How Can I Tell If My Rabbit Is a Chinchilla?

Chinchilla rabbits, named after their close resemblance to the South American chinchilla rodent, are prized for their beautiful fur and good meat. Although many rabbit breeds have gray or silver fur, chinchillas have a distinctive fur pattern that distinguishes them from other breeds. Take a closer look at your rabbit and you may find you own a chinchilla.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your rabbit's coloration. Chinchilla rabbits are a smoke-gray color. The surface of a chinchilla's fur should be even with a light salt and pepper color pattern. The underside is usually lighter in color. A chinchilla's fur is very dense.

    • 2

      Blow into the rabbit's fur. If your rabbit is a chinchilla you will see a black, gray and pearl-colored ring pattern where you blew into its fur.

    • 3

      Weigh your rabbit. American chinchillas weigh nine to 12 pounds while standard rabbits reach five to seven and a half pounds. Giant chinchillas reach maximum weights of 12 to 16 pounds.