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American Chinchilla Rabbit

Diana Faria
by Diana Faria
Published:  July 4th, 2016
fast facts

About American Chinchilla Rabbit

Weight
9-12 lb
Lifespan
5-8 years
Best Suited For
Rabbits for Singles, rabbits for seniors, indoor/outdoor rabbits, house rabbits, families with children, first-time owners
Body Shape
Commercial
Temperament
Gentle, docile, sweet
Comparable Breeds
Silver Rabbit, Standard Chinchilla
Size
Large
American Chinchilla Rabbit Breed History/Origin


The first American Chinchilla Rabbit was developed by French engineer M.J. Dybowski, and were first shown in April 1913 in Saint-Maur, France. Enchanted by its gorgeous coat, the new breed took the fur trade by storm. The first Chinchilla rabbits to hit the English market were in the summer of 1917 thanks to an import from a Mrs. Haidee Lucy-Hulbert of Mitcham Surrey. In 1919, a British exhibitor presented a shipment of these rabbits at the New York State Fair. The exhibitor sold his entire stock to Edward H. Stahl and Jack Harris.


American breeders set to develop this Chinchilla rabbit with a larger body (the original ones were a mere 5-7.5 lbs) in order for the breed to be meat and fur-worthy animals. Through selective breeding, the American Chinchilla Rabbit was developed, and in 1924, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized this breed.


American Chinchilla Rabbits have a soft, short, rollback coat which does not need much maintenance.


Overall Description

American Chinchilla Rabbit has a commercial-shaped body and weighs about 9-12 lbs once fully developed. Its commercially-shaped body is on the stocky side, as they were originally developed for their meat and fur.


Coat


American Chinchilla Rabbits have a soft, short, rollback coat which does not need much maintenance in order to keep it healthy. Most rabbits shed during the fall and spring, which means you may find more hair indoors than you usually do. Simply brush your rabbit once biweekly for a few weeks until they cease shedding so much.


Colors


There is only one color accepted by the ARBA with the American Chinchilla rabbit, and that’s the color of an actual chinchilla. The under color is dark slate blue at the base and the top edge is a darker blue with a portion of light gray in between. The slight eye circles are well defined and of a light pearl color and the underside of the tail is also white while the topside is mostly black with a few white hairs. Eye colors can be brown, blue-grey or marbled, but dark brown is preferred.


Petting your American Chinchilla Rabbit’s head, neck, back and ears is very much encouraged.


Care Requirements

The American Chinchilla Rabbit does well in indoor or outdoor enclosures so long as they are not exposed to extreme heat or cold. Outdoor enclosures should be lifted from the ground to protect them from potential predators and have a ramp to the fenced bottom so they can hop about on the grass below. Indoors rabbit cages need to be large enough so the rabbit can easily stretch out and considering the American Chinchilla’s size, it needs to be rather large, which is why this breed isn’t recommended for apartment dwellers. Enclosures should be made of wire walls and a plastic/metal bottom to hold bedding, which needs to be spot-cleaned every day and completely replaced at the end of every week.


In terms of food, the American Chinchilla’s diet does not differ from that of other rabbits. This means they need to have a diet of at least 70 percent hay (there are several available that are rabbit-safe) and the rest a healthy mix of high-quality pellets, fruits, leafy greens and vegetables. There are some fruits/vegetables/leafy greens that are better in terms of nutritional value to rabbits and others that should be avoided at all costs. Apples are a great treat, for example, but iceberg lettuce does not contain enough nutrition to be beneficial to your rabbit’s health. Always do your research on what you plan to feed to your rabbit and when in doubt, call and ask your local veterinarian.


Health


While some rabbits have health issues related to their fur, the American Chinchilla Rabbit has no such problem or any other hereditary disease. However, there are some issues pet rabbit parents need to be made of aware of so they can prevent these health problems from developing in the first place.


Rabbit teeth never stop growing and the only thing that keeps their teeth a manageable size is a diet high in hay – this is why a 70 percent hay diet is crucial. Overgrown rabbit teeth can grow into their jaws and face, and is painful. If you find less droppings in your rabbit’s cage, they are less active than usual, and aren’t eating as much, check their mouth for overgrown teeth. To deal with overgrown teeth, take them to your veterinarian for a trimming. Owners also need to check their bunny’s ears for any sign of ear mites, and outdoor rabbits need to be carefully checked for any sign of flystrike, which is an extremely painful condition that is mostly fatal.


Bucks and does can also be neutered/spayed, just like dogs and cats. Bucks can be spayed as young as 3.5 months, while does can be spayed once they are 5-6 months old.


American Chinchilla Rabbits do well in indoors or outdoor enclosures so long as they are not exposed to extreme heat or cold.


