About Satin Rabbits

A product of selective breeding in the United States during the 1930s, the satin rabbit is recognizable by its coat, which is typically very glossy, with a sheen not seen in other rabbits. Satin rabbits are kept as both family pets and as rabbits for show.

  1. Appearance

    • In addition to their glossy coats, satin rabbits are characterized by their broad bodies and heads alongside their straight ears. Their soft fur is typically of moderate length, and silky to the touch. Satin rabbits can vary when it comes to weight; those found in the U.S. tend to be between 8 and 11 pounds, while satin rabbits in the United Kingdom, for example, are smaller, at only 6 to 8 pounds, according to the Bunnyhugga website.

    Nature and Uses

    • Satin rabbits typically make good pets. They're approachable and gentle with kids, making them suitable as family pets. Satin rabbits tend to breed easily too, which is handy for individuals hoping to breed a satin rabbit variety. They grow quickly, which is useful for anyone hoping to use satin rabbits for the production of meat.

    History of Breed

    • The glossy sheen of satin rabbit coats is the result of a recessive mutation, which first occurred back in 1934. Satin rabbits are the creation of a breeder named Walter Huey, who lived in Indiana. Huey was attempting to breed havana rabbits with better quality fur, but after inbreeding his havana rabbits, ended up with the first satin rabbits. These animals were later recognized by the National Havana Club under the name satin havanas. In 1939, John C. Fehr began to breed satin rabbits in a range of colors, leading to varieties such as the white and black-colored satins.

    Varieties

    • An array of satin rabbit varieties have been created and are recognized by the American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association. The chinchilla satin rabbit, for example, known by the shortened name chin satin, has a coat consisting of pearl, gray and black hairs. The black satin is one of the most popular varieties of the satin breed, and rabbits of this variety are consistent winners in shows, according to satin rabbit breeder J. Leo Collins. White satins are another popular variety. Other satin varieties recognized include Siamese, otter, copper and Californian satins. Within the U.K., recognized varieties include fox, sooty-fawn, sable, cinnamon and opal satins.