About Silver Martens

The Silver Marten breed is the result of naturally occurring "sports" in Standard Chinchilla litters. Early Chinchilla breeders at one time had introduced some black Tan bloodlines into the breed in hopes of improving the color and pattern of the breed, which resulted in the tan pattern genes being carried by these offspring. Some of these black and silver colored "sports" were saved and when crossed, bred true and the Silver Marten breed (named in 1924) was started.

In 1927, the first working standard was adopted for the black and chocolate varieties and the first Silver Marten Club was chartered. In 1929 the blues were accepted and in 1933, the sable variety was approved. These are the same 4 varieties still shown today.

© Spring Haven Rabbitry 2007