Livestock Conservancy: 5-7 lb average, max 7.5 lb (ARBA max 7.5 lb); Wikipedia list 5-7.5 lb (2.3-3.4 kg).
short, soft rollback fur on a compact body
A compact, plump rabbit with upright ears no longer than about 5 inches. Its rollback coat imitates the fur of the wild chinchilla: a dark slate-blue base, a pale pearl band and darker tips, with neat pearl-coloured eye circles and a tail that is black on top and white underneath.63
A friendly, mellow rabbit that generally accepts handling well, even from new people. Curious and bright, it suits first-time owners, older children and calm households.16
Needs daily exercise time outside its pen and regular interaction with people.1
Brush every two weeks, and weekly while moulting. Do not bathe; spot-clean stains with a damp cloth.6
An enclosure long enough to stretch out fully, with space for toys, food and water and a solid floor with bedding; spot-clean daily and change bedding weekly. Its moderate size suits apartments as well as houses.6
At least 70% good-quality hay (timothy is a favourite), about a quarter cup of high-fibre pellets per 5 lb of body weight per day, and vegetables and fruit as treats.6
French engineer M.J. Dybowski created the Chinchilla rabbit to copy the valuable fur of the South American chinchilla at a lower cost, and showed it in 1913. It was an immediate success in Europe and arrived in America in 1919, where a breed association formed in 1923. Interest faded as fur demand declined later in the century.12
It is the smallest of the three ARBA Chinchilla breeds and the original from which the American and Giant Chinchillas were bred.1
The breed was made to imitate chinchilla fur, which was so costly that close to 100 real chinchilla pelts were needed for one coat.1
Between November 1928 and 1929, 17,328 Chinchilla rabbits were registered in the US, a record The Livestock Conservancy says has never been broken.2
Blow into the coat and you can see distinct bands of colour in each hair.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Standard Chinchilla Rabbit. 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
Your rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, as it should make up at least 70% of its diet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily, and you can offer a quarter cup of high-fibre pellets per 5 lb of body weight each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.67 Pet Wiki plan
Feed mainly good-quality hay like timothy, plus a small portion of high-fibre pellets and safe leafy greens as treats. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any human processed food, as these are toxic. Always provide fresh water.678
No, you should never bathe your rabbit. Instead, spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth. Bathing can stress them and harm their skin.6
Yes, brush your rabbit every two weeks, and weekly while it is moulting. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily brushing during heavy moults to keep its short, soft coat in good condition.6 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks, and check teeth weekly because they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly teeth checks and nail trims every 42 days. If teeth seem too long, ask your vet for advice. Pet Wiki plan
Your rabbit needs an enclosure long enough to stretch out fully, plus at least four hours of free-roaming exercise daily. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily time outside the pen for running and exploring.16 Pet Wiki plan
This rabbit enjoys regular human interaction and handling, so it can live alone if you give it plenty of attention. For companionship, consider a neutered friend, but always introduce slowly and ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.16
With good care, your rabbit can live between 5 and 8 years. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet help it reach the upper end of that range.6
Yes, its friendly and mellow nature makes it a good fit for older children and calm households. Always supervise interactions to keep both the rabbit and child safe.16
Support its hindquarters and chest securely, and never lift by the ears or scruff. This rabbit generally accepts handling well, but always be gentle and calm. For specific techniques, ask your vet or a good breeder.16
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.
American Chinchilla
Giant Chinchilla
Chinchilla Giganta
American Sable