Black Velvet

Black velvet is a chinchilla color variety associated with the velvet, or TOV, gene in domestic Chinchilla lanigera. A good black velvet usually has a dark face, shoulders, and back that fade into grey sides, with the belly remaining white unless other mutations are involved. The contrast can make the animal look heavier coated than it is, but it is the same species and general body type as other pet and show chinchillas.

Care is unchanged by color. Black velvets need a cool, dry room and a high-fiber diet, with dust baths for the coat and safe items to chew. The main special concern is breeding. Velvet to velvet pairings are generally avoided because the homozygous combination is considered lethal, reducing viable offspring and creating unnecessary reproductive loss. Reputable breeders keep clear records of TOV ancestry, especially when black velvet is combined with ebony, violet, beige, or white. For pet buyers, the dark cape should be secondary to good teeth, bright eyes, clean fur, and a calm response to careful handling.

Colors: Dark Black, Extra Dark Black, Greyish Black, Light Black, Medium Black