Argenté Brun Rabbit (Size, Color, Behavior, Temperament)

Argenté Brun rabbits make delightful pets.

Suitable for children and seniors, for single people and family, and for people with other pets as well as for people who want just one low-maintenance pet, Argenté Brun rabbits are beautiful animals that have very few health problems and generally live as long as a dog and some cats.

Before we get too far, it may help to clear up some confusion about the name of this highly regarded rabbit.

Argenté Brun is French for “silver brown.” This breed’s coat is mostly a distinctive silver brown, with some darker markings on its feet and face.

It also helps to know how to pronounce the name of this rabbit. It’s “argent,” like a sergeant, and then ‘brun’ the same way it looks (at least to English speakers).

It’s not Argente, and the second word isn’t pronounced with an “oo” like “broom.”

That technicality is out of the way. Let’s look at some essential facts about the Argenté Brun.

Essential Facts About Argenté Brun Rabbits

  • Scientific name: Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
  • Care level, compared to other rabbits: No special care needed.
  • Temperament: Easy-going, friendly. Not as intelligent as some other breeds like the Holland Lop or the Continental Giant, but not hard to housetrain. Does not bite unless threatened.
  • Color: The name of this breed means “silver brown.” The British Rabbit Council standard recognizes Brun (brown), Bleu (blue), Noir (black), Champagne, and Crème.
  • Lifespan: 7 to 10 years.
  • Maximum size: 11 pounds (5 kilos).
  • Dietary requirements: Unlimited timothy hay, up to a cup of raw vegetables a day, some fruits (for example, papaya or berries) in small amounts, up to 2 tablespoons (30 grams) a day.
  • Compatible breeds: Champagne.
  • Cage size: Up to 5 square feet (half a meter by a meter) footprint, with 14 inches (35 cm) clearance.

Thrives indoors, or outdoors in temperate climates.

The Argente rabbit is a remarkable breed that comes in six distinct varieties.

Of these, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) only recognizes three – the Champagne, the Creme, and the recently accepted Brun.

The latter stands out with its shiny, dense coat in a stunningly deep chocolate brown shade.

Charmaine Wardrop introduced the breed at the 92nd ARBA Convention in Portland, Oregon, and it quickly became a fan favorite among breeders.

The Argente Brun is an impressive creature that will capture the hearts of rabbit aficionados all around.

Argenté Brun Rabbit colors
Argenté Brun Rabbit is the newest addition to the ARBA family! This rabbit is large in size and boasts a beautiful silvery brown coat. Its ears, muzzle, and feet are slightly darker in color than its main coat.

History of Argenté Brun Rabbit

Argente Brun Rabbits have a rich history that started in France during the mid to late-19th century. They were valued for their beautiful coats, and in the 1920s and 1930s, they were exported to North America, particularly to Canada.

They became very popular in Canada, and later caught on in the United States. They are still popular pets in Quebec.

The breed faced a disappearance in the early 20th century, but interest was renewed by H.D.H. Dowle, who worked tirelessly between 1939 and 1941 to recreate these stunning rabbits.

Their signature frosted brown coat with silver highlights certainly makes them stand out, and they are now an eye-catching presence on show floors.

As you learn more about the Argente Brun Rabbit, you’ll discover that they could be the perfect breed for you.

They are not only visually appealing, but they also have a unique history that you can share with other rabbit lovers.

Appearance of the Argenté Brun Rabbit

The Argenté Brun is one of the larger breeds of domestic rabbits. It’s about the size of a cat.

Its body will be plump and round, the hips extending slightly farther from its body than its shoulders.

Size and Weight

The Argente Brun Rabbit is a relatively large breed, and when fully grown, it can weigh between 8 to 10.5 lbs.

As a rabbit owner, you should be prepared for their size as they need enough space in their enclosure to move around comfortably.

Coat

The best way to describe Argenté Brun’s coat is “squishy.” It is very dense, very fine, and it rolls back after you stroke your rabbit.

Color

Officially, in the United States, only Argenté Bruns with a brown coat are accepted as true to the breed, but complicated genetics means that if you mate two Argenté Brun rabbits, you can get a fluff of kits of different colors.

The brown coat favored in the United States is the result of the rabbit’s inheriting the relatively rare agouti gene. Worldwide, Argenté Bruns are more often silver than brown.

