About the Silver Marten
The first Silver Martens were developed in the 1920's. Standard Chinchilla breeders had introduced Tan bloodlines into the breed in the hopes of improving color and pattern. This resulted in the tan pattern genes being carried on in the offspring. The Chinchilla genes affected the tan coloring in the offspring causing it to turn silver. Some of the correctly colored kits were saved and line bred. These black and silver colored rabbits were named Silver Martens in 1924 and the standards were written for the blacks and chocolates in 1927. The blues were accepted in 1929 and the sables were accepted in 1933.
Black is the most popular variety of the Silver Marten breed. They should be jet black with the color going as far down the hair shaft as possible. There should be a sharp contrast between the black coloring and the silver markings. Their eyes should be dark brown.
Blue is the second most popular variety. They should be an even dark slate blue. Their eyes should be blue-gray.Chocolate is the third most common variety. Their color is rich dark chocolate. Their eyes should be brown.
Sable Silver Martens are the least common variety. They should be a medium sepia brown on the saddle with shading going down their sides blending into a lighter color. Their ears, face, tail, outside of the feet and lower legs should be a very dark sepia brown, nearly black, providing a distinct contrast to the body color. Correctly colored sables will be a silvery color at birth. Their eyes should be brown.
Article written by Emily Stidd - Silver Star Rabbitry
Picture donated by Emily Stidd - Silver Star Rabbitry
Black is the most popular variety of the Silver Marten breed. They should be jet black with the color going as far down the hair shaft as possible. There should be a sharp contrast between the black coloring and the silver markings. Their eyes should be dark brown.
Blue is the second most popular variety. They should be an even dark slate blue. Their eyes should be blue-gray.Chocolate is the third most common variety. Their color is rich dark chocolate. Their eyes should be brown.
Sable Silver Martens are the least common variety. They should be a medium sepia brown on the saddle with shading going down their sides blending into a lighter color. Their ears, face, tail, outside of the feet and lower legs should be a very dark sepia brown, nearly black, providing a distinct contrast to the body color. Correctly colored sables will be a silvery color at birth. Their eyes should be brown.
Article written by Emily Stidd - Silver Star Rabbitry
Picture donated by Emily Stidd - Silver Star Rabbitry
Varieties
Black, Blue, Chocolate and Sable
Weight
The maximum weight for a Silver Marten is 9 1/2 pounds.
Pictures
Chocolate Sr. Doe
Picture Donated by Grace Kenzel - CD's Lil' Lagomorphs Rabbitry
Rabbitries
Arizona
Mad Hatter Rabbits
Email Address - [email protected]
Breeds and Varieties
Champagne d'Argent
Mini Rex
Rex
Satin
Silver Fox
Silver Marten
Breeds and Varieties
Champagne d'Argent
Mini Rex
Rex
Satin
Silver Fox
Silver Marten
Arkansas
CD's Lil' Lagomorphs Rabbitry
Email Address - [email protected]
Breeds and Varieties
Californians - Black
Champagne d'Argent
Mini Rex - Broken, Tricolor and Red
Silver Marten - Black and Chocolate
Breeds and Varieties
Californians - Black
Champagne d'Argent
Mini Rex - Broken, Tricolor and Red
Silver Marten - Black and Chocolate
Louisiana
Silver Star Rabbitry
Email Address - [email protected]
Breeds and Varieties
Silver Marten - Black and Blue
Mini Rex - Blue, Broken, Red Eyed White
Netherland Dwarf - Blue Eyed White
Breeds and Varieties
Silver Marten - Black and Blue
Mini Rex - Blue, Broken, Red Eyed White
Netherland Dwarf - Blue Eyed White