Rex Rabbits: Adorable Pets for Your Home

Rex rabbits are a lovable, medium-sized pet option prized for plush, velvety fur and a calm, friendly nature. They usually weigh between 7.5 and 10.5 pounds and have a broad head, upright ears, and strong legs.

Their dense coat feels uniquely soft to the touch, and curly whiskers add to their charm. These animals often live six to eight years, so families should plan for long-term care, housing, and routine vet visits.

Docile and social, this breed bonds well with people and fits many American homes. Historically raised for meat and fur in France, they moved into the U.S. as cherished pets and are now recognized in many color varieties.

This guide previews standout traits, temperament, housing and handling tips, daily diet, grooming needs, and basic health prevention. Read on for practical, vetted facts to help you decide if this rabbit is the right companion for your household.

Key Takeaways

• Medium size with plush, velvety fur and a calm temperament.
• Average weight 7.5–10.5 pounds and life span of six to eight years.
• Good for first-time and experienced owners when handled properly.
• Low-maintenance coat compared with long-haired breeds; routine grooming and checks needed.
• Originated in France; transitioned from meat and fur to popular family pets.

Rex Rabbits at a Glance: What Makes This Rabbit Breed Stand Out

This breed is easy to recognize thanks to a balanced, commercial body, upright ears, and a slightly broader head that creates an expressive profile.

The hallmark is the plush coat. Shortened guard hairs lie close to the undercoat, producing a dense, velvety fur that feels soft and tight to the touch. This hair structure also affects grooming needs and shedding patterns.

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Size-wise, adults usually fall in the 7.5–10.5 pounds range. Knowing the average weight helps when choosing housing, litter boxes, and carriers.

• Distinct look: round commercial body, upright ears, and broad head.
• Coat trait: shortened guard hairs create velvety texture and lower visible shedding.
• Color range: 16 varieties by ARBA, 32 by BRC—plenty of visual diversity.

Temperament tends to be calm and friendly, making this one of the more approachable rabbit breeds for patient homes. For more breed specifics, see the Rex rabbit guide.

Breed Characteristics, History, and Standards

A compact, commercial body and a slightly broader head define this breed’s show-ready silhouette.

Size and body type

The ideal adult average weight sits between 7.5 and 10.5 pounds. Judges look for a round, balanced commercial frame, upright ears, and a slightly broader head that gives a pleasing profile.

Coat and color standards

The trademark plush coat comes from a genetic mutation that shortens guard hairs to the length of the undercoat. This creates a dense, velvety hand-feel and less visible shedding than long-haired breeds.

ARBA recognizes 16 color varieties while the BRC lists 32, reflecting how breed clubs shape show standards and variety expectations.

History and pedigree

Originating in France in 1919, the breed debuted at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924. That year American breeders John C. Fehr and Alfred Zimmerman helped bring the type to the U.S.

“Often called ‘The King’s Rabbits’ for their luxurious texture, these animals moved from meat and fur roles to beloved companions.”

Breed clubs and the broader rabbit breeders association network maintain judging rules and education. Prospective owners should consult ARBA and local american rabbit breeders contacts to match conformation, weight, and housing needs.

• Official standard: balanced commercial body; ideal adult weight 7.5–10.5 pounds.
• Coat genetics: short guard hairs create dense, plush fur and a soft hand-feel.
• History: France origin (1919), Paris show (1924), U.S. import by Fehr and Zimmerman.

Temperament and Behavior: Highly Social Animals for Modern Homes

You’ll find this breed steady, curious, and quick to form gentle bonds with caregivers. They are patient and good-natured, which makes daily routines easier for most households.

Docile, patient, and friendly—what to expect

These animals tend to be calm and approachable. That calmness helps when families introduce them to children and other pets.

Many rabbits prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Avoid unnecessary lifting to protect the spine and maintain trust.

Training and enrichment: litter habits, recall, and exercise

With consistent cues and positive reward, rex rabbits can learn litter habits and simple name recall. Short, regular sessions work best.

• Daily stimulation: tunnels, chew-safe toys, and foraging mats.
• Exercise needs: schedule three to four supervised hours outside the hutch each day.
• Social needs: as highly social animals, they often thrive with a bonded companion.

“Watch relaxed posture, gentle nudges, and grooming to read comfort and build trust.”

Housing, Handling, and Daily Care

Proper living space and gentle handling reduce stress and prevent common injuries.

Indoor vs. outdoor setups: Indoor housing offers steady climate control and easier supervision. Outdoor hutches can work if they are predator-proof, elevated, and shielded from wind and rain. Bring a pet indoors during hot months to avoid overheating because of its dense coat.

Enclosure essentials and daily checks

Choose a spacious primary habitat with solid flooring to protect feet and skin. Attach a run or allow daily free-roam time so the body gets exercise and binkying space.

Keep bedding clean and dry and inspect the cage and hutch each day. Non-slip, easy-to-clean surfaces reduce sore hock risk and help maintain good condition.

Safe handling and behavior needs

Always support chest and hindquarters when lifting. These animals have strong legs and can kick if frightened, so teach kids to meet them at ground level and avoid sudden lifts.

Provide dig boxes, tunnels, and open lanes for running. Quiet hides in low-traffic corners give a safe retreat and lower stress.

