FAQs
What color are sable rabbits?
Sable rabbits have a distinctive coat colour that ranges from a dark sepia along the back to a lighter sepia on the sides, often accompanied by a ruby glow in their eyes. This coloration is due to the sable gene, which reduces yellow pigment, creating a shaded rather than solid black appearance.
What is the lifespan of American Sable rabbits?
American Sable rabbits generally have a lifespan of about 5 to 8 years, making them a moderate long-lived breed among rabbits.
What does the sable gene do in rabbits?
The sable gene, known scientifically as cchl or 'chinchilla light,' is an incomplete dominance gene that decreases yellow pigment in the fur, resulting in the characteristic shaded sable colouring and often dark or ruby eye colours. In homozygous form, it produces a darker seal shade, distinguishing sable rabbits from black rabbits and contributing to several popular colour variations.
Are American Sable rabbits considered rare?
American Sable rabbits are a unique breed with a niche following among hobby farmers and show enthusiasts. They are not extremely rare but are not among the most common pet rabbits, appreciated mainly for their distinctive colouring and temperament.
