Rabbit · Medium Breed
Rex
The Rex is a medium-sized rabbit breed best known for its exceptionally soft, velvety coat caused by a unique fur texture. Rex rabbits are usually calm, curious, and people-friendly, making them popular as both companion animals and show rabbits.
The Calculator
How old is your Rex in human years?
At 1 year old
Your Rex is approximately 8 in human years.
Field Notes
About the Rex
The Rex rabbit was developed in France in the early 1900s after a naturally occurring genetic mutation produced its distinctive plush fur. The breed quickly gained attention for its unusual coat texture and was later refined into both Standard Rex and Mini Rex varieties, with the Standard Rex being the larger of the two.
Rex rabbits are generally known for their gentle, social temperament. Many are affectionate and enjoy human interaction, but they still need patient handling and time to build trust, especially when young. They often do well in calm households where they have predictable routines and regular enrichment.
Care for a Rex includes a spacious, clean enclosure, a diet based mostly on grass hay, measured pellets, fresh leafy greens, and constant access to clean water. Because their fur is fine and their feet may have less protective padding than some other breeds, soft, dry flooring is important to help prevent sore hocks. Regular observation of appetite, droppings, teeth, and behavior is essential, since rabbits often hide signs of illness.
Rex rabbits need daily exercise outside their enclosure in a safe, rabbit-proofed area. They benefit from room to hop, stretch, explore tunnels, and use chew toys that support both mental stimulation and dental health. Consistent activity helps maintain a healthy weight, supports digestion, and reduces boredom-related behavior problems.
Temperament
Exercise Needs
moderate
Health Watch
- Dental overgrowth and malocclusion
- Gastrointestinal stasis
- Sore hocks (ulcerative pododermatitis)
- Ear mites or other parasitic skin issues
- Obesity
Grooming
Rex rabbits need light regular grooming because their short plush coat mats less than long-haired breeds, but they should still be checked weekly and more often during shedding seasons.
Growth Curve
Rex weight chart
Typical weight progression from young to adult. The tinted band marks the healthy adult range — 3–4.5 kg.
Nutrition, Staged
Rex Feeding Guide
Stage-based portions tuned to breed energy requirements. Use as a starting point — your veterinarian tailors the final numbers.
Formative years
Young
Follow breed-specific puppy feeding guidelines
Peak years
Adult
Follow breed-specific adult feeding guidelines
Mature years
Senior
Follow breed-specific senior feeding guidelines
Questions, Answered
On the Rex
Rex rabbits can make excellent family pets when children are taught to handle them gently and respectfully. They are often calm and interactive, but like most rabbits they do not usually enjoy being picked up frequently, so supervised interaction is important.
Their diet should follow the same healthy rabbit standard: unlimited grass hay, fresh water, measured high-quality pellets, and daily leafy greens. Avoid sugary treats and sudden diet changes, because rabbits are prone to digestive upset and gastrointestinal stasis.
The Rex has a genetic trait that makes the guard hairs the same length as the underfur, creating a dense, velvety texture. This unique coat is one of the breed's defining features, but it also means the fur can be more delicate and should not be over-groomed.
A Rex rabbit should have several hours of safe daily exercise outside its enclosure whenever possible. Space to run, jump, and explore helps support muscle tone, digestion, and emotional well-being, while also reducing boredom and excess weight gain.
Like many rabbits, Rex rabbits can develop dental disease and gastrointestinal stasis, but they are also known to be more vulnerable to sore hocks because of their fine fur and reduced foot cushioning. Keeping them on clean, dry, soft surfaces and maintaining proper weight can lower that risk.
Adjacent Breeds