Hygiene and hydration

Mount a sturdy water bottle to cut bedding contamination and refresh water daily. Include brief daily checks of ears, nails, and the litter area during handling to spot issues early and build trust.

• Indoor climate control reduces heat risk.
• Outdoor hutches need weather protection and predator-proofing.
• Supervise outdoor pen time and avoid midday heat.

Diet and Nutrition: Building a Healthy Menu Every Day

Small changes in feeding make a big difference. A hay-first approach supports gut motility, dental wear, and consistent energy.

Hay first: body-sized portions

Offer a pile of fresh grass hay about the same size as the animal’s body at least twice daily. This fuels cecal fermentation and keeps teeth worn to a healthy length.

Fresh greens: dark leafy options

Serve roughly 1 cup of dark leafy greens per 2 pounds of weight each day. Choose romaine, arugula, radicchio, and fresh herbs.

Avoid excess high-calcium greens like parsley, spinach, and kale to reduce bladder sludge risk.

Vegetables, fruits, pellets, and treats

Vegetables should be about 1 tablespoon per 2 pounds of weight daily. Rotate bell peppers, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts. Limit broccoli and carrots to avoid gas and excess sugar.

Fruits are treats: cap at 1–2 tablespoons per 5 pounds once or twice weekly to prevent diarrhea.

Feed pellets sparingly—about 1/4 cup per 4–5 pounds per day of a high-fiber formulation. Favor fiber-rich treats over sugary snacks to protect the microbiome and teeth.

Water essentials

Use a clean, well-positioned water bottle to reduce bedding contamination. Refresh water every day and watch intake for early signs of illness.

• Hay-first twice daily keeps GI motility strong.
• Greens at 1 cup per 2 pounds help meet fiber needs.
• Pellets at 1/4 cup per 4–5 pounds, adjusted by activity and condition.

For balanced commercial options and more feeding tools, see recommended rabbit food.

Grooming and Skin/Ear Care for That Signature Rex Coat

A short, plush coat needs simple, regular care to stay healthy and comfortable. A predictable routine keeps the animal calm and reduces loose fur around the home.

Low-maintenance grooming: brushing schedules and nail trims

Brush one to two times a week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hairs and support skin health.

Increase brushing during seasonal sheds to prevent extra hair ingestion and lower GI stasis risk.

Trim toenails every four to six weeks using a small-animal trimmer. Good lighting helps keep the quick visible and avoids over-cutting.

Ear checks and cleaning: preventing wax and debris buildup

Inspect ears weekly for wax, debris, or crusting. Clean only with rabbit-safe products and follow your veterinarian’s guidance to prevent irritation.

During grooming, glance for flakes, redness, or sores that signal a skin condition or parasites. Short, calm sessions make issues easier to spot.

• Tools: soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt, small-animal nail trimmer.
• Schedule: brush 1–2x weekly; trim nails every 4–6 weeks; ear checks weekly.
• Extras: pair grooming with treats and quiet cues; keep brief records of dates and observations.

“Regular, gentle care reduces loose hairs and helps owners spot problems early.”

Health and Disease Prevention: From Sore Hocks to E. cuniculi

Good preventive care cuts the chance that a common foot or gut condition will become an emergency. Regular checks and clean housing make many issues easy to spot and treat early.

Sore hocks and footing

Prevent sore hocks by avoiding all-wire bases. Add solid, smooth resting areas and deep, dry bedding in the cage or hutch.

Clean bedding often and keep surfaces dry to protect fragile footpads.

GI stasis and hairball risks

GI stasis is life-threatening. Watch for less appetite or fewer droppings and seek immediate veterinary treatment.

Maintain a fiber-first diet, fresh water, and routine brushing to reduce hairball formation and support motility.

Parasites, ears, and skin

Ear mites cause thick crusts; Cheyletiella results in severe itch and skin sores. Both need prescription treatment and thorough disinfection.

Use dilute bleach to clean hard surfaces and discard porous items that hold mites or eggs.

E. cuniculi, dental care, and vaccines

E. cuniculi can produce neurologic signs and kidney problems; early multimodal treatment improves outcomes.

Teeth grow continually—provide unlimited hay and safe chew toys. Seek vet dental care for drooling or face swelling.

Where available, stay current on rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis vaccines and do daily flystrike checks in warm months.

“Keep a simple health log of appetite, stool, and behavior — it helps your veterinarian respond faster.”

For breed-specific health tips and sourcing trusted breeders, see our guide to rex rabbit breeds.

Conclusion

With steady care and simple routines, this calm, personable animal makes a delightful household companion. A well-fed diet, plenty of supervised exercise, and safe housing help a rex rabbit thrive.

Provide a hay-first menu, measured greens and pellets, fresh water, and three to four hours of daily play. Prioritize spine-safe handling and roomy indoor space, with weather-aware outdoor time when appropriate.

Schedule routine vet checks, keep vaccinations current where offered, and act fast on early signs of illness. Consider bonding for social health and add enrichment to support mental wellbeing.

Consult ARBA and your local breeders association, or work with american rabbit breeders and rescues to find a healthy match. Thoughtful prep—space, supplies, and time—returns years of affection, playful antics, and steady companionship.