Pet Wiki

Argente Bleu

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Also called Argenté Bleu, Argenté Blue

Recognised breedShort profile

From France, where the Argenté family is among the oldest show rabbit breeds.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.72 kg12
Sizemedium

BRC standard weight about 6 lb (2.72 kg).

Good-natured, makes a pleasant pet
Neat, compact body with short rounded erect ears
Silvered coat that develops as the kit grows
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, glossy, silky normal fur

A small, neat rabbit whose coat is lavender blue at the base, topped with longer dark blue guard hairs. Seen from a distance the overall effect is a clear bluish silver. Eyes are a bold blue and the toenails are coloured.1

ColoursSilvered blue over a lavender-blue undercolour (the only colour)12

Personality what they are like

The Argenté breeds are known for a good temperament and are regarded as excellent pets, combining an easygoing nature with a small, tidy build.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The coat is short and lies close to the body. Rabbits keep themselves clean, so routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth.13

Home where they are happiest

Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m so it can hop, play, stretch, hide and exercise, with toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should form the foundation of the diet, as constant chewing keeps the teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets alongside. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.3

Company who they like around

A social animal that should live with at least one other rabbit; a neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match.3

The story where it all began

The Argenté rabbits are one of France's oldest groups of show breeds, prized for silvered coats over a coloured undercoat. Britain has kept several colour forms as separate breeds, and Argente Bleu is one of the six recognised by the British Rabbit Council.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Argenté kits are born a solid colour and only take on their silvered adult coat between about 6 weeks and 4 months old.1

  2. 2

    The British Rabbit Council recognises six Argenté breeds, while the ARBA recognises three.1

  3. 3

    The ideal Argenté body is small and neat, with well-developed hindquarters and a gently arched back.1

  4. 4

    From across the room the Argente Bleu's mix of lavender undercolour and dark blue guard hairs reads as a distinct blue sheen.1

Recognised by the official bits

British Rabbit Council
Recognised as one of the six Argenté breeds in the BRC standard, at about 6 lb (2.72 kg).1
ARBA
Not recognised (ARBA recognises three other Argente breeds).2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Argente Bleu. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banana Skewers

Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.

You need

  • 1 small banana
  • 15 feeding hay strands

How

  1. Slice the banana into small pieces, about 1cm thick.
  2. Take long, thick strands of feeding hay and poke 5-6 strands through each banana slice.
  3. Feed one skewer per rabbit per day.

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Argente Bleu?

Your Argente Bleu needs unlimited hay every day, as it keeps their teeth worn down and digestion healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily, plus a small measured portion of pellets and a handful of fresh leafy greens each day.3 Pet Wiki plan

What should an Argente Bleu eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Hay should be the main food, with fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes, as these can harm rabbits.345

Should I bathe an Argente Bleu?

No, rabbits keep themselves clean and bathing can stress them. Just check the fur around their tail daily, especially in summer, and spot-clean their living area.13 Pet Wiki plan

Does an Argente Bleu need brushing?

Yes, weekly brushing is good to remove loose fur, and daily during moulting. Their short, silky coat is easy to care for with gentle grooming.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Argente Bleu's nails and teeth?

Check nails every six weeks and trim if needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Hay chewing helps wear teeth down naturally.3 Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does an Argente Bleu need?

They need a secure area at least 3m x 2m x 1m for hopping and playing, plus at least 4 hours of free-roam time daily. Add toys and foraging for enrichment.3 Pet Wiki plan

Should an Argente Bleu live alone or with friends?

They are social animals and should live with at least one other rabbit, ideally a neutered male and female pair. This keeps them happy and healthy.3

How long does an Argente Bleu live?

Lifespan varies, so ask your vet for specific guidance. With good care, rabbits often live many years.

Is an Argente Bleu a good pet for children?

Yes, they have an easygoing nature and are excellent pets, combining a good temperament with a small, tidy build. Always supervise interactions with children.1

How do I hold an Argente Bleu?

Support their body fully, with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping them secure and calm. Never lift by the ears or scruff.3

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Argenté rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Argente group history, coat and colour descriptions, kit colour change, temperament
  2. List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin, coat and ear type, BRC/ARBA recognition
  3. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: diet, companionship, space, enrichment
  4. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.