Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The Saint‑Hubert Silver is a small-to-medium rabbit breed best known for a silvered pelage (coat) whose name comes from Saint‑Hubert in the Belgian Ardennes. It is primarily a heritage/show-type breed rather than a widely used commercial line. Typical adult weight is commonly reported in the range of approximately 3.0–4.5 kg (6.6–9.9 lb). Lifespan in proper care is generally around 5–8 years. The breed is regarded by breeders as possessing a striking silver effect on guard hairs and an overall compact, well‑muscled body.
Detailed origin
The breed takes its name from the Saint‑Hubert region of Belgium; historical accounts place its development in the 19th century in the Walloon Ardennes. Precise breeder records are scarce, but the Argenté name indicates selection for silvering of the coat, likely through crosses between local Belgian rabbits and silvered varieties available at the time. The Saint‑Hubert Silver has remained a regionally rooted breed and is considered uncommon outside its area of origin.
Detailed description
Coat and colour: the defining characteristic is a silvering of the fur — guard hairs tipped or interspersed with silver that gives an overall metallic sheen. Fur texture is typically dense and short to medium in length. Body type and size: compact, well‑muscled carriage with a medium bone structure; adult weight roughly 3.0–4.5 kg. Care and management: regular grooming to remove loose guard hairs and routine housing hygiene are sufficient; exercise and a fibre‑rich diet are important for digestive and dental health. Use and status: kept mainly by hobbyists and exhibitors; considered a rare, regionally conserved breed in many countries. Where precise breed standards and recognition exist, measurements and colour descriptions can vary by national rabbit clubs.