Argenté Bruns that have a silver coat will have white feet.

The silveriness of the coat can be shiny, almost gray, or somewhere in between. The rabbit will have the same color coat all over its body.

There are pure-white Argenté Bruns, and occasionally a female will be born black with grayish legs.

Ears and Facial Features

Argente Brun Rabbits have erect ears that stand close together on top of their heads, along with a broad face.

Due to their distinctive facial features, they easily stand out among other rabbit breeds.

Temperament of the Argenté Brun Rabbit

Argenté Brun rabbits are a great selection for a first pet. They are friendly.

Aside from their habit of eating their own feces (part of the process of completely digesting the nutritional value of their food), they are clean pets.

You can deal with the unusual eating habits of your rabbit by potty training it at an early age to “go” in a litter box.

But any inconvenience caused by litter box duty is more than compensated by the affectionate nature of the rabbit.

These rabbits love being petted, and they are calm enough that they can be carried around once they get to know you.

While exploring their surroundings, these rabbits exhibit a gentle, sweet temperament.

They require time outside of their enclosure to let their personality bloom and develop closer bonds with you.

It’s also important to note that Argente Bruns are more docile than other breeds of brown rabbits. This trait comes from their common use in laboratories.

Keeping your Argente Brun rabbit happy includes providing stimulation through toys and allowing them to be active. Since they are highly social, make sure to spend quality time bonding with them each day.

Requirements for Care of Argenté Brun Rabbits

The most common mistake owners make with Argenté Brun rabbits is trying to fit a big rabbit in a small cage.

If you aren’t allowing your rabbit to roam through a part of your home where it might be tempted to gnaw on your furniture, it may not need a cage at all.

If you need to confine your rabbit from time to time, then get it a cage that is 30 inches wide, 30 inches long, and 24 inches tall (75 cm by 75 cm by 60 cm).

This way, it will be comfortable in its home the rest of its life, even if it grows to be an unusually large Argenté Brun rabbit.

Bedding

Rabbits enjoy shredded paper or timothy hay for their bedding. They will eat their bedding, so make sure it’s something nontoxic and inexpensive.

Don’t make your rabbit lie down or walk on a wire that can pull its fur or bruise its feet.

Temperature

Most rabbits are happy and active at temperatures of 58° to 72° F (18° to 21° C).

Argenté Bruns are OK outside in cool temperatures, down to freezing, but need to be indoors during the summer heat, any time the temperature is over 90° F (33° C).

Lighting

If you can’t let your rabbit play outside for 20 or 30 minutes at a time, two or three times a week, get it a sunlamp.

Be sure to install the sunlamp so that the rabbit will not bump into it and get burned.

Grooming Argente Brun Rabbit

When it comes to grooming, your Argente Brun Rabbit has a soft, short coat that requires minimal maintenance.

During molting season, you should groom them with a slicker brush 1-2 times per week.

Otherwise, once every two weeks should be sufficient.

Exercise and Enrichment

Like any rabbit, your Argente Brun needs daily exercise to stay in shape. Provide opportunities for them to hop, run, and explore within a secure space.

Enrichment activities help keep their mind active and engaged. For instance, you can provide:

  • Tunnels to navigate
  • Chew toys to strengthen teeth
  • Puzzle toys for mental stimulation

Remember, a happy Argente Brun Rabbit is an active and engaged one!

Breeding and Show Information

When it comes to breeding your Argente Brun Rabbits, you’ll want to select the healthiest and best-looking rabbits that meet the breed standards.

These rabbits typically weigh between 8-10.5 lbs and have dense, glossy coats with a deep chocolate brown undercolor.

Before breeding, ensure both rabbits are in good health and have been examined by a veterinarian.

Provide a clean, spacious, and comfortable environment for your rabbits during the breeding process.

It is important to understand that Argente Brun rabbits are a relatively new breed recognized by the ARBA.

So, to increase your chances of success at shows, you should familiarize yourself with the breed standards and requirements. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Coat should be short, dense, and have a beautiful, glossy shine.
  • Color should be a rich chocolate brown with an even undercolor.
  • The body shape should be semi-arch/mandolin with well-developed hindquarters.
  • Ears should be medium-sized and stand vertically on the rabbit’s head.

