1.1. Population size and census data
Total number of females being used in pure breeding: 2000-3000
The numbers of breeders raising this breed is estimated between 200 and 350 and the common use of the breed is in pure breeding
1.2. Origin of the breed: This breed comes from the local population of rabbits existing at Champagne since the seventeenth century and carrying in homozygosis the silvering gene (si/si). It was recognised as a breed around 1900. At this time there were important migrations to Switzerland and Germany.
1.3. Situation with regard to danger of extinction: No danger, the breed is increasing its census number.
1.4. Conservation programme: Yes
There is a programme of frozen semen and embryos, conducted in the framework of RESGEN by INRA and FFC (Fédération Française de Cuniculture).
2. Use of the breed in a descending order of product importance
Meat and exhibition
3. Colour
Black silver
4. General-type
4.1. Body parts: Middle size breed. Massy and rounded body. Well developed trunk. Imperceptible neck. Low shoulders and raised rump. Dewlap possible in the does.
4.2. Head: Concave
4.3.Eyes: Brown
4.4.Ears: Erect
4.5.Feet and legs: Short and robust
4.6.Tail: Adhered to the rump
5. Basic temperament ( for males or females ) : Docile.