Rabbit Breed · United States
Mini Rex
Velvet-like rex fur in a compact, gentle pet.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Mini Rex is a small American rabbit breed famous for its plush, velvet-like rex fur that springs back when stroked. Its defining trait is an exceptionally soft, dense coat combined with a calm, friendly temperament that suits indoor companion homes.
Mini Rex: At a Glance
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (1.4–2 kg) |
| Adult weight | 1.4–2 kg (3–4.5 lb); compact adult body |
| Lifespan | 7–12 years |
| Coat type | Short rex fur with guard hairs the same length as undercoat, creating a springy, velvety texture in many colours including castor, black, blue and broken patterns. Grooming is minimal: weekly brushing and more during moults. Avoid over-bathing, which strips natural oils from rex coats. |
| Temperament | Calm, plush-coated, friendly |
| Best suited to | Well suited to indoor homes with space for exercise, gentle handling and hay-based feeding. Mini Rex rabbits often tolerate petting when socialised early and pair well with neutered companions after careful bonding. They suit owners committed to litter training, daily enrichment and annual veterinary checks rather than hutch-only keeping. |
History & Origins
Mini Rex were developed in Texas in the 1980s by crossing Standard Rex with Netherland Dwarfs to reduce size while keeping the rex coat mutation. The breed gained ARBA recognition in 1988 and spread rapidly as a show and pet rabbit. The rex fur mutation originates from a French discovery in the 1920s. Today Mini Rex rank among the most popular companion breeds in the United States and increasingly in Britain.
Mini Rex Fun Facts
- Rex fur feels like velvet because guard hairs and undercoat are the same length.
- Mini Rex were created by breeder Monna Berryhill in Texas in the mid-1980s.
- The breed comes in more than twenty recognised colour varieties.
- Mini Rex often hold their ears upright unlike lop breeds.
Mini Rex Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Dental malocclusion
Teeth grow continuously; misalignment causes overgrown incisors or molar spurs that pain chewing. Drooling and weight loss are warning signs.
Care: Schedule regular dental checks with a rabbit-savvy vet. Early trimming prevents abscesses and refusal to eat.
Obesity
Small breeds gain weight quickly on excessive pellets or treats, stressing joints and the spine.
Care: Weigh monthly, limit pellets and prioritise hay. Your vet can set a target weight and diet plan.
Gastrointestinal stasis
Slowed gut motility is life-threatening in rabbits, often triggered by stress, pain or low fibre intake. Reduced droppings and lethargy require urgent care.
Care: Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately. Prevention includes unlimited hay, hydration and prompt treatment of underlying pain.
Rabbits deserve proper care
Pet rabbits are often misunderstood — confined alone, fed poorly, or abandoned when novelty fades. While WARN's funded rescue work focuses on our partner-network countries, these guides support responsible ownership and point toward our broader welfare mission.
