Mini Rex Rabbit
The Mini Rex is the plush-toy of pet rabbits - its short, dense, upright 'Rex' velvet coat feels unlike any other rabbit, and its manageable size and generally calm temperament make it a top family choice.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
The Mini Rex is the plush-toy of pet rabbits - its short, dense, upright 'Rex' velvet coat feels unlike any other rabbit, and its manageable size and generally calm temperament make it a top family choice. The famous fur is the whole draw, and it's genuinely irresistible to stroke.
A rabbit is a decade commitment, not a starter pet: rabbits are intelligent, social prey animals that live 8-12 years, need far more space than a hutch (plus daily free-run time), usually do best bonded with another rabbit, and dislike being picked up. They are not low-effort or ideal for very young children. Consider adopting - rescues are full of rabbits.
History & Origin
Developed in the USA in the 1980s by crossing the Rex's velvet-fur mutation into smaller stock, recognised in 1988; now one of the most popular show and pet breeds.
Appearance
1.4-2 kg, well-rounded, with erect ears and the signature short, dense, plush coat that stands upright like velvet, in a huge colour range. Typical size: Small, 1.4-2 kg. Coat: Plush velvet Rex fur. Average lifespan 7-10 years.
Temperament & Handling
Typically calm, docile and people-friendly - one of the steadier small breeds - though, as always, individual and socialisation-dependent. Many tolerate gentle handling well.
Housing
Room to move plus daily exercise, hides, unlimited hay; the plush coat means soft flooring (wire floors cause sore hocks in Rex especially). Bond a pair.
Diet
Hay-based diet (80%+), daily greens, measured pellets, fresh water. No muesli, minimal treats.
Health & Lifespan
Rex fur offers less foot padding - watch for sore hocks (pododermatitis); provide soft resting surfaces. Standard dental and GI care; neuter. 7-10 years.
Grooming
The velvet coat is low-maintenance and should NOT be over-brushed (a hand-smooth is enough); nails trimmed; never bathe. Sore-hock checks on feet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unmatched plush velvet coat
- Calm, family-friendly temperament
- Manageable small size
- Wide colour range
Cons
- Sore hocks if flooring is hard/wire
- Still needs space and companionship
- Over-brushing damages the special coat
- Individual temperament varies
Best Suited For
- Families wanting a strokeable, calm rabbit
- Homes with soft flooring
- Gentle older children
- First-time keepers who research care
Mini Rex Rabbit - frequently asked questions
Why does the fur feel so different?
The Rex gene shortens the guard hairs to the length of the undercoat, so the whole coat stands upright like plush velvet - unique among rabbits.
What are sore hocks?
Pododermatitis - inflamed footpads from hard or wire flooring, worse in Rex breeds with less foot fur. Prevent it with soft, solid resting surfaces.
Do I brush the velvet coat?
Barely - the Rex coat needs only a gentle hand-smooth; over-brushing thins and damages it. Never bathe a rabbit.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the small mammal
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our small mammals. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This big-eared Andean rodent has the densest fur of any land mammal and must bathe in volcanic dust, never water.
It's the Chinchilla - read the full profile →
Clue 2.This gliding marsupial uses the patagium membrane and its tail as a rudder, sailing up to about 50 metres between trees.
It's the Sugar Glider - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Unlike most small cage rodents, this animal is diurnal and its furred tail ends in a small tassel.
It's the Gerbil - read the full profile →