Rex rabbit
The term rex rabbit (without capitalization) refers informally to one of at least eight breeds of domestic rabbit. One such breed is the Rex, which is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)[1] and by the British Rabbit Council (BRC).[2] Other modern-day rex rabbit breeds are listed below. Care must be taken to distinguish the rex rabbit breeds from the three types of rex rabbit fur for which they are known.
This article is about the breeds of the domestic rabbit. For Nuralagus rex, the extinct giant lagomorph from Menorca, see Nuralagus.The Rex rabbit breed that is recognized by ARBA is a medium-sized rabbit with a commercial, round body and an ideal weight range of 3.4–4.8 kg (7.5–10.5 lb).[3] The Rex has a slightly broader head than other breeds of rabbit, proportionate upright ears, and proportionally smaller feet. As with most larger breeds, the female (or doe) has a dewlap (a large flap of skin under the chin). And nose flap.
History and origin[edit]
The Rex is a variety of rabbit that exhibits 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[4] 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.[5] Eugène Kohler at the University of Strasbourg developed the breed further, giving rise to colored varieties and the chinchilla rex,[6] which is one of the main breeds used in the rabbit fur farming industry.[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.[8]
Genetics[edit]
Many genes contribute to the Standard Rex breed. The definition of the breed is maintained by ARBA and the British Rabbit Council (BRC). The definition is based strictly on phenotype. The gross external features used to identify the rabbit include weight, coloration, coat texture and length. Of these features, amongst fanciers and the fur industry, the coat properties are of chief concern. This breed has a low to moderate activity level and can jump as high as three feet.[9]