Rex rabbit
The Rex Rabbit is a breed of rabbit developed in France in 1919. Their unique, dense, plush, velvet-like fur, was caused by a mutation seen in wild rabbits in France in the late 19th century. The Rex mutation is recessive and causes the hair to protrude outwards from the body, instead of lying flat, and the guard hairs to be shortened to the length of the undercoat. After development of the Mini Rex, some people began to refer to the Rex rabbit as the standard Rex rabbit. The official breed name used by ARBA and BSR is the Rex rabbit.
The Rex Rabbit can be housed outdoors year-round in warmer climates as well as in cooler climates if the correct accommodations are made. It can be fed a combination of commercial rabbit pellets and timothy hay. Additionally, the Rex tends to be a hardy breed with few health issues.
History and origin
The Rex is a variety of rabbit recognized by its plush fur that is often described as having a velvety texture. The breed originated in France in 1919 as the result of a recessive genetic mutation leading to guard hairs that are no longer than the undercoat. This first appeared in a litter of wild gray rabbits.[1] The Rex Rabbit was first shown publicly at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924 and has been recognized as a standard breed in parts of Europe since 1925.[2] The Rex was first imported to the United States in 1924 following the Paris International Rabbit Show and has since become one of the most popular domestic rabbit breeds. The rex mutation is also found in cats and rats, but rex cats are usually almost completely bald whereas rex rabbits have a significantly thicker coat.[1]
ARBA Rex Standard
Modern development
Currently, Rex Rabbits are kept as pets, as show rabbits, and for fur and meat production. The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla.[citation needed]
Appearance
The fur of the Rex Rabbit should be between 1/2 and 7/8 an inch in length (1.3-2.2 centimeters) and have a dense and plush texture that is often described as “velvety.” The fur is often very dense and plush because of its short guard hairs and stands almost perpendicular to the skin.[3] The rex mutation also causes the fur to curl in certain areas, but this curling is rarely visible with the exception of areas where the fur is longer, such as behind the ears.[3] Additionally. the mutation causes the whiskers to shorten and curl or not appear. The Rex is a medium sized rabbit with a commercial, round body and an ideal weight range of 7.5-10.5 pounds (3.4-4.76 kilograms), although females can weigh as much as 10.5 pounds.[4] The Rex has a slightly broader head than other breeds of rabbit, proportionate and upright ears as well as toe nails that match the color of its fur on proportionally smaller feet. As with most larger breeds, the female (doe) has a dewlap, a large flap of skin under the chin.
Temperament
Burke's Backyard notes that rex rabbits are claimed to be one of the most intelligent breeds of rabbits.[5] The Rex Rabbit is often used as a foster mother and it is possible, as well, to keep pairs of these rabbits housed together. This breed has a low to moderate activity level and can jump as high as 3 feet.[4] Like most rabbits, the Rex is most active in the evening and early morning hours and prefers to rest during the day. Due to its playful, intelligent and relaxed nature, this breed is often described as being "cat-like".
Rex Rabbits can easily be litter trained, but owners should not use clay or cedar-based litters as they are a health hazard to the animal. A rex rabbit can also be trained to do a variety of other tricks, such as coming when called and standing on command. However, rabbits often do not feel the need to perform without adequate motivation, such as a favorite treat. The Rex is recognized as one of the gentler breeds of rabbits and an excellent choice for families with children, so long as the children are educated on proper handling.
Varieties
The Rex is available in many different colors: Amber, Black, Blue, Broken, Californian, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, white, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otter (Black, Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac), Red, Sable, Seal.
Feeding and housing
The Rex Rabbit can be housed outdoors year-round in warmer climates as well as in cooler climates if the correct accommodations are made. Generally, Rex Rabbits are better accustomed to living in the cold than the heat, but they cannot tolerate extremes of either kind. For rabbits kept outdoors in colder environments, it is necessary to provide a shelter from wind and drafts. Many outdoor rabbits live in barns or covered hutches in the winter.
A second option is to house the Rex Rabbit indoors, which is recommended in some climates. The Rex can be litter box trained and does very well as a house rabbit. Rex rabbits with thin foot fur and housed in wire cages should be provided with some type of wooden flooring or a mat to prevent the development of sore hocks on their feet.
The Rex Rabbit can be fed a combination of commercial rabbit pellets and timothy hay.[3] Rabbit pellets should be high in fiber, low in fat and carbohydrates and moderate in protein.
Health
The Rex tends to be a hardy breed with few health issues. Some lines of Rex are prone to sore hock. Feed with an excessively high protein percentage can result in persistent molting.
Breeds derived from the Rex
See also
- Domestic rabbit
- List of rabbit breeds
- Mini Rex
- House rabbit
- Rabbit Hair
- List of types of fur
- Fur farming
- British Rabbit Council
- American Rabbit Breeders' Association
References
- ARBA Standard of Perfection, 2006–2010