The Velvet Rabbit Is Real
The first time you touch a Rex rabbit, you'll understand why people get obsessed with them. Their fur is unlike anything else in the rabbit world — short, dense, and impossibly soft. It genuinely feels like petting a living piece of velvet. Every single person who visits my house and meets my Rex, Oliver, says the same thing: "Wait, is this real fur?" Yes. Yes it is. And no, he never gets tired of being petted.
Rex rabbits are one of those breeds that excel at being pets. They've got the looks, the temperament, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements that make them suitable for both first-time and experienced rabbit owners. But like any breed, they have their quirks and specific needs. Here's what you should know before bringing one home.
Breed History
The Rex mutation first appeared in wild rabbits in France around 1919. A farmer named Desire Caillon noticed some kits in a litter of wild gray rabbits had unusually short, plush fur. Rather than dismissing it as a fluke, the genetics were studied and selectively bred. The breed was officially shown in Paris in 1924 and quickly spread across Europe and eventually to North America.
The distinctive Rex coat is caused by a recessive gene that shortens the guard hairs to the same length as the undercoat, creating that uniform plush texture. This same gene has since been introduced into other breeds — the Mini Rex being the most popular example.
Physical Characteristics
Standard Rex rabbits are a medium-to-large breed with a solid, well-proportioned build:
- Weight: 7.5 to 10.5 pounds for the standard Rex
- Body type: Commercial type — rounded and well-muscled
- Ears: Upright, proportional to the body, typically 4-5 inches
- Fur: Dense, plush, approximately 5/8 inch long with a distinctive velvety texture. Guard hairs are the same length as undercoat
- Whiskers: Often short and curly — a charming Rex trait
- Colors: ARBA recognizes 16 color varieties including castor, black, blue, broken, chinchilla, chocolate, lilac, lynx, opal, otter, red, sable, seal, and white
Rex vs. Mini Rex
People often confuse these two. The standard Rex weighs 7.5-10.5 pounds, while the Mini Rex weighs just 3.5-4.5 pounds. Both share the velvety fur, but they're separate breeds with different body types. Standard Rex are sturdier and often described as calmer, while Mini Rex are more compact and sometimes a bit more energetic. If you're tight on space, a Mini Rex might be more practical. If you want a bigger, more laid-back companion, go standard.
Temperament
Rex rabbits have a reputation for being gentle, maternal, and genuinely affectionate — and in my experience, that reputation is well-earned. Oliver follows me around the house like a small, furry shadow. When I sit on the floor to read, he parks himself against my leg within minutes.
General temperament traits:
- Calm and easygoing: Rex rabbits tend to be less high-strung than many smaller breeds. They handle change and new situations reasonably well
- Affectionate: Many Rex actively seek out human contact. Head rubs, chin scratches, and sitting beside you on the couch are their love languages
- Intelligent: They learn routines quickly and can be trained with positive reinforcement. Litter training is usually straightforward
- Good with gentle children: Their larger size makes them less fragile than dwarf breeds, and their tolerant nature means they handle careful handling well
- Maternal instincts: Does (females) in particular can be very nurturing, even toward other animals. I've heard multiple stories of Rex does grooming the family cat
The main behavioral issue I see owners report is occasional stubbornness. Rex rabbits know what they want and they'll let you know if you're in their way. Oliver once rearranged his entire enclosure overnight because he didn't approve of where I'd placed his hay rack. Fair enough.
That Incredible Fur: Care and Considerations
The Rex coat is both a blessing and a consideration. Here's what you need to know:
Minimal Grooming Needed
One of the biggest advantages of Rex rabbits is how little grooming their coat requires. Because the fur is short and uniform, it rarely mats. A gentle brushing once a week during normal periods and maybe 2-3 times during heavy molts is plenty. Compare that to an Angora or Lionhead where you're brushing daily, and you can see why some owners specifically choose Rex breeds for the low maintenance.
Sore Hocks: The Rex Achilles Heel
This is the single most important health consideration for Rex owners. The same gene that creates that gorgeous plush fur also means the foot pads have less protective fur than other breeds. The result? Rex rabbits are significantly more prone to pododermatitis (sore hocks) — painful, ulcerated patches on the bottom of the hind feet.
