Mini Rex

About the breed

The Mini Rex (Mini Rex) is a dwarf breed of domestic rabbit, recognized for its exceptionally dense, velvety coat that gives the breed its name. An adult weighs between 1.4 and 2 kg, with a body length of 23 to 28 cm, placing it among the small rabbit breeds. It is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States, where it was developed, and it later spread worldwide, including Europe, where it is now common both on the show table and as a household pet.

Breed history

The distinctive 'rex' coat originated in France, where in 1919, on a farm in the Sarthe region, two kits with unusually short, soft fur appeared in a litter of ordinary grey rabbits. The farm's owner, M. Caillon, and a local priest, Abbé Gillet, recognized the value of the mutation and began deliberate breeding, from which the Rex breed developed. The miniature version of this coat, however, arose much later, on a different continent. In 1984, Monna Berryhill of Texas obtained a pair of Dwarf Rex rabbits at the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) convention in Orlando. She paired the surviving buck, Zoro, with an undersized Lynx Rex doe named Cotton; three does from their litter — Happy, Bashful and Dopey — became the foundation of the new breed. In 1986, at the ARBA convention in Columbus, Berryhill presented a Castor-colored Mini Rex, and the Standards Committee approved a working standard for the breed. Official recognition followed in 1988.

The genetics of the velvet coat

The coat of an ordinary rabbit is made up of three hair types of different lengths and thicknesses — coarse guard hairs, medium-length awn hairs and short down hairs — with the longer guard hairs lying over the undercoat to give it a smooth appearance. In Rex rabbits, including the Mini Rex, a genetic mutation (linked to a deletion in part of the LIPH gene, as shown by genetic research) causes the guard hairs to be shortened to the length of the undercoat. As a result, the fur does not lie flat but stands outward, perpendicular to the skin, creating a dense, short and extremely soft, velvet-like texture. The ARBA standard for the Mini Rex calls for a coat length of about 1.6 cm (5/8 inch), dense, upright and 'springy,' meaning it returns to position after being stroked.

Temperament

The Mini Rex is considered one of the calmest and most consistently friendly rabbit breeds. It is curious and sociable, enjoys being near its owners and being handled and petted, yet it is not without personality and can occasionally show a stubborn or playful streak. Compared with many other rabbit breeds it tends to stay calmer during handling, which has earned it a reputation as an excellent breed for beginners and families.

Care and living space

The short Rex coat does not mat and rarely tangles, so grooming is relatively simple — occasional light brushing is enough, more frequent during the annual coat change. The diet should be based mainly on quality hay, supplemented with fresh vegetables and a small amount of pelleted feed, which supports healthy digestion and wears down the continuously growing teeth. The Mini Rex is moderately active and needs safe space outside the cage every day to run and explore, since living solely in a small cage is not appropriate. Because of its thinner coat, it is more sensitive to temperature extremes than rabbits with a normal coat, so it does best in a moderate temperature range, sheltered from drafts, damp and excessive heat.

Health

Like other rabbit breeds, the Mini Rex is prone to dental malocclusion, since rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout life and can overgrow with an unsuitable diet or misalignment, leading to pain and reduced eating. This can trigger gastrointestinal stasis, a potentially serious condition that requires prompt veterinary care. Ear mites are another common issue. A particular feature of the Rex coat is thinner fur padding on the soles of the feet, which makes Rex rabbits, including the Mini Rex, somewhat more prone to sore hocks (pododermatitis), making soft, clean flooring important.

Suitability for families and beginners

Because of its calm temperament and manageable size, the Mini Rex is often recommended for families with children and for first-time rabbit owners, as it is relatively straightforward to care for day to day. It is not automatically compatible with other kinds of pets, such as dogs or cats, and contact should be introduced carefully and gradually. Rabbits are social animals, so it is recommended that a Mini Rex have the company of at least one other properly socialized rabbit, which contributes to its long-term wellbeing.

Popularity and fun facts

According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), despite its relatively young history the Mini Rex is consistently among the one or two largest entry classes at national conventions, making it one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States. More than 20 color varieties are recognized, giving it appeal to new and experienced breeders alike. Thanks to its combination of small size, low coat-care needs and friendly temperament, the breed is also popular as a household pet worldwide, not only in the show ring.

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