The Pet Atlas

Breed Rabbits Medium

American Sable

Medium rabbit with shaded sable coloration and a refined, commercial-style build

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Handling comfort
Medium
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
7–10 years
Body weight
8–9 lb
Coat type
Normal
Coat length
Short
Ear type
Upright

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a medium rabbit that fits well into a standard home setup without dwarf-level fragility or giant-level logistics

Not ideal

  • Want a breed where coat care is a major, weekly time commitment

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Best described as steady-with-opinions—not frantic, but noticeably engaged with familiar routines and people.

Handling & social style

Usually warms up through repetition; tends to prefer opt-in contact over being managed.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

American Sable rabbit care is typical for a medium rabbit, with the shaded coat being the standout trait rather than special housing needs.

Environment & space

They do well with standard indoor space that supports steady movement and daily exercise.

Daily routine

Daily life is usually stable and routine-driven, with noticeable patterns in evening exploring, foraging interest, and a consistent home-base resting spot.

Health sensitivities

No widely consistent breed-specific sensitivities are commonly reported; typical medium-rabbit considerations apply.

Grooming / coat

Short coat with low grooming needs; occasional brushing helps keep the shading looking even.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Created in the United States to establish a consistent shaded “sable” color on a medium, commercial-style build. The breed was shaped around color depth and uniformity more than markings, long coats, or extreme body types.