Wikipedia: bucks 7-9 lb, does 8-10 lb; PetGuide: 8-10 lb with males a little lighter. ARBA lists a 9 lb maximum.
dense, soft commercial-type coat
A medium, well-rounded commercial-type rabbit built like the Chinchilla it came from. Its rich coat is darkest sepia on the head, ears, feet, back and top of the tail, softening to a lighter tan elsewhere, much like a Siamese cat's colouring. The eyes are dark with a ruby glow.123
Usually docile and easy-going, happy to doze for much of the day, yet playful and sociable when awake. It likes company from people and other rabbits, preferably at its own pace.12
Active when awake, so it needs plenty of time outside its enclosure each day, plus toys for play and chewing.24
The dense coat needs a little more care than a very short coat: brush about every two weeks normally and once or twice a week while moulting.2
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can hop, stretch, hide and play; a hutch alone is not enough and should be combined with a large run or daily free-roam time. It copes with indoor or outdoor living if kept away from temperature extremes and, outdoors, protected from predators.42
Around 70 percent hay, topped up with pellets, leafy greens and vegetables, and constant fresh water.24
Rabbits are a highly social species and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion, plus calm, regular time with people. Sables are known to enjoy the company of other rabbits.41
Otto Brock of San Gabriel, California, noticed dark-shaded babies appearing in his purebred Chinchilla litters in the 1920s and developed them into a breed of their own. Numbers fell in the 1970s, and in 1982 enthusiasts formed the American Sable Rabbit Society to keep the breed going.12
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Sable. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feed unlimited hay every day, as it makes up about 70% of the diet. Add a small portion of pellets and leafy greens daily, and always provide fresh water. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.245 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be mostly hay, plus pellets and safe leafy greens. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and iceberg lettuce. Never give muesli mixes, lawnmower clippings, or processed human food.2456
Rabbits are very clean and rarely need a bath. If your rabbit gets soiled, consult your vet for safe cleaning methods rather than bathing.
Yes, its dense coat needs brushing about every two weeks, and more often (weekly or even daily) during moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, with daily brushing while moulting.2 Pet Wiki plan
Check nails every six weeks and trim if needed. Teeth grow continuously, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay and chew toys to wear them down. If you see overgrowth, visit your vet. Pet Wiki plan
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high, plus daily free-roam time. Furry Diary's plan suggests at least 4 hours of running space each day. This rabbit is active when awake and needs room to hop and play.24 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are highly social, and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible, neutered rabbit companion. American Sables are known to enjoy the company of other rabbits, so a friend is ideal.14
The typical lifespan is 5 to 8 years, though with excellent care some may live longer.2
American Sables are usually docile and easy-going, but every rabbit has its own personality. Always supervise children and teach gentle handling. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.12
Always support the rabbit's chest and hindquarters securely. Never pick it up by the ears or scruff. For a detailed demonstration, ask your vet or an experienced rabbit breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Siamese Sable
Himalayan Rabbit