Mini Rex Rabbit – information and facts about the Mini Rex Rabbit Breed. Learn more about Mini Rex Rabbits in this article. Breed photos are included.
Many people love Mini Rex. Indeed, Mini Rex is one of the most popular rabbit breeds worldwide, and remarkably has one of the strongest following among the rabbits.
But, why do people love Mini Rex? Some say its 3 ½ pound size makes it too cute. Others contend that the rabbit’s sweet personality is well complemented with its rich-colored coat that feels like a deep velvet. Whatever it is, the breed has surely established its name in the rabbit industry, so much so that in the 2011 ARBA Convention alone, more than 2500 Mini Rex rabbits were entered. This number surpasses any other breed.
Mini Rex Rabbit Facts
1. History
According to reliable records, the first Rex rabbits appeared in France around 1920. With the popularity spreading all over the world, breeders have thought of putting up a beautiful coat on a smaller rabbit. In effect, the Europeans used the Netherland Dwarfs to produce Dwarf Rex. And in the year 1984, the Dwarf Rex arrived in America after an enthusiast named Mona Berryhill won a pair at an auction.
It was through the vision of MonnaBerryhill that the Mini Rex breed was realized. In the year 1984, he crossed an imported Dward Rex buck called “Zoro” with an undersized Lynx Rex doe named “Cotton”.
As a result, in the November of that same year, the first litter of Mini Rex, consist of seven kits, finally arrived. Based on Berryhill’s accounts, the kits were uniform in almost all aspect, with the exception of the color. Some of the bunnies are blue, others are black, while one is colored opal.
Berryhill closely monitored the growth of the breeds. She kept the Opal doe, while shipping the Black and Blue does to some passionate ladies from Sarasota, Florida. With the goal of getting an official recognition from the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association, Berryhill continued in developing the breed over the years.
In the year 1985, MonnaBerryhill brought the breed to the ARBA Convention to check if the breed might generate interest. The following year, she made her first presentation to the ARBA Standards Committee. In the year 1987, more than 100 Mini Rex were entered. And in the year 1988, in her third presentation at Madison, Wisconsin, the breed was officially recognized and welcomed by the entire rabbitry community.
During this time, the popularity of the Mini Rex really soared high. Indeed, the joyous celebration of the breed’s acceptance was lauded even to the countrysides, which immediately started raising the breed as well.
Today, the Mini Rex remains on top of its popularity. It has remarkable appearances in England, Hungary and many Scandinavian countries.
2. Characteristics and Appearance
Based on the standards, the weight of a Mini Rex would normally range from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds when they reach the age of maturity. Despite carrying the dwarfing gene, the general type and overall appearance of the Mini Rex is resolutely not ‘extreme dwarf.
The Mini Rex is a four-class rabbit, which implies that there are four age groups the breed can be shown in. There are Senior Bucks, Senior Does, Junior Bucks and Junior Does. Senior bucks have a weight range of 3 to 4 ¼ pounds. Their ideal weight is 4 pounds. Their age needs to be more than 6 months. Senior Does, on the other hand, have a bigger weight range at 3 to 4.5 pounds. Their ideal weight is 4.25 pounds. Just like the Senior bucks, they also need to be over the age of 6 months. The Junior Bucks and Junior Does are correspondingly less than 6 months old. For the bucks and does at this age, their weight should be within 2 to 3 ¼ pounds .
Mini Rex rabbits are short and close coupled. They belong to the compact type of rabbit group. Ideally, competing Mini Rex should have a well-rounded back, as well as well-developed and filled shoulders, midsection, and hindquarters. The head is well filled, the neck is short and the ears are thick and have a maximum length of 3.5 inches.
Their bone is described as medium-fine, complemented with short legs. They are posed with the head low on the shoulders.
The ideal length of their fur is 5/8 inch. But in range, it should be between ½ inch and 7/8 inch in length. Its appearance is lustrous and has a plush-like effect that offers a unique springy resistance when touched. Generally, it is extremely dense, straight and upright.
Mini Rex has a wide array of color spectrum, which includes Black, Black, Blue, Blue Eyed White, the Broken Group, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otter, Red, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, and White. The Smoke Pearl and Silver Martin have just been recently added to this list, while the Sable and Tan Mini Rex are still under development as certified by ARBA.
One of the causes for possible disqualification of a breed from a show is a missing toenail.
3. Personality and Traits
Mini Rex Rabbits are widely known for their friendly personalities. Indeed, because of this, the breed is told to be an excellent choice for children who are just starting in rabbits. They rank up along with the Himalayan and Dutch for pets.
They are sweet tempered, easy to handle and huggable. They are also described as good mothers
Mini Rex rabbits are also well lauded for its adaptation to a family lifestyle. Their velvet-like coating is easy to care for and require less attention in grooming. According to breeders, the breed is one of the most hypoallergenic pets one can purchase, making them an excellent choice for people who have allergies as well.
Today, the National Mini Rex Rabbit Club (NMRRC) continues to promote and develop the Mini Rex breed. It has now more than 1,000 members across the United States, signifying the breed’s very strong following.