The Rex Rabbit is a curious reference to the name of this rabbit. “Rex” comes from Latin and means “king”, so it is a kind of tribute to one of the most popular breeds in the world of rabbits. The first specimen of the Rex breed is discovered by chance by the farmer M. Caillon, who sees a small male with velvety brown hair in a layer of gray rabbits. In the next litter, a female has the same characteristics due to the same mutation.
From selective crosses, a series of rabbits with short hair and silky touch was created. It was the priest of the town, Father Gillet, who took care of the crosses of these peculiar rabbits, and it was not an easy task. Unknown to the laws of genetics, Father Gillet faced many problems such as malformations and high mortality due to inbreeding.
Unlike many breeds of rabbits, the origins of Rabbit Rex are true. The breed made its first appearance in France in the early part of the 20th century – 1919 to be precise. He was born when wild rabbits with lush and dense coats were raised with domestic animals.
This was done to take advantage of the mutated gene that causes unusually shaggy hair. The recessive gene that is responsible for this layer causes the hair to grow upwards instead of backward. While the outer hair is of the same length as the lower layer, creating a dense layer that is no different than that of a Chinchilla. It was not until 1925 that expert breeders from France and Germany were able to overcome birth defects and perfect the breed.
Characteristics of Rex Rabbit
The Rex Rabbit species most outstanding feature is its coat, silky to the touch and very short. There are many varieties of colors of this breed, 17 recognized, but the most popular are the rabbit’s Rex albino, Rex Beaver and Rex chinchilla. This silky fur and the tonality of the same makes the skin of these rabbits is highly prized in the fur industry.
The body of the rabbit is very proportioned. The head of the males is more robust and elongated than that of the females, although both have long ears, of insertion together and with a pointed end. In their short neck, the females may present a slight dewlap.
When discussing the characteristics we must clarify that there are two types of Rex rabbits. The “normal” Rex and the Mini Rex. The first is a medium-sized animal that can weigh up to 5 kg, while the mini ones hover around 1.5-2 kg, and are more popular as pets. The latter may also have a curly coat, although this characteristic is unusual.
As for the character of the animal, we are before a rabbit of tender character as well as his appearance. The adjective “affectionate” defines the race perfectly. They are also intelligent animals, cheerful and always eager to play.
Food
The Rex Rabbit need is the same as that of a rabbit from any other breed. Good quality hay should be its main food, alfalfa may be a good companion, but feed should be only a compliment. Fresh vegetables are also ideal. Leaves of lettuce (never iceberg), chard, turnips, thistles will enchant.
Usage
The Rex rabbit is bred for the production of its skin and its soft coat.
Special Feature
The Rex Rabbit is a race that although they do not require much space, do need freedom. They love to play and to move, so you must grant them many hours of freedom outside the cage to play and explore all the corners. If possible leave the cage open so you can go in and out as you like.
The Rex Rabbit is more active at night and in the morning. This breed’s activity levels are described as “moderate”. They are excellent jumpers and can pass a three-foot-high obstacle with ease.
The females have a large dewlap and the nails are always the same color as the skin on their feet. Their ears are proportional and are kept upright. The Rex Rabbit comes in many different colors and models, including white (with red or blue eyes), Chinchilla, black, blue, lilac, broken, California, chocolate and sable.
Rabbit Profile
| Rabbit name | Rex Rabbit |
| Other Name | Any |
| Rabbit Purpose | Production By skin and coat |
| Coat color | Varied colors |
| Weight | It can weigh up to 5 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | Warm climates |
| Country of Origin | France and Germany |
FAQ
Is a Rex rabbit a good pet?
Yes, a Rex rabbit can make a great pet. They are generally friendly, curious creatures that enjoy spending time with their owners. Rex rabbits are also relatively low-maintenance compared to other pets and they don’t require a lot of space.
Why is it called a Rex rabbit?
The Rex rabbit is a breed of domesticated rabbit that was first bred in France in the early 1900s. It’s name comes from the Latin word for “king,” as the Rex rabbit has a luxurious, regal appearance and is known for its thick, velvety fur. The breed was created by selectively breeding rabbits with a gene mutation that caused their coats to be shorter and denser than other breeds. This mutation also caused their fur to lay flat against their bodies, giving them a sleek and elegant look. The Rex Rabbit is now one of the most popular breeds of domesticated rabbits, prized for its unique coat and calm temperament.
What is the lifespan of a Rex rabbit?
The lifespan of a Rex rabbit is typically 5-8 years. However, some Rex rabbits have been known to live up to 10 years or longer. It is important to provide your Rex rabbit with proper care and nutrition in order to ensure they live as long as possible. This includes providing them with fresh hay, vegetables, and water daily, as well as regular grooming and exercise. Additionally, it is important to keep your Rex rabbit in a safe environment that is free from predators or extreme temperatures. By taking these steps, you can help your Rex rabbit enjoy a long and happy life!
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the Rex rabbit, we hope this guide has helped. We would love for you to share your thoughts by commenting below! What other questions do you have about this type of breed?
As A Reference: Wikipedia
