Scientific name Oryctolagus cuniculus Rank Breed | Higher classification European rabbit | |
Similar Rex rabbit, Mini Lop, Jersey Wooly, Netherland Dwarf rabbit, Lionhead rabbit |
Rabbits new mini rex rabbit and netherland dwarf rabbit litters
Mini Rex is a rabbit breed derived in France in the late 19th century. The Rex mutation is recessive and causes the hair to protrude outwards from the body, instead of lying flat, and the guard hairs to be shortened to the length of the undercoat.
Contents
- Rabbits new mini rex rabbit and netherland dwarf rabbit litters
- Breeding mini rexs
- The Mini Rex Standard
- Coloration and Markings
- Living Spaces for Rabbits
- References

The small size, plush coat and friendly personalities of Mini Rex rabbits make them one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the United States. They were first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1988, and have been very popular with exhibitors ever since. They weigh from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds when fully grown. They are short and rather close coupled. The ideal length of fur is 5/8 inch, and the fur has a lustrous appearance, good body, and a plush-like effect which offers a distinct springy resistance to the touch.

Breeding mini rexs
The Mini Rex Standard

For competitions, a Mini Rex should have a well-rounded back, with well-developed and filled shoulders, midsection and hindquarters. The head should be well-filled and set on a short neck, with thick ears measuring at least 3.5 inches. They should have medium-fine bone and rather short legs. Fur should be extremely dense, straight, and upright. It should be smooth and springy, not too soft or silky. Fur must be between 1/2 inch and 7/8 inch long. Any missing toe nails can lead to disqualification of the rabbit.

The Mini Rex is judged 45 points on body, 6 for head, 5 for ears, 35 for fur, 15 for color and 5 for condition, making a total of 100 possible points. There are a four-classes rabbit, which means there are four age groups they can be shown in. There are Senior Bucks (3 – 4.25&lbs, ideal 4lbs over the age of 6 months), Senior Does (3 – 4.5lbs, ideal 4.25lbs over the age of 6 months), Junior Bucks (2 – 3.25lbs under 6 months) and Junior Does (2 – 3.25lbs under 6 months). Juniors exceeding maximum weight limits may be shown in higher age classifications. No animal may be shown in a lower age classification than its true age.

Many Mini Rex rabbit shows are either local or national. Some shows are not sponsored by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), but rather by local or state Breeders Associations. Some Mini Rex shows are sanctioned by local show "designators" who set up and organize the event. Rabbit's are judged by national judges and the winners are announced at the end of judging. Rabbit shows are divided by class (color, age, and gender) and announced three times; If there are not enough show entries on the table or not enough show up, the class can be canceled. Rabbits can win a "leg" at sanctioned shows, that are noted as a winning, these can be won by having 5 rabbits or more in a class with 3 or more exhibitors. the "legs" can be classified by BIS (best in show) BOB (best of breed) BOS (best opposite sex) BOV (best of variety) BOSV (best opposite sex of variety)
Coloration and Markings
The Mini Rex color spectrum includes many common and exotic colors such as black, blue, blue-eyed white, broken group, castor, chinchilla, chocolate, Himalayan, lilac, lynx, opal, otter, sable point, seal, tortoise, and white. Recently accepted colors are smoke pearl and silver martin. New certificates of development have been awarded by ARBA for sable and tan Mini Rex, both to be presented in the next few years.
Note: Tri-color is to be shown as a broken.
Living Spaces for Rabbits
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) maintains an article regarding rabbit care. The ARBA has a legislative committee that works with the USDA and House of Representatives and Senate Agriculture Committees.