Rex rabbit

The Rex rabbit is a specific breed of domestic rabbit known for its unique physical traits.

While the term "rex" can informally describe many different rabbit breeds, the official Rex is recognized by organizations like the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). This breed is medium-sized and has a round, commercial body shape. It features a head that is slightly broader than other rabbit breeds. Its ears are proportionate and stand upright on its head. The feet of a Rex are also proportionally smaller than those of other breeds. Female rabbits, called does, often have a dewlap, which is a large flap of skin under the chin.

What truly distinguishes the Rex is its extraordinary coat. The texture is often described as plush or velvety. This unique fur is the result of a specific genetic mutation. In most rabbits, the hair lies flat against the body. However, in a Rex rabbit, the hair protrudes outwards. The guard hairs, which are usually long, are shortened to the length of the undercoat or slightly longer. Because these hairs are so dense, the coat feels very soft to the touch. There are even three different varieties of rex fur: standard, short curly, and long curly.

Identifying a Rex rabbit relies on its phenotype, which refers to its observable physical characteristics. Breeders and organizations like the ARBA use phenotype to maintain the breed's standards. They look at several specific gross external features to confirm a rabbit is a true Rex. These features include the rabbit's weight, its coloration, the length of its coat, and its specific coat texture. While many people care about the rabbit as a pet, the fur industry is especially interested in these coat properties. These physical traits are what allow the breed to be categorized and judged in shows.

The history of the Rex breed began in France in 1919. It originated from a single litter of wild gray rabbits. Over the following years, fanciers and the fur industry worked to develop the breed further. The Rex was first presented to the public at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924. By 1925, it was recognized as a standard breed in various parts of Europe. A scientist named Eugène Kohler at the University of Strasbourg played a major role in its development. He helped create colored varieties and the chinchilla rex.

After the 1924 Paris show, the Rex rabbit was brought to the United States. Two rabbit pioneers, John C. Fehr and Alfred Zimmerman, were responsible for this import. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity and variety. Today, the ARBA recognizes 16 different color varieties for the Rex breed. The British Rabbit Council (BRC) recognizes even more, with 32 different color varieties. These rabbits are active animals that can jump as high as three feet. They are used for many purposes, including pets, show animals, and production.

In the modern world, Rex rabbits serve several different roles. Many people keep them as beloved household pets or show them in competitions. They are also used in the production of meat and fur. The Rex is the primary breed used for making garments and toys from fur. This is because their fur lacks the protruding guard hairs found in other breeds. In other rabbits, these hairs must be shorn or plucked after tanning to make the fur look smooth.

There are specific differences in how rabbit fur is used in the United States. Much of the fur produced in the U.S. is a by-product of meat production. Because meat production often harvests young animals between 70 and 84 days old, the fur is not high quality. High-quality adult fur is best harvested after the rabbit is six months old during the coldest part of the year. Consequently, most U.S. rabbit fur is used to create felt rather than high-end garments. This shows how the age and purpose of the rabbit change the value of its coat.