Chinchilla Rabbit – Get to Know the 3 Types of Chinchilla Rabbits

A Chinchilla Rabbit is not the same as the Chinchilla from South America. Although they have the same fur coloration, they are from different species of furry animals. This does not mean that this type of rabbit is not special though. This rabbit is especially bred to resemble the cute and cuddly Chinchillas and they are as cute and cuddly as the creatures they were bred to resemble.

Chinchilla Rabbit – Where Did They Come From?

The origins of this rabbit have a dark story. Chinchilla Rabbits were bred to resemble Chinchillas to supply Chinchilla-fur-like pelt to the fur trade. They were also bred to be a source of meat. Rabbits reproduce fast and they grow fast as well, making them one of the good choices for the fur trade and for meat production. They were first bred in America and as of this day, there are 3 recognized breeds of this rabbit type. Nowadays, we have the American and the Giant Chinchilla Rabbit as well as the standard type.

Chinchilla Rabbit – The Different Breeds

Below is a table comparison of the Standard, the American, and the Giant Chinchilla Rabbit.

Breed	Standard	American Chinchilla Rabbit	Giant Chinchilla Rabbit
Origins	The Standard Chinchilla Rabbit was originally from France. They were bred by a certain M. J. Dybowski to their current standard. After being introduced to the United States of America, the breed became more popular and later on also gave rise to the development of the American and the Giant breeds.	The American Chinchilla came from the stock of standard Chinchillas which were bred to be large in size.	Originally is a result of breeding between a standard Chinchilla Rabbit and a Flemish Giant.
Weight and Size	Adults range in weight from 5-8 pounds. They are generally the size of typical rabbits.	An adult male may weigh between 9-11 pounds and an adult female may weigh between 10-12 pounds. Medium built with a stocky body.	An adult rabbit from this type can range from 10-16 pounds, making them ideal for producing meat. Because of their large size and built, their fur is large as well, making them likewise ideal for producing fur and pelt.
Where Found	Usually bred in the United States of America. They are not found in the wild.	Usually bred in the United States of America. They are not found in the wild.	Usually bred in the United States of America. They are not found in the wild.
More Information	Bred for their fur, as a cheaper alternative to the Chinchilla (the south American rodent).	Also known originally as the ‘Heavyweight Chinchilla’ of the rabbit world. Bred for fur and meat production. They are now considered to be an endangered breed because of their small population size	Bred for fur and meat production.
Breeding	Generally good breeders with litters averaging between 7-10 Kits. Some litters may produce only 4-5 Kits though.	Generally good breeders with litters averaging between 7-10 Kits.	Generally good breeders with litters averaging between 7-10 Kits.

Chinchilla Rabbit – What You Need to Know

Chinchilla Rabbits are not anymore bred for their meat or for their fur nowadays. Most of them are bred by hobby breeders who take perpetuating these rabbit breeds seriously. Some of them are also marketed as pets because of their beauty and temperament.

Chinchilla Rabbit – Get to Know the 3 Types of Chinchilla Rabbits