lift by the ears. For the safest technique, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you.
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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- 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.