Satins were a major mutation which occurred in the United States in the rabbitry of Walter Huey of Pendleton, Indiana. Huey, was a dedicated breeder of Havanas, and in trying to improve their brown color and fur qualities, he began to inbred his stock. During this process, the first Satin mutation occurred in 1934. Walter Huey, sent animals to Harvard University, where geneticists determined that this new mutation was a simple recessive gene for the shine and texture of the coat, but not length. When Huey showed these Havanas with the brilliant sheen against the normal Havanas, a storm of protest ensued, therefore the rabbits were given the name of Satin Havanas, and recognized by the National Havana Club.
Since the Satin mutation was a recessive gene, like that of the popular Rex breed, breeders quickly began to Satinize many of the breeds of the day. Professor Castle, a famous American geneticist of the time wrote of the mutation, "The Satin mutation , like the Rex, is an interesting plaything for the fancier." A National Satin Club was first formed in 1936, by Walter Huey and John C. Fehr, but soon folded. It was announced in 1942, that at Akron, Ohio show on March 5 to 8, the American Federation of Havana Breeders voted to sponsor the Satin breed in the various colors. By 1939, Satin colors could be found in; Brown, Black, Blue, White, and Orange. John C. Fehr, was very keen on the breed, and was breeding all these colors, plus working on the development of the Chinchilla Satin. Fehr, even created the Satin Angora, but said that the wool was so fine, that it was worthless as a commercial venture.
In 1946, another club was organized for the breed, the American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association with two colors recognized, Ruby-eyed White and Chinchillas, but with two different sets of points for the two varieties, as the emphasis on type was placed on the White, which were developed from New Zealand Whites, and on color for the Chinchilla variety. By 1950, a number of proposed standards were being suggested to the American Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association to get Lilac, Orange, Black, Copper, as well as a few other colors recognized, however these had to be presented at three National Convention Shows. In 1956, eight varieties were recognized for the breed. Siamese Satin, were accepted in 1965 and in this same year one standard set of points were written for all the varieties was established. Wesley W. Dixon, of California, developed the Californian Satin, as well as the ever popular Siamese. The Siamese were produced from a Black Satin doe that Dixon had purchase from the late George Sutherland. Through a Black to Black pairing the Siamese were produced, to the amazement of both gentlemen, who perfected the variety over three years. The beautiful Broken Satins were finally recognized in 1985, which gave a huge boost to the breed. Otter Satins, were recognized in 2001.
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