Prevention is everything:
- Never house a Rex on wire-bottom flooring — this is non-negotiable
- Provide soft, solid flooring at all times. Fleece blankets, foam mats, or thick cotton rugs work well
- Keep the living area clean and dry — moisture makes sore hocks worse
- Monitor your rabbit's weight — overweight Rex put more pressure on their feet
- Check the hind feet regularly. Look for hair loss, redness, or scabbing on the heel area
If you catch sore hocks early, they're manageable. Left untreated, they can become infected and extremely painful. Make foot checks part of your weekly routine.
Health Profile
Beyond sore hocks, Rex rabbits are generally robust and healthy. Their typical lifespan is 7-10 years. Here are the health considerations to stay aware of:
- Obesity: Rex are food-motivated and their solid build can mask weight gain. Keep pellet portions measured and don't overdo treats
- Dental health: Like all rabbits, Rex need unlimited hay to wear down continuously growing teeth. Watch for signs of malocclusion — drooling, dropping food, or facial swelling
- GI stasis: Always a concern with any rabbit. Know the signs (not eating, no droppings, hunched posture, lethargy) and treat it as an emergency
- Ear health: Those upright ears are generally low-maintenance, but check periodically for mites or debris
- Respiratory sensitivity: Dusty bedding or litter can cause sneezing and respiratory issues. Use dust-extracted hay and paper-based litter
Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian before you need one. Not all vets have experience with rabbits, and you don't want to be searching during an emergency.
Diet
Rex dietary needs follow standard rabbit nutrition guidelines, with portions adjusted for their larger size:
- Unlimited Timothy hay: The foundation of everything. A Rex should go through substantial amounts daily
- Fresh vegetables: 2-3 packed cups of leafy greens daily for a standard-sized Rex. Rotate through romaine, cilantro, parsley, bok choy, endive, and other safe options
- Pellets: Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup daily of plain Timothy-based pellets. Resist the urge to overfeed — those pleading eyes are hard to resist but your Rex doesn't need more
- Water: Fresh water available at all times. Rex rabbits tend to drink a fair amount, so check water levels twice daily
- Treats: Small amounts of fruit very occasionally. A couple of blueberries or a thin apple slice is plenty
Housing Setup
Standard Rex are bigger rabbits, so plan your space accordingly:
- Enclosure: Minimum 5 feet by 2.5 feet for a single Rex, though more is always better. X-pen setups work wonderfully and are easy to expand
- Flooring emphasis: Cannot overstate this — soft, solid flooring is critical for Rex foot health. Layer fleece over foam mats for maximum cushioning
- Litter box: Go with a large cat-sized box. A standard Rex is a medium-large rabbit and needs room to turn around comfortably
- Hiding spots: Wooden hides or cardboard castles big enough for their frame. Don't try to squeeze a 9-pound Rex into a tiny cottage designed for dwarf breeds
- Exercise space: At least 3-4 hours of free-roam time daily. Rex are athletic and enjoy running, binkying, and exploring. Rabbit-proof any areas they'll have access to
- Temperature: 60-72°F is ideal. Rex handle cold slightly better than heat thanks to their dense fur, but neither extreme is safe
Living with a Rex: Day-to-Day Realities
Some practical things nobody tells you before you get a Rex:
They shed. Not as dramatically as Angora breeds, but during molt season, you'll find that velvety fur on everything. A lint roller becomes your best friend. The upside is that the short fur doesn't float through the air quite as much as longer-haired breeds.
They're heavier than they look. Picking up a 10-pound rabbit requires proper technique. Always support the hindquarters with one hand and the chest with the other. A dropped Rex can suffer serious spinal injuries — they're not designed for falls.
They're food thieves. Oliver has pulled a salad plate off the coffee table. Twice. Rex rabbits are bold around food and will absolutely help themselves if given the opportunity. Keep your dinner at a safe height.
They form deep bonds. This is the best part. A well-socialized Rex becomes a genuine companion animal. They recognize their owners, respond to their names, and show real affection. The bond you build with a Rex is something special.
Is a Rex Right for You?
Rex rabbits make excellent pets for people who want a rabbit that's affectionate, relatively easy to care for, and sturdy enough for a family environment. They're a particularly good choice if you love the idea of a rabbit companion but don't want the intensive grooming that comes with long-haired breeds.
The main thing to commit to is proper flooring and foot care. If you can provide soft surfaces, a good diet, and regular interaction, a Rex will reward you with years of velvety companionship and the kind of devotion that makes you wonder why you ever thought rabbits weren't affectionate animals.