ARBA: senior bucks 7.5-9.5 lb (about 3.4-4.3 kg, ideal 8 lb), senior does 8-10.5 lb (about 3.6-4.8 kg, ideal 9 lb). The UK standard for Rex is lighter at 6-8 lb (2.72-3.62 kg). PDSA gives a typical adult weight of 3-3.5 kg.
short, dense, plush rex coat on a medium, well-rounded commercial body
The Rex is famous for fur that stands straight out from the skin instead of lying flat, which gives it a deep, velvety plush feel. This happens because the guard hairs are shortened to roughly the same length as the soft undercoat. In the American standard the ideal fur length is about 5/8 inch, within a range of 1/2 to 7/8 inch, while the UK standard asks for roughly 1/2 inch. The body is medium in length with rounded hindquarters, a fairly broad head, upright ears in proportion to the body, and comparatively small feet. Even the whiskers tend to be curly.14253
Rex rabbits are generally easy-going, gentle and good-natured. Many enjoy interactive play and will settle for a cuddle once they trust their people, which has earned the breed a reputation as one of the friendlier pet rabbits. Like all rabbits they are happiest when handling is calm and they are allowed to keep all four feet on the ground.36
Low to moderate energy, but still an athletic rabbit that can clear around three feet in a jump. Plan for at least three to four hours a day of supervised free time outside the main enclosure so it can run, hop, dig and explore.136
The short plush coat needs very little work: a gentle brush once or twice a week is usually plenty, or simply a wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Brush gently because the fur is dense and short. Trim nails about every four to six weeks.36
Can live indoors or outdoors as long as outdoor housing is secure from predators and sheltered from weather; bring them inside in hot spells. The Rabbit Welfare Association recommends a permanent living area of at least 3 m x 2 m and 1 m high for a pair of average-sized rabbits, including a sheltered section of about 6 ft x 2 ft.37
Unlimited good-quality hay (roughly a pile the size of the rabbit each day) should make up most of the diet, plus fresh leafy greens daily, a small measured portion of rabbit pellets or nuggets, occasional fruit as a treat and constant fresh water.36
A sociable breed that does best with a compatible rabbit companion, such as a neutered male and neutered female pair, alongside daily time with its people.367
The story starts in 1919 on a French farm, where Desiré Caillon found rabbits with unusual short, upright fur in a litter of ordinary grey rabbits. A local priest took an interest, obtained two of the rex-coated rabbits and set about breeding them carefully to fix and improve the coat. The early rabbits were a brownish beaver shade, so the breed was first called Castorrex; as more colours appeared the name shifted to Colorrex and finally to plain Rex. Eugène Kohler at the University of Strasbourg also worked on developing the breed. The Rex made its public debut at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924 and was accepted as a standard breed in parts of Europe from 1925. Breeding stock sold for very high prices, and within a few years Rex rabbits had spread to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and England. They were first imported into the United States in 1924 by John C. Fehr and Alfred Zimmerman. The American breed club, the National Rex Rabbit Club, was founded in 1958. Over time the Rex became prized both as a show rabbit and for its fur, and it later gave rise to the Mini Rex as well as curly-coated British relatives, the Astrex and Opossum.123
The very first Rex buck sold together with two normal-furred does fetched 6,000 French francs, roughly 1,000 US dollars at the time.2
The breed was once nicknamed 'The King's Rabbits' because of how luxurious its fur is.3
Rex rabbits usually have curly whiskers, a side effect of the same gene that shapes their coat.3
Rex fur stands up at close to a right angle to the skin, which is why it feels like velvet and springs back when stroked.2
Despite being a calm, medium-sized rabbit, a Rex can jump as high as about three feet.1
The breed's first name, Castorrex, referred to the beaver-like colour of the original rabbits ('castor' is French for beaver).2
British fanciers also keep two curly-coated rex relatives: the short-curled Astrex and the long-curled Opossum.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rex Rabbit. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Your Rex Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer greens and pellets once a day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.369 Pet Wiki plan
Unlimited good-quality hay should make up most of the diet, with fresh leafy greens daily and a small portion of pellets or nuggets. Treats like fruit are fine occasionally. Never give avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, muesli mixes, or any processed human food. Always provide fresh water.36910
No, you should not bathe a Rex Rabbit. Rabbits are very clean and bathing can stress them and damage their delicate coat. Instead, spot-clean with a slightly damp cloth if needed. Check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer, to keep it clean.36 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, but very little. A gentle brush once or twice a week is usually enough, or you can wipe the coat with a slightly damp cloth. Brush gently because the fur is dense and short. During moulting, Furry Diary suggests brushing daily to remove loose hair.36 Pet Wiki plan
Trim your rabbit's nails every four to six weeks. Their teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. Furry Diary's plan includes a weekly teeth check and nail trims every six weeks. For any concerns, ask your vet.36 Pet Wiki plan
Your Rex Rabbit needs at least three to four hours of supervised free time outside its enclosure every day to run, hop, and explore. The permanent living area for a pair should be at least 3 m x 2 m and 1 m high, with a sheltered section. Furry Diary recommends at least four hours of free roam daily.3617 Pet Wiki plan
Rex rabbits are sociable and do best with a compatible rabbit companion, such as a neutered male and neutered female pair. They also enjoy daily time with their people. A bonded friend helps them feel secure and happy.367
A Rex Rabbit typically lives between 6 and 8 years. With good care, a healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a full, happy life.36
Rex rabbits are generally easy-going, gentle, and good-natured, which can make them suitable for calm, older children who understand gentle handling. Like all rabbits, they are happiest when handled calmly and allowed to keep all four feet on the ground. Always supervise interactions.36
Always support your rabbit's hindquarters and keep all four feet on the ground as much as possible. Hold them securely but gently against your body. Never pick them up by the ears or scruff. Calm, confident handling helps build trust.36
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Mini Rex
Astrex
Opossum Rabbit
Satin Rabbit