Pet Wiki

Creme d'Argent

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Also called Crème d'Argent, Argente Creme (BRC), Argenté Crème

Recognised breedShort profile

From France, mid to late 1800s; probably descended from the Champagne d'Argent. First recorded at the 1877 Jardin d'Acclimatation rabbit show near Paris.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male3.6 to 4.8 kg142
Weight, female3.9 to 5 kg142
Lifespan7 to 9 years3
Sizelarge

ARBA type: bucks 8-10.5 lb, does 8.5-11 lb (max 11 lb). The UK Argente Creme is much smaller, about 2.3 kg (5 lb).

Docile and easy to handle
Relaxed personality
Unusual creamy-orange coat
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense rollback fur on a commercial-type body

A sturdy meat-type rabbit with full shoulders, deep hindquarters and medium, well-rounded ears. The coat is creamy white with a warm orange glow, because the undercolour is bright orange right down to the skin and orange guard hairs are mixed through a silvered surface.1325

ColoursCreamy white with an orange cast and bright orange undercolour (the only colour)412

Personality what they are like

A calm, laid-back rabbit that is easy to pick up and handle, which makes it a good choice for first-time keepers. Its size suits adults and families with older children who can support a heavy rabbit properly.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs a spacious enclosure and regular time out to stretch and move about.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Short rollback fur needs little grooming beyond occasional brushing; check ears and teeth as part of routine care, and avoid bathing.3

Home where they are happiest

Can live indoors or outdoors if sheltered from heat and cold; needs a large enclosure with bedding that is spot-cleaned daily and changed weekly.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

At least 70% hay, plus pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and small amounts of fruit, with fresh water always available.3

Company who they like around

Gentle and tolerant of handling; enjoys calm company.13

The story where it all began

The Creme d'Argent is an old French breed that was already being shown near Paris in 1877. It reached New York state in the 1920s, where breeders such as Harry Clauss gave it a more commercial American body type. ARBA saw it shown in 1936 and set a working standard in 1938.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its first written mention is a report on the 1877 Jardin d'Acclimatation rabbit show near Paris.1

  2. 2

    According to The Livestock Conservancy, the breed now survives only in the US and the UK, with fewer than 1,000 animals worldwide.1

  3. 3

    The US Creme d'Argent is roughly twice the weight of the British Argente Creme.2

  4. 4

    Only 43 were shown at the 2006 ARBA National Convention.2

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA
Recognised, one colour; maximum 11 lb. National club: Crème d'Argent Rabbit Federation. ARBA describes it as one of the rarest breeds, with fewer than 1,000 in the US.4
ARBA
First shown in the US at the 1936 ARBA convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a working US standard was set in 1938 (PetGuide dates recognition to around 1940).1
British Rabbit Council
Recognised as the Argente Creme, a smaller type of about 2.3 kg.2
The Livestock Conservancy
Conservation Priority List: Watch (earlier listed as Threatened).1

How many Fewer than 1,000 animals worldwide (The Livestock Conservancy, retrieved 2026; ARBA also states fewer than 1,000 in the US)14

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Creme d'Argent. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Skewers

Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.

You need

  • 1 small banana
  • 15 feeding hay strands

How

  1. Slice the banana into small pieces, about 1cm thick.
  2. Take long, thick strands of feeding hay and poke 5-6 strands through each banana slice.
  3. Feed one skewer per rabbit per day.

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Creme d'Argent?

Your Creme d'Argent needs unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of pellets and leafy greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer fresh greens and pellets each day. Always follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.36 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Creme d'Argent eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed at least 70% hay, plus pellets, leafy greens, and a little fruit as a treat. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes, as these are harmful. Fresh water must always be available.367

Should I bathe a Creme d'Argent?

No, you should not bathe a Creme d'Argent, as it can stress them and damage their coat. Instead, check the fur around their tail daily to keep it clean, especially in summer. If they get dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and consult your vet.3 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Creme d'Argent need brushing?

Yes, occasional brushing is enough for their short rollback fur, but daily brushing during moulting helps remove loose hair. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, or more often when they shed. This keeps their coat healthy and reduces hair ingestion.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Creme d'Argent's nails and teeth?

Check their teeth weekly, as they never stop growing, and provide hay to help wear them down. Trim nails every six weeks, or as needed, and ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly teeth checks and nail trims every 42 days.3 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Creme d'Argent need?

They need a spacious enclosure and at least four hours of free-roam time daily to stretch and move. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends daily free-roam time. A large, sheltered hutch or indoor pen works well, with daily spot-cleaning and weekly full cleaning.3 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Creme d'Argent live alone or with friends?

They are gentle and enjoy calm company, so they can live with a compatible rabbit friend if neutered and introduced slowly. However, they are also happy as a solo pet with plenty of human interaction. Always supervise introductions and ask a good breeder or vet for advice.13

How long does a Creme d'Argent live?

A Creme d'Argent typically lives between 7 and 9 years with proper care. Providing a balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and a safe environment helps them reach their full lifespan.3

Is a Creme d'Argent a good pet for children?

Yes, their calm and laid-back nature makes them a good choice for families with older children who can support their heavy body properly. They are easy to handle and tolerate gentle interaction, but always supervise young children to ensure safe handling.13

How do I hold a Creme d'Argent?

Support their full body with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping them secure and calm. They are easy to pick up due to their tolerant nature, but always handle gently and avoid sudden movements. Ask your vet or a good breeder for a demonstration if needed.13

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.

You might also like

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Creme d'Argent Rabbit - The Livestock Conservancy livestockconservancy.orgused for history, weights, temperament, conservation, population
  2. Argenté rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC type, coat, show numbers
  3. Creme d'Argent Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, care, diet, housing, body type
  4. ARBA - Recognized Breeds arba.netused for ARBA recognition, max weight, club
  5. The Livestock Conservancy - Quick Reference Guide to Heritage Rabbits (2021) livestockconservancy.orgused for ear shape note
  6. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.