The Silvered Chocolate variety of the Argente group has been rarely seen
in North America. The Argente Brun was first imported into Great Britain
early in the 1920's.
Mr. H. Dowle is credited with recreating and
improving the breed which had been established in Europe for many years.
Part of the Argente group, The Brun, is a medium sized animal having an
ideal Sr. weight similar to the Creme but somewhat lighter than the
Champagne version.
Although somewhat rare, there are still a few
exhibited regularly in England and some European countries. The body
type follows all the other Argente varieties having excellent
utility
meat producing qualities covered with a most attractive fur. The name of
the Brun has been retained in the interest of worldwide consistency,
however, Argente Chocolate
may be more acceptable in North America.
Overall Type- A medium size rabbit with a moderate length of body
with well developed deep shoulders and hindquarters. The back should be
well arched with the highest
point over the body centre. Depth and width
of the body to balance with hindquarters slightly wider than the
shoulders. Head should be broad and bold and set into the shoulders
on a
short neck. Ears of medium length, well furred and carried close
together and erect. Eyes to be clear, bright and dark brown in colour.
Legs to be of medium bone and straight.
Tail to be medium size ,
straight and well carried. The entire body must carry firm and solid
flesh throughout, especially over the hips, with no suggestion of
softness.
Colour- An even silvered or frosted chocolate brown all over. While
evenness is stressed, slightly darker muzzle butterfly, ears and feet
are desirable.Longer, dark brown guard hairs
are to be evenly
interspersed over the whole pelt. The under colour, a rich chocolate
ideally carried right to the skin. Allowance to be made for some overall
fading due to age.
Toenails to be dark brown.
Fur- Medium length, flyback type having very good texture and density.
Faults- Body angular frame, large paunch, excessive dewlap, especially
in bucks, flat, pinched or undercut hips. Cut for long or flat shoulders
and animals that are
excessively under or over weight.Uneven colour or
fading around cheeks or eyes, extremely dark ears or muzzle. Excessive
molt, poor condition and hutch stains.
Disqualifications- General disqualifications, any suggestion of a slate
surface cast or any other off colour spots or patches, white toenails,
lack of chocolate guard hairs,
eyes other than brown.
Classes and Weights
Pre-Juniors- under 3 months-not over 5 pounds.
Juniors- under 6 months-not over 8 pounds.
Intermediates- 6-8 months-not over 9 pounds.
Seniors- over 8 months-not over 101/2 pounds. Ideal weights, Bucks- 9
pounds, Does- 10 pounds.
Points
Body Type & Condition 55
Colour 20
Evenness of Colour 10
Fur Quality 15
___
100
Pre- Juniors- Colour to have very little bearing when judging
pre-juniors. Health, condition and meat qualities to be of prime
consideration.
Fur to be considered only when all else is equal.
The Argente Brun Standard was
submitted by E.C. White of Canada. Version No 13-March 2008