Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Laura Thompson
Rex Rabbits, fondly known as the “King of Rabbits”, have a unique fur coat, unlike most other breeds. These adorable bunnies are considered to be the largest breed of domestic rabbit in the world.
You can easily spot them by characteristic shortened, velvety fur, and long ears which they use to listen for predators in the wild.
The Rex rabbit’s behavior patterns are different from other types of rabbits because they have been domesticated and bred selectively over many years.
They can be found all around the world on various farms but mostly in North America and Europe.
Contents
What is a Rex Rabbit?
A Rex rabbit is one of nine breeds of domestic rabbits that is recognized by both the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and the British Rabbit Council (BRC).
The Rex (Latin for “king”) is a European breed that originated in France in the early 20th century and was later imported into the US in 1924.
They have long hair which can be any color found on other breeds of domesticated rabbits. They are known for being very strong and muscular like their wild counterparts -the European hare (Lepus europaeus).
These characteristics give them an advantage when competing with other breeds because they require fewer fur coverings to stay warm during cold weather.
A Rex doesn’t need as much winter insulation since it has more muscle mass than most other rabbit breeds.
Average Size of Rex Rabbits
The Rex Rabbit is the largest of the domestic rabbit breeds. They are considered to be a rare breed in the United States.
Their average weight is three pounds, and their fur is typically short but may vary depending on coloration.
Rex Rabbits have long faces with round ears that can either be erect or floppy. Because they were originally bred for meat production, their hind legs should not look too muscular when fully extended; this may indicate potential health issues.
Rex Rabbit Colors
The most common colors seen among Rex Rabbits are white and brown/gray. According to ARBA, the organization recognizes up to 16 colors and color combinations of Rex bunnies:
- Amber
- Black
- Blue
- Broken (includes all dual or more colors, such as Black and Golden Orange, Lavender Blue and Golden Fawn, Dark Chocolate Brown and Golden Orange, Dove Gray and Golden Fawn)
- Californian
- Castor
- Chinchilla
- Chocolate
- Lilac
- Lynx
- Opal
- Otter (includes Black Otter, Blue Otter, Chocolate Otter, Lilac Otter)
- Red
- Sable
- Seal
- White
Less commonly seen colors include;
- Black
- Silver-blue (also called blue) tortoiseshell
- Golden agouti (also called gold)
- Albino (aka snowflake)
- Chestnut brown (a reddish-brown)
- Cinnamon red
Rex Rabbit Personality and Behavior
Rex Rabbits have an interesting behavior pattern. They are believed to be the only type of rabbit that cannot jump or climb, but they have an amazing sense of hearing and can emit a high-pitched squeak when attacked by predators.
This is why it’s important for owners to provide them with a secure outdoor enclosure in addition to their indoor pen.
Rex Rabbits also enjoy socializing with other rabbits. So if you’re able to house more than one Rex bunny together it will benefit both your pets as well as yourself!
Special Characteristics of the Bunny
One of the things that makes Rex rabbits so interesting is their floppy ears. They have these really cute, long ears that are set at an angle and hang down to mid-back level.
While many people find them irresistibly adorable, they can also be a disadvantage it blocks vision when predators approach from behind. But of course, as long as they’re kept safe within their rabbit-proofed garden or playpen, they’ll be just fine.
Other specific characteristics of Rex Rabbits include their ear fur and coat color, as well as the type of tail they might have.
Rex Rabbits are typically bred with other rabbits who also have a Rex gene – this is to ensure that offspring will not only be rex but will also inherit those characteristics from their parents.
Health and Hygiene of Rex Bunnies
They are very clean animals which makes them easy to care for; especially if they live indoors in cages.
If you are considering adding a Rex rabbit to your household, it’s important that you have the time and resources for proper care.
While these animals are usually quite healthy, they can sometimes develop skin problems or ear infections depending on their living conditions.
If this happens you should take them in to see a vet for treatment right away as untreated symptoms of those two health issues could lead to more serious consequences like chronic pain or deafness.
Another thing to remember about Rex rabbits is that they don’t like being touched if they don’t know someone well enough yet. So be sure not to try hugging one without letting them get used to your touch first!
Rex Rabbits Diet
They need very specific diets in order to stay healthy and happy.
Rex Rabbits usually eat hay and other vegetables like carrots, because they contain a lot of Vitamin A which is needed for bone growth.
Rex bunnies also need to have plenty of freshwaters available at all times. They can easily be provided by having their own drinking container or putting loose hay inside one corner of the cage.
Do Rex bunnies need cages?
They are considered to be one of the most docile breeds and can live quite happily outside in an enclosed area (garden or yard). But of course, you’ll still need a rabbit hutch for them to sleep in and take refuge whenever it rains or snows.
This breed has never been known to jump out of enclosures so, therefore, fences built at least 4-6 feet high should not pose any risk either.
Some owners may use these animals as meat rabbits which means that keeping them safe from predators would obviously become more important if this were the case.
Hence, some Rex bunny owners buy caging equipment such as wire pens with solid bottoms for easy cleaning and feeding troughs.
Looking for a Cage or Hutch for Your Rex Rabbit?
To save you time, we’ve compiled some best rabbit hutches for indoor and outdoor use for 2021. Check out the best rabbit hutches here.
Rex Rabbits Lifespan
Do you want a pet that will be with you for many years? If so, then Rex Rabbits may be the perfect match.
A Rex Rabbit can give its owner companionship and love for up to 12 or more years of life.
How to care for a Rex Rabbit?
You should not let your rabbits run loose because they may get hurt or killed by other animals, cars, or bad weather. As well as you want them to stay healthy indoors rather than outside where it could be very cold for them.
However, if you are letting your bunny roam around the house freely make sure you have set up some kind of enclosed space. This way they won’t injure themselves on anything like windowsills (which will allow them to escape from their home). You should also put down a wire flooring surface which will prevent injury.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pet to share your life with, but don’t want something that needs too much work or attention, then Rex Rabbits are the best choice.
They will keep themselves busy all day long and they’ll always be there when you need them.
Laura is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator and conservationist residing in Madison, Wisconsin. Her love for rabbits was sparked during her early career when she nursed an injured wild rabbit back to health. Today, she runs “Hoppy Haven”, a rehabilitation center dedicated to the care and release of injured wild rabbits.