When I was researching which breeds of rabbits I wanted to own, I focused on endangered heritage breeds because I feel strongly that we should preserve the history these breeds carry.  Starting out with a rare breed has its problems, however; mainly finding suitable breeding stock to buy.  With that in mind, I focused only on rare breeds within driving distance of my area, and that brought me to the American Chinchilla.

The American Chinchilla originated in France in the early 1900s.  They were an overnight success because of their beautiful coats, which made them highly prized for fur production.  The unique three-tone hair gives their coats a beautiful dimension.  The first Chinchillas were very small, at 5-7 pounds, and were eventually bred up for size until they became what we know today as the American Chinchilla, an ideal dual purpose meat and fur breed.

American Chinchillas are inquisitive, intelligent and very laid back.  When I bought my first doe, I asked the breeder how she could manage to get this one so tame when she had hundreds of rabbits.  Her answer was, “I don’t.”  This breed is naturally so calm and mellow, that the doe I bought would come right up to me and let me pet her.

Listed as critically endangered by The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, the American Chinchilla is in need of some preservation efforts.  This is why I have chosen this breed to begin my own rabbitry, and I would encourage others who are interested in raising rabbits to give the American Chinchilla a close look.