Breed profile of the Mini Rex rabbit. The first 'mini' Rex rabbits were bred in the Netherlands, a result of cross-breeding Netherland Dwarfs with Rex rabbits. They are quite active rabbits and can be boisterous and playful.
Origins
The first 'mini' Rex rabbits were bred in the Netherlands, a result of cross-breeding Netherland Dwarfs with Rex rabbits. They were first exhibited at a Dutch show in 1966, as Netherland Dwarfs with Rex coats, and are usually called Dwarf Rex. These small Rex rabbits were developed both in Britain and the United States to a type much more like the Standard Rex than the Netherland Dwarf. The first Mini Rex were usually castor coloured, but more varieties were developed through further Dwarf Rex cross-breeding. The body type and coat were also improved by cross-breeding Mini Rex with small Standard Rex rabbits. The Mini Rex was recognised in the United States in 1988, and in Britain in 1990, with a breed standard very similar to the Standard Rex, except for their smaller size.
Appearance
The Mini Rex is a small rabbit, weighing around 1.6-2kg (3½-4½lbs).
Mini Rex rabbits have a medium build, a solid-looking, rounded body with strong legs, a broad head and upright ears.
Mini Rex have short, soft hair, about 1.25cm or 
½inch long. The coat is dense, smooth and level with a firm, plush texture. Rex rabbits have curly whiskers.
Colour
Castor, Black, Blue, White, Chocolate, Sable, Seal, Chinchilla, Tortoiseshell, Lynx, Opal and Himalayan are commonly recognised.
Red, Lilac, Black Otter and Broken are also recognised in the USA
Smoke Pearl, Orange, Fawn, Cinnamon, Dalmation and Harlequin are also recognised in the UK.
Temperament
Mini Rex rabbits are livelier than the larger Standard Rex, but still generally good-natured and easy-going. They are intelligent and affectionate, very maternal (often mothering other rabbits), and enjoy company. Mini Rex are quite active rabbits and can be boisterous and playful. They are not so good with children as they are livelier, smaller and more fragile.
Special Requirements
Mini Rex do not need grooming, if necessary they can be cleaned by wiping over with a damp cloth.
Mini Rex rabbits are prone to sore hocks
