To end with the “Argente” breeds, I will be going over the Argente de Champagne rabbit. As always, I will be going over common characteristics, personalities, medical problems, extra care, and more!
The History of the Argente de Champagne Rabbit:
The Argente de Champagne rabbit originated from Champagne, France. The thing is, the breed could have already been developed, but was recognized in Champagne, France. In France, they were known as the French Silvers.
Large quantities were then shipped to England, and were named the Argente de Champagne breed rabbit. But, even before this happened, America was sent many of these rabbits in 1912, the shipping to England wasn’t until 1920.
The breed then was accepted into the hands of the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association from anywhere between 1955 and 1959. Except, there was a twist. The Americans decided that the “e” in the end of Argente should be removed, which leaves many confused whether the breed is Champagne d’Argent or Argente de Champagne, it depends where your source is located. From where I am, I should technically be calling it the Champagne d’Argent, but I don’t see much of a worry since with either name, the breed is still the same.
Common Characteristics:
- 0-6 months old:
- Undeveloped coat of fur
- All black
- 6-8 months old
- Coat developed
- Silver
- Thick and well maintained coat
- Darker ears and nose (black)
- Coat developed
Common Personalities:
Champagnes are known to be extremely affectionate, energetic, and quite curious. Due to this rabbit being extremely sweet and compassionate, they do great with first time owners. They are very loving on anyone and love to play.
Size:
Weight: The average Champagne is about 9-12 pounds. Considering the breed is so energetic, keeping the rabbit very fit and healthy shouldn’t be hard, as long as the rabbit has proper nutrition and is given all rabbit-proofed and rabbit-safe products.
Sizing: The Champagne is a large breed rabbit, which can be guessed by the weight. As such a large standing rabbit, making sure the cage is big enough is important, but if you can, I would suggest free roaming a rabbit of this breed, or any rabbit. The rabbit could really love the space and exercise capabilities.
Common Medical Problems:
Without proper care, this rabbit could very easily die from fly strike. Fly strike is a sickness commonly caused in rabbits with thick fur. When droppings attach to the fur, it will attract different flies and will cause the fly to lay eggs in the rabbits fur since it is so thick. The flies’ eggs will then hatch to be maggots, the maggots then going and eating the flesh of the rabbit with the potential to kill the rabbit within 24 hours.
Besides the fly strike, these rabbits should have at-home check-ups every week like any other rabbit to check for mites, infections, or any unusual behaviors.
Extra Care:
Just as a little side note for this breed, they are extremely social, so make sure to give plenty of extra attention to allow the rabbit to be a very respectful and loyal rabbit once it is full-grown. This should be the way with any rabbit, but I would like to mention it in this post since this rabbit can be so curious, which can turn to cautious very easily.
Sources:
https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/champagne-dargent-rabbit/
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/flystrike/
Thank you for once again coming back for this post. I would like to mention how amazing everyone has been and all of the positive feedback I have been getting. Please share this post with your family and friends and I will talk to you in two days, bye!
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