Standard Rex Rabbit Breed History
The Standard Rex is a variety of rabbit that exhibits a plush fur that is often described as having a velvety texture. The breed originated in France in 1919. Its origin was a litter of wild gray rabbits[6] and has been developed over the years by fanciers and the fur industry. The Rex Rabbit was first shown publicly at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924 and has been recognized as a standard breed in parts of Europe since 1925.[7] The Rex was first imported to the United States in 1924 following the Paris International Rabbit Show by American rabbit pioneer John C. Fehr and his partner Alfred Zimmerman.
Rex Rabbits can be used for pets, show, fur and meat production. The Rex remains the number one breed used in fur industry for garments and toys because their fur lacks protruding guard hairs which other rabbit breeds have to be shorn and plucked after the tanning process to resemble other animal furs. The bulk of furs produced in the United States are more of a by-product to the primary purpose of meat production.
The word rex (with a lowercase 'r') refers to the unique characteristics of an animal's "rexed" fur. The result of a specific genetic mutation that is now deliberately sought after in the Rex rabbit breeds, rex fur lacks the longer guard hairs typical of the more common short furred animal.[9] Each hair in a rex coat is evenly short in length and, because of the density of those hairs,[9] rex fur is often described as plush or velvety. Three varieties of rex fur now exist: standard rex fur, short curly rex fur (as in the Astrex), and long curly rex fur (as in the Opossum).
Meat production favors harvest of young animals (70–84 days) which is not sufficient time for the rabbit to grow a high quality adult fur. The fur is best after 6 months and during the coldest part of the year. In the USA, Rex fur should measure 0.5 to 0.75 inch long, with 5/8 inch being ideal. Bucks should weigh up to 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg). Does weigh up to 10.5 pounds (4.77 kg). The fur should be extremely dense, short, and plush. It stands upright to the body – at a 90% angle as much as possible, and offers a springy resistance to the touch. Rex rabbits have a relatively calm temperament and are generally very good natured. They have a good maternal instinct (often mothering other rabbits). Rex rabbit can have large litters up to 12 but usually 6-8. Currently there are 16 varieties of Standard Rex rabbits. So there are many colors and patterns choose from.
Rex Rabbits can be used for pets, show, fur and meat production. The Rex remains the number one breed used in fur industry for garments and toys because their fur lacks protruding guard hairs which other rabbit breeds have to be shorn and plucked after the tanning process to resemble other animal furs. The bulk of furs produced in the United States are more of a by-product to the primary purpose of meat production.
The word rex (with a lowercase 'r') refers to the unique characteristics of an animal's "rexed" fur. The result of a specific genetic mutation that is now deliberately sought after in the Rex rabbit breeds, rex fur lacks the longer guard hairs typical of the more common short furred animal.[9] Each hair in a rex coat is evenly short in length and, because of the density of those hairs,[9] rex fur is often described as plush or velvety. Three varieties of rex fur now exist: standard rex fur, short curly rex fur (as in the Astrex), and long curly rex fur (as in the Opossum).
Meat production favors harvest of young animals (70–84 days) which is not sufficient time for the rabbit to grow a high quality adult fur. The fur is best after 6 months and during the coldest part of the year. In the USA, Rex fur should measure 0.5 to 0.75 inch long, with 5/8 inch being ideal. Bucks should weigh up to 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg). Does weigh up to 10.5 pounds (4.77 kg). The fur should be extremely dense, short, and plush. It stands upright to the body – at a 90% angle as much as possible, and offers a springy resistance to the touch. Rex rabbits have a relatively calm temperament and are generally very good natured. They have a good maternal instinct (often mothering other rabbits). Rex rabbit can have large litters up to 12 but usually 6-8. Currently there are 16 varieties of Standard Rex rabbits. So there are many colors and patterns choose from.