The Silver Fox is a rare breed of domestic rabbit developed by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio, and is bred for meat, show, and fur. The Silver Fox breed was developed after 14 years of selective breeding and was the third breed to be developed in the United States. In 1925 the breed was accepted by the ARBA. The Silver Fox was originally the American Heavyweight Silver but the name was changed to Silver Fox in 1929. Today the Silver Fox is said to be one of the rarest rabbit breeds in America, and is considered critically endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The Silver Fox is also recognized by the Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, a catalog of U.S. foods in danger of extinction.
It is a large, docile breed. Senior bucks weigh 9-11 pounds and senior does 10-12 pounds. It is named for its dense fur which has white ticking and closely resembles the pelt of the Silver Fox. The fur of the Silver Fox rabbit is unique in that it is longer than what is commonly seen in domestic rabbit breeds, and does not flyback when stroked back from tail to head, it stands on end until stroked back into place. Currently only black Silver Foxes can be shown, but they come in a variety of colors, such as blue, chocolate, lilac, and more uncommon varieties are white and smoke pearl. Silver Foxes are known to be friendly, enjoy attention, handling, and are easy to pose.