Preserving the American Chinchilla Rabbit
Heritage Breed Conservation in Colorado
A small-scale rabbitry dedicated to maintaining breed standards, genetic diversity, and the future of a rare American heritage breed through careful stewardship and ARBA documentation.
Stewardship Over Production
Rit Shabbit Enterprises exists to preserve the American Chinchilla Rabbit—a heritage breed recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and listed on the Livestock Conservancy’s priority breeds.
We are not a commercial operation. We are a conservation rabbitry. Every breeding decision is made to strengthen the lineage, maintain genetic health, and honor the standards established for this breed over a century ago.
The American Chinchilla Rabbit
Developed in the United States in the 1920s, the American Chinchilla is a heavyweight breed known for its distinctive rollback fur, calm temperament, and excellent meat-to-bone ratio.
Once a popular commercial breed, the American Chinchilla has declined significantly and is now classified as a threatened heritage breed. Fewer than 1,000 breeding animals remain in the United States.
Our rabbitry maintains documented pedigrees through the American Rabbit Breeders Association and follows strict breeding protocols to preserve both physical standards and genetic diversity.
Every rabbit in our program is evaluated against ARBA standards. Only animals that strengthen the breed are retained for breeding.
How We Maintain the Breed
ARBA Standards
We maintain meticulous pedigrees and breed to American Rabbit Breeders Association standards. Our rabbits are shown for judge evaluation to verify our conservation progress.
Selective Breeding
Only rabbits meeting strict physical and temperament standards are retained for breeding. All others are culled or placed.
Genetic Diversity
Breeding decisions prioritize genetic health and diversity to ensure long-term viability of the breed.
Supporting Heritage Breed Conservation
The Livestock Conservancy works to protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. The American Chinchilla Rabbit is one of over 200 breeds on their priority conservation list.
Small-scale breeders like Rit Shabbit Enterprises play a critical role in preserving genetic diversity and maintaining breed standards for future generations.
Support the Livestock ConservancyKeen-Canine Dog Treats
Rit Shabbit Enterprises is the exclusive producer of Keen-Canine®—a biologically complete, whole-animal dog nutrition product derived from our American Chinchilla lineage.
Only rabbits not retained for breed preservation are selected for this purpose. This ensures our conservation mission remains primary while providing a use for animals that would otherwise serve no purpose within the breeding program.
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