Established in 1961
American Chinchilla Rabbit Breeders Association
History of the Breed
A Dual Purpose Heritage Breed
The American Chinchilla rabbit is more than just a striking silver beauty, it’s a living piece of agricultural history. Developed in the United States in the early 1920s, this breed was created to mirror the luxurious fur of the wild chinchilla while meeting the growing demand for commercial meat and fur. It originated from the Standard Chinchilla rabbit, which was imported from France around 1919. American breeders selectively crossed the Standard Chinchilla with larger commercial breeds. Their goal was to retain the unique silver-ticked coat while producing a rabbit with greater body size, better depth, and faster growth rates. By 1924, the American Chinchilla was officially recognized as its own breed.
During the 1920s through the 1940s, the American Chinchilla became one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the country. Its fur was prized for coats and garments, and its meat fed countless families during the war years. Its strong maternal instincts, efficient feed conversion, and hardy nature made it a dependable choice for farmers, homesteaders, and commercial producers alike. In many rural communities, this rabbit wasn’t just livestock, it was a source of income, warmth, and food security during some of the toughest times in American history.
Today, the American Chinchilla stands as a heritage breed, a proud symbol of America’s agricultural ingenuity. Though its numbers have declined with the rise of modern meat hybrids and synthetic furs, dedicated breeders continue to preserve this legacy. Raising American Chinchillas isn’t just about producing beautiful rabbits; it’s about protecting genetic diversity, honoring a century-old tradition, and keeping history alive for future generations. By joining this community, new breeders help ensure that the silver fur and strong spirit of the American Chinchilla continue to thrive.
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