The Standard Rex rabbit was developed in France in 1919, imported to America in 1924 and has since become one of our most popular breeds. A medium sized rabbit weighing between 7-10 pounds, these rabbits have a compact round body, upright ears and – get this – toenails which match the color of their fur. Very fancy.
Velveteen rabbits
The truly outstanding feature of these rabbits is their unusually soft, thick, velvety coat. The breed originated as a result of a recessive genetic mutation which first appeared in a litter of wild grey rabbits. This mutation causes a shortening of the guard hairs; as a result these guard hairs are no longer than the undercoat. The mutation also causes the fur to curl, but this is rarely visible except in areas where the fur is longer (right behind the ears for example) and the curly whiskers and eyebrows. Overall, the fur is about ½ to 7/8 inch in length, extremely dense, and stands almost at right angles to the skin. The result is a thick, velvety, plush fur.
Rex rabbits are named after this Rex mutation, which is also found in cats; while Rex cats are usually almost completely bald, Rex rabbit breeders have focused on rabbits which have modifier genes and this has thickened the coat significantly over the years.
Rex rabbits come in everything except paisley; colors include: amber, black, blue, Californian, agouti, white, orange, sooty fawn, lilac, chocolate, sable, chinchilla, cinnamon (chocolate agouti), dalmatian (broken black), ermine or pure white, harlequin, Havana, lynx (lilac agouti), martin (white underbelly and tips) marten sable, marten seal, opal (blue agouti), otter, black otter, blue otter, red, satin fur varieties, siamese sable, siamese seal, seal, silver seal, smoke pearl-marten, smoke pearl-siamese, tortoiseshell, himalayan, and broken varieties. My.
Rexes have the reputation of being one of the most intelligent rabbit breeds; gentle and affectionate, the does are often called upon to foster needy kits. Playful and lively, their behavior is often described as “cat-like” and indeed, I saw Pipsqueak (pictured) pounce upon a rabbit toy just as a cat would have (she is terrific fun and would be living at my house right now, if Guillermo-the-growling-rabbit hadn’t suddenly shown up in need of a home. Guillermo pounces also, but with a much different intent).
Rex rabbits have a low to moderate activity level, are generally quite good jumpers, and the Standard Rexes are said to be a bit more affectionate overall than are the mini Rexes (the compact version of the breed).
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Pipsqueak (pictured) is a perfect example of a Rex rabbit: dense, plush coat and lively, playful personality. She is a Dayton Area Rabbit Network rabbit, currently in foster care.
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