Champaign D'Argent History

The name “Champagne d’Argent” means “Silver [rabbit] of Champagne” and today there are at least seven breeds of “Argente” rabbits worldwide. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes two of these seven breeds: Champagne d’Argent and Crème d’Argent. The Champagne rabbit is the oldest of them all.

The exact origins of the Champagne d’Argent is unknown, but documents suggest that these rabbits were present in France in the mid 1600s. They were originally known as French Silvers in France, but were called “Argente de Champagne” when exported in large quantities to England around 1920.

In 1912, this breed was also exported to the United States. However, these bunnies had long, loose coats such as that of a silver fox (the dog) and their coats were improved, so the standard became a short, soft coat. Alongside the new coat, the breed also became bigger than the English or French Champagne Argenetes.

Between 1955 and 1959, the “e” was dropped from the name by the ARBA’s Standard of Perfection and most breeders abbreviate the breed’s name to “Champagne”.