D&D'SBUNNY HUTCH

MINI-REX RABBIT

The mini-rex rabbit is also known as the "Velveteen Rabbit" due to the texture of its fur. It comes in many colors, as shown below. Mini-rex are considered a small breed of rabbit and do have a "dwarfing gene" to keep them small. They are one of the most popular breeds of rabbits for showing and for pet ownership. New colors are being worked on constantly.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

Mini-rex are a relativly new breed of rabbit. They came about by crossing a Rex rabbit with a Netherland Dwarf. Rex rabbits were created by a mutation noticed in wild rabbits in France in the late 1800s. The mutation caused the fur to protude outward rather than laying back and caused the guard hairs to shorten to the length of the undercoat. This produced the wonderful rex fur we have today in Rex and Mini-Rex. They were domesticated and bred by King Albert of Belgium. Their fur was in great demand for trimming of garments, hats, muffs and mittens. For many years they were bred for fur and meat.

In the early 1980s an effort was made to produce a "Dwarf Rex", since Rex are considered a large breed. Rex does were bred to Netherland Dwarf bucks. After that, in 1984, using these "Dwarf Rex" offspring, the Mini-Rex breed was born. A castor mini-rex was presented at the 1986 ARBA Convention and a working standard was approved.

By the 1987 ARBA Convention there were 15 varieties presented. The many colors of the Netherland Dwarf influance made it easy to breed for new colors. Ruby-eyed White, Black, Blue, Chinchilla, Seal, Himalayan(Californian), Chocolate, Tortoise, Opal, Broken, Red, and Lynx all passed and now had a working standard. Otter, Sable and Beige did not pass.

The 1988 ARBA Convention was the third showing of the Mini-Rex breed and it passed. Also, all the varieties passed the year before, including Castor, passed and became recognized varieties, except Black and Chocolate. In 1992 Chocolate was recognized and in 1993 Black was finally recognized. Tri-Color was recognized in 1994 and Lilac in 1995. In 2004, Blue-Eyed White was recognized. Since then, Otter, Black Otter, and Sable Point have been recognized. Sable, Smoked Pearl, Silver Martin and Tan are being worked on now.

APPEARANCE

The Mini-Rex rabbit is a small rabbit. Its maxium senior weight of 4 1/2 pounds for does and 4 1/4 pounds for bucks. It has a short and compact body with a high rise of the back. It has short, thick ears, no longer than 3 1/2 inches and are carried erect. The mini-rex's most notable feature is its fur. It has an extremely plush, silky feeling to it when stroked. It has a distinct springy feeling when depressed. It has a very lustrous appearance. It makes them a very soft and cuddly pet. Only Rex and Mini-rex have Rex type fur.

TRAITS AND TEMPERAMENT

Mini-rex have a very docile temperament. They are very friendly. Their wonderful fur makes them a great pet for adults and children. They are gentle and loving, very smart and playful. They can be easily litter-box trained. Mini-rex love to play with toilet paper and paper towel rolls, balls and other toys. When let out for exercise or play, they love to run and jump into the air enjoying their freedom. They love to sit and cuddle as well.

HOUSING AND CARE

Mini-rex do very well in a 24" x 24" cage. Since they have very little fur on the bottom of their feet, they are prone to sore hocks and need to have a resting board, to help prevent this. Their nails should also be kept clipped short to help prevent this as well. Other than this they are very hardy and can be kept indoors or out with equal success. They do well in hot or cold climates. Mini-rex need 1/2 cup of alfalfa based pellets with 16% protein per day. They should also have timothy hay or hay cubes. They can live an average of 5-6 years or longer. They are considered low maintainance rabbits and should not be brushed due to their short fur. Grooming can be done with your hand or a damp cloth or wipe. Ease of care, feel of fur and friendly nature make these rabbit very popular.

VARIETIES