Temperament/Behavior


This breed of rabbit was developed mostly for their pelt and meat in the 1900s, consequently they are very much at ease being handled by humans. This means they also make great pets for single, couples or even seniors who would like a pet the size of a medium-sized dog but has less maintenance involved. While we don’t recommend this larger breed for families with young children, they will make for wonderful pets for families who have older children that understand how to handle a rabbit with care.


Rabbits are notoriously difficult to potty-train, but it does not mean it is impossible. In fact, many pet rabbit owners have found success with plenty of time, patience and lots of rewards. Some have gone the extra mile by placing a few litter boxes in corners of their home (instead of having just one) so their rabbit does not have to travel too far to find a litter box to do the deed. They may take longer than the average dog or cat, but rabbits are intelligent enough to understand when they are supposed to do their business in a particular area.


In terms of playtime, every rabbit takes to toys a little differently – some may be perfectly content with home-made DIY toys while others may enjoy more mentally-stimulating toys from your local pet store. Whatever it is, always make sure it is bunny-safe and won’t break apart into pieces your rabbit can accidentally swallow and hurt itself internally. Having said that, your rabbit’s personality will flourish the longer they are outside of their enclosures engaging and interacting with their human family. Petting their heads, necks, backs and ears is completely acceptable and very much encouraged. Many rabbits also enjoy having all of this done while in the comfort of your lap, just like lap dogs (but with less drool!)


Photo credit: Hagen Graebner; Christina M/Flickr; dazeyjaydesherry/Flickr

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Diana Faria
Diana Faria

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As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

Dog Who Spent 900 Days in a Shelter Returned 1 Day After Being Adopted

The staff at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California was joyous when a Labrador retriever pit bull mix named Sora was finally adopted. Sora, who was the shelter’s longest resident, has waited 900 days to be adopted into a loving, furever home.Sadly, less than 24 hours after the adoption, the poor pooch was returned to the shelter. The Valley Animal Center in Fresno, the largest no-kill shelter in California’s Central Valley, welcomed Sora nearly 4 years ago after the pup’s previous owners surrendered the pet. Since then, Sora hasn’t garnered much attention from prospective adopters, which is shocking to shelter staff who know the pooch well. “Sora is a high-energy dog who loves to play and gets super excited anytime she gets to go on walks,” said Sim Kaur from Valley Animal Center to Newsweek. According to Kaur, Sora loves to walk and hike and will make an amazing travel companion to an outdoorsy person. The sweet pooch also loves playing with tennis balls and is always in the mood for a game of fetch. Sora has tested well with children over the age of five and is affectionate and lovable with adults.Despite being overlooked for so many years, this cute pup recently caught the attention of a potential adopter. After a few meetings, the person decided to adopt Sora, giving this pooch the happy ending she deserved.Then, the worst possible thing happened! Just 24 hours later, the new owner called the shelter to say they would be returning the pup. Sora arrived at the shelter heartbroken and looked particularly sad to be back in the same kennel she called home for so many years.This turn of events shocked Kaur, who believed Sora’s adopters should have given her more time to decompress and settle in her new home before deciding to return the pet to the shelter.“Being in a shelter for many years affects the mental health of our adoptables and it is no different for Sora,” she added. “Sora did not get enough time to decompress in her new home and was introduced to new family members too quickly.”Sora’s sad story was posted on TikTok and has received more than 1.6 million views, leaving doggy lovers around the world in tears. Sharing the video of Sora with another pooch, Eros, who was also returned quickly after adoption, the shelter wrote: “Their tails wagging with hope as they were welcomed into their new home. However, after a short period of time, these shelter dogs found themselves back in their kennels. They are still hopeful that somewhere out there is their furever home where they will be cherished as they deserve.”One day is not enough time for a shelter dog to adjust to its new home. Especially, if the dog in question has spent more than 900 days stuck inside a shelter. Unfortunately, staff at animal shelters see this happen often. Some people who adopt shelter dogs simply don’t give them the time they need to adjust to a new home, and all the unfamiliar sights, smells, and people. It comes as no surprise, to most people, that any dog that has spent any time in a shelter, much less 900 days, will need some time to adapt to its new life and recover from the stress they have experienced. Hopefully, the next person who adopts Sora will understand her and give her the time she needs to adjust to her new home. This adorable pooch is still looking for her furever home. If you think Sora will fit right into your family, submit an adoption application here. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

GPS Tracker Saves the Life of a Vancouver Island Pooch

New technology helps us find our pets when they wander into trouble.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Like humans, cats can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for a variety of functions, affecting everything from their digestion to cognitive function, so it’s important to address a deficiency in your pet.Here’s some information on the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, along with what you can do to address it.

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