Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Sable, Siamese Sable rabbit
From Sources differ: Fur & Feather says sables first appeared in Chinchilla litters in Britain around 1919 and were popularised by Liverpool fancier David Irving; German Wikipedia credits Irving with developing Siamese Sables in 1923; the Wikipedia breed list gives France as the origin.123
Fur & Feather gives 2.26-3.17 kg; the Wikipedia breed list gives 5-7 lb (2.3-3.2 kg).
short normal fur
A neat, small-to-medium rabbit with upright ears and a short coat in shades of sepia. The darkest colour sits along the back, head, ears, feet and tail, softening to a paler sepia on the sides and chest.13
Needs daily time to run, hop and explore, with puzzle feeders, tunnels and toys to keep it busy.4
The short coat is easy to keep tidy with an occasional brush. Routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth plus grooming to keep the coat in good order.34
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop, stretch, play and hide, plus toys, tunnels and foraging chances for enrichment.4
Plenty of hay forms the base of the diet and keeps the constantly growing teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured portion of good-quality pellets. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.4
A sociable animal that is happiest living with at least one other rabbit; the RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.4
Sable-coloured rabbits turned up unexpectedly in Chinchilla litters around 1919, and Liverpool fancier David Irving did much to promote them at home and abroad. In Germany a similar marten-coloured line arose separately in the 1920s, and the British Sable went on to become a well-established show breed.12
The first sables were surprise kits born to Chinchilla rabbits around 1919.1
Liverpool fancier David Irving is credited with spreading the breed in Britain and abroad.1
Each pattern comes in three shades, light, medium and dark, so exhibitors can show the same breed in quite different tones.1
The Smoke Pearl was later bred from Sables by a Scottish breeder.5
In Germany, Emil Thomsen of Hamburg-Stellingen reached marten-coloured rabbits independently while actually trying to breed Opossum rabbits.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siamese Sable. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
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
Your Siamese Sable needs unlimited hay every day, plus a daily portion of fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of good-quality pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and follow the food label and your vet for exact pellet amounts.46 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be mostly hay, with fresh leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Carrots are only occasional treats. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, and muesli mixes, always avoid these.467
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, spot-clean the fur around the tail daily and keep the living area clean.4 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, an occasional brush keeps the short coat tidy. Furry Diary suggests brushing weekly, and daily during moulting to remove loose fur.34 Pet Wiki plan
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, hay helps wear them down. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed. Your vet can show you how to do this safely.4 Pet Wiki plan
Provide a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m with room to hop and play. Furry Diary recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam time daily for exercise and enrichment.4 Pet Wiki plan
This sociable rabbit is happiest with at least one other rabbit companion. The RSPCA usually rehomes rabbits in pairs.4
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics. For a more precise estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Rabbits can be good for older children who are gentle and supervised. Always teach calm handling and respect for the rabbit's needs.4
Support the rabbit's full body with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, keeping it secure and calm. Never lift by the ears or scruff.4
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.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Smoke Pearl
Chinchilla