The Satin [[Rabbits|rabbit]] is a breed distinguished by a unique genetic mutation that gives the fur an unusually high luster and translucency. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1930s and has since been used to create Satin varieties in other breeds. Satins are kept for both fur and meat and are recognized by show standards in a wide range of color varieties.
The Satin mutation first appeared in 1932 in a litter of Havana rabbits bred by Walter Huey of Pendleton, Indiana. A single buck in the litter had fur with an exceptional sheen and brilliance that distinguished it from the normal Havana coat. Huey recognized the potential of this mutation and began breeding the animal to develop a new breed that could be standardized.
The Satin was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1942 as a distinct breed in the Havana color only. Additional colors were added over subsequent decades as breeders worked to transfer the Satin gene into other color varieties through selective crossbreeding. Today, Satins are recognized in more than a dozen color varieties, with the most common being black, blue, chocolate, red, white, and Siamese.
Satin rabbits are medium-sized with a compact, slightly arched body. Mature weight is 6 to 7 pounds (2.7 to 3.2 kilograms). The coat is the breed's defining feature: the hair shaft is finer in diameter than in normal rabbit fur (15 to 20 percent thinner), and the outer scales of each hair are more transparent, allowing light to penetrate to the inner cortex and reflect back, creating the characteristic luster. The effect is most striking in dark colors, where the fur appears to have an internal glow.
The coat is short, fine, and flyback. Satins are calm, docile rabbits. Does are good mothers with average litter sizes.
Satin rabbits are kept for both meat and fur on homesteads. The lustrous fur is highly valued for garment making and is sought after by crafters and furriers for its unique appearance and soft texture. The medium body size produces a good meat yield, with a dressing percentage comparable to other medium-sized meat breeds.
The Satin's calm disposition makes it suitable for family rabbitries. The breed is also used as a foundation for developing Satin-coated versions of other breeds, such as the Satin Angora and the Mini Satin. Satins are moderately productive and are a good choice for the homesteader who wants both quality fur and meat from a single breed.