28/05/2016
The Mini Rex rabbit is basically a smaller version of the Rex Rabbit.
This rabbit was derived from the Standard Rex breed. The rabbit has fairly short ears; the face is quite thick but not particularly short. The body is rounded and close coupled. These medium size rabbits are available in a variety of colors - Blue, Black, Broken (includes Tricolor), Castor, Chocolate, Himalayan, Chinchilla, Lilac, Opal, Lynx, Tortoise, Red, White and Seal. The males weigh between 3 to 4 1/4 pounds and the females between 3 1/4 to 4 ½ pounds. The life span is 10+ years. Their small size makes them easy to handle, house and feed. They are generally friendly and quite active and enjoy playing or even just being petted.
Their plush coats, small size and friendly personalities make them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States.
The most amazing attribute is their plush fur which feels like velvet and has a distinct springy resistance to the touch. This breed is also known as the “Velveteen” rabbit due to its soft fur. This fur was caused by a mutation seen in wild rabbits in France. The coat is upright, thick and very short and the hair protrudes outside from the body instead of lying flat. The guard hairs are of the same length as the undercoat. Mini rex rabbits should not be brushed with a comb or a brush unless there is a distinct matt that needs to be removed. To remove loose hair, owner should dampen the palms of the hand until they are sticky, and then run them backwards over the rabbit’s coat. This will remove any loose hair and static electricity.
