What breed of rabbit is known to be born black and turn gray or silver as it matures?

The breed of rabbit known for being born black and maturing to a gray or silver color is the Champagne d'Argent. This breed exhibits a unique coat color transformation as it ages. When Champagne d'Argent rabbits are born, they start out with a solid black fur. As they grow, typically around 8 to 12 weeks of age, their fur begins to change, resulting in a striking silver or gray hue. This characteristic makes the Champagne d'Argent quite distinctive among rabbit breeds, especially in terms of its progression from juvenile to adult coat color.

The other breeds mentioned do not undergo this specific color transformation. For example, New Zealand rabbits maintain their coloration throughout their lives, and while Silver Martens and Black Otters have their own unique color patterns, they don't exhibit the same black-to-gray transition as the Champagne d'Argent. Understanding these traits is crucial for recognizing and correctly identifying various rabbit breeds during showmanship events.