Remember, participating in shows is not only about winning but also about learning from others, networking with fellow rabbit enthusiasts, and gaining valuable experiences that can help enhance your skills as a breeder.

Is the Argente Brun Rabbit Right for You?

Before bringing a beautiful Argente Brun Rabbit into your life, let’s explore if it’s the right fit for you and your family.

They’re known for being friendly, suitable for both children and adults, and even getting along with cats.

Keep in mind, while these rabbits make great pets, they need space to roam and stretch their legs.

If you have a smaller living area or an apartment, it might not be the best fit.

Consider factors like:

  • Living space size
  • Daily exercise needs
  • Potential cohabitation with other pets

When it comes to grooming, this breed does require a bit more attention.

Their fur can become matted when wet, so regular brushing will be necessary. To keep your Argente Brun’s coat in the best condition possible, be prepared to invest in:

  • A good-quality brush
  • Frequent grooming sessions

Popular Bunny Names for Argenté Brun Rabbit

Here’s a table with popular Argenté Brun Rabbit names, reflecting their breed characteristics. The Argenté Brun rabbit is known for its beautiful brown coat with silver-white ticking, so many of the names are inspired by their unique color and appearance.

Boy Bunny Names for Argenté Brun RabbitGirl Bunny Names for Argenté Brun Rabbit
SterlingCinnamon
ChestnutCocoa
FlintAmber
CopperHazel
UmberSienna
BrindleAutumn
MochaMaple
TawnySugar
BrunoLatte
RockyMarigold

These names emphasize the striking coloration and overall beauty of the Argenté Brun Rabbit breed, making them fitting choices for your rabbit.

Also read: Popular Pet Rabbit (Bunny) Names (Girl/Boy)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Argenté Brun Rabbit

Are Argenté Brun rabbits rare?

The breed is not endangered, but they are hard to find.

How much does an Argenté Brunrabbit cost?

A Argente Brun bunny will cost between $100 and $300 in the US.

Where can I buy an Argenté Brun rabbit?

Your best source of information is the American Argenté Brun Rabbit Club. Contact the club through

Julie Sennes
2178 Rice Road
Chehalis, WA 98532
(360) 269-6883
julsennes447@gmail.com

Do Argenté Brun rabbits get along with other pets?

Argenté Brun rabbits get along well with other rabbits.
They aren’t compatible with guinea pigs and hamsters, because they often carry a kind of bacteria called Bordetella.

This infection is harmless for rabbits but often fatal for guinea pigs and hamsters.

You should not have a pet rabbit if you have a large pet snake or an aggressive dog.

How often do I need to groom my Argenté Brun rabbit?

You will need to comb your Argenté Brun rabbit whenever it gets its fur wet.

Otherwise, once a week is enough, except during its two shedding seasons. Argenté Brun rabbits shed for about a week in the spring and in the fall.

Do Argenté Brun rabbits get sick very often?

The most common preventable health problem with Argenté Brun rabbits is dehydration.

Argenté Brun rabbits need unlimited clean, fresh water at all times. Without it, they can develop gastrointestinal stasis.

Ironically, stasis in the gut causes dehydration as the water the rabbit is able to drink flows around the blockage caused by undigested food. This makes the rabbit get more sick.

Always give your rabbits as much timothy hay as they want. Chewing helps keep their teeth from growing too long.
Probiotic bacteria in their intestines (you do not have to give your rabbit probiotics) break down fibers into butyric acid, a fatty acid.

The cells in the lining of the rabbit’s colon use butyric acid as fuel. Without it, your rabbit can become fatally constipated.

Are there any downsides to owning an Argenté Brun rabbit?

One of the biggest issues with Argenté Brun rabbits is misunderstanding them as aggressive.

Actually, these rabbits constantly stare upward at humans to make sure you don’t step on them!

Many new owners misinterpret this behavior as somehow belligerent on the part of the rabbit.

Because Argenté Bruns are large rabbits, they need lots of space to play. They (and their owners) are usually not happy living in studio apartments.

And because their beautiful hair is easily matted when it gets wet, you will need to comb your Argenté Brun rabbit’s coat nearly every day.

How can I contact other owners of Argenté Brun rabbits?

Join the Argenté Brun Rabbit Breeders page on Facebook. Hundreds of owners and breeders of Argenté Brun rabbits share information there every month.

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