Rex rabbit

The term rex rabbit refers to several breeds of domestic rabbit. One well-known breed is called the Rex, recognized by groups like the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the British Rabbit Council. These rabbits are medium-sized, with a round body and an ideal weight between 3.4 and 4.8 kg (7.5 to 10.5 lb). They have a slightly broader head than other rabbits, upright ears, and smaller feet.

Like most larger rabbit breeds, female Rex rabbits have a dewlap, a large flap of skin under the chin. Rex rabbits are special because of the unique texture of their fur, which feels different from other rabbit breeds. It’s important to tell the rex rabbit breeds apart from the types of rex rabbit fur they are known for.

History and origin

The Rex rabbit is famous for its soft, velvety fur. This breed started in France in 1919 from wild gray rabbits. Over time, people and the fur industry helped it grow. The Rex was first shown at a big rabbit show in Paris in 1924 and became an official breed in parts of Europe by 1925. A man named Eugène Kohler at the University of Strasbourg helped make new colors and types of Rex rabbits, including the chinchilla rex. This type is important in the rabbit fur farming business.

The Rex rabbit came to the United States in 1924 after the Paris show by two rabbit experts, John C. Fehr and Alfred Zimmerman.

Genetics

The Standard Rex rabbit breed is known by groups like the ARBA and the British Rabbit Council. They check the rabbit's weight, color, and fur texture to see if it is the right breed. These rabbits are usually calm but can jump up to three feet high.

Fur

Main article: Rex mutation

The word rex (with a lowercase 'r') describes special features of a rabbit's "rexed" fur. This comes from a specific genetic mutation used in Rex rabbit breeds. In rex fur, the hair sticks out from the body instead of lying flat. The guard hairs are the same length as the softer undercoat, or a little longer. Because of the many hairs close together, rex fur often feels plush or velvety. There are three types of rex fur: standard rex fur, short curly rex fur (like in the Astrex), and long curly rex fur (like in the Opossum).

Varieties

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes 16 color types for the Rex rabbit, and the British Rabbit Council (BRC) recognizes 32.

There are special clubs for people who love rabbits, and the Standard Rex rabbit has its own club too.

Modern development

Rex rabbits are often kept as pets, shown in competitions, and used for their fur and meat. Their fur is special because it doesn’t have rough outer hairs, which makes it great for making clothes and toys. In the United States, most fur from rex rabbits comes from meat production and is usually used to make felt because it isn’t good enough quality for garments.

Rex rabbit breeds

Some special kinds of rabbits are called rex rabbits. These include the Astrex, Canadian Plush Lop, Mini Rex, Opossum, Plush Lop (Miniature), Plush Lop (Standard), Rex [US], and Velveteen Lop. Each of these rabbits looks different and has its own personality.