Argente brun
The Argenté family is among the oldest of French rabbit breeds, documented since at least the seventeenth century and named for the silvered effect of white guard hairs scattered through a coloured undercoat.
The Brun is the brown variety, recognised in the United States in 1929 and revived after a long absence in the 1980s.
It is a medium rabbit of around four kilograms, born solid brown and developing the characteristic silvering as it matures. The coat is short, dense and glossy. The breed is rare outside dedicated show circles. Temperament is generally reported as calm and friendly, in line with the other Argentés.
- Origin
- France; US recognition 1929
- Size
- 3.5–4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Coat
- Short and dense, brown with white silvering
- Temperament
- Calm and friendly
- Recognition
- Rare; a heritage breed
2 argente brun photos, newest first
Living with a argente brun
A weekly brush is enough for the short coat, more when moulting.
The silvering develops with age and continues to change through the first year, so a young rabbit will not look like an adult.
Standard rabbit care applies and matters far more than anything breed-specific: neutered pairs, space to make several consecutive hops and stand fully upright, a diet that is mostly hay, fresh greens daily and pellets in small measured amounts.
Vaccinate annually against myxomatosis and both RHD strains. Check teeth and hind feet weekly, and treat any rabbit that stops eating as an emergency.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual rabbits vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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