The Vet’s Guide to Rex Rabbits: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Rex rabbits are a unique breed known for their soft, velvety fur and friendly nature. They make excellent pets due to their affectionate temperament, playful personality, and relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. Understanding their history, physical traits, and care requirements will help ensure they live a long, happy life.

Background: Rex rabbits originated in France in the early 20th century due to a natural genetic mutation that gave them their signature plush coat. In 1919, a litter of wild rabbits with unusually soft fur was discovered, leading breeders to develop the breed. By the 1920s, Rex rabbits had gained popularity, especially for their luxurious fur, which was once highly valued in the fur trade. Today, they are cherished as pets for their gentle temperament and unique appearance.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics: Rex rabbits are easily recognised by their short, velvety fur, which lacks the coarse guard hairs found in other breeds. This gives their coat a plush, soft feel. Their fur stands upright rather than lying flat, adding to their distinctive look.

They have a compact, well-proportioned body with strong muscles, making them agile and active. Their broad head, upright ears, and large, expressive eyes give them an alert yet friendly expression. Rex rabbits come in a variety of colours, including white, black, chocolate, blue, and broken patterns.

Temperament: Rex rabbits are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them ideal pets for families and individuals. They enjoy human interaction and often seek attention from their owners, forming strong bonds over time.

Their curious and playful personalities mean they love exploring their surroundings, playing with toys, and engaging in interactive activities. While they are social, they also appreciate having a quiet space to retreat when needed.

Activity Level: Rex rabbits have a moderate activity level. They enjoy hopping, running, and exploring, but they are not as hyperactive as some other breeds. Daily exercise is essential for their health, whether indoors in a rabbit-proofed space or outdoors in a secure play area.

Providing tunnels, ramps, and chew toys will keep them entertained and prevent boredom. While they are playful, they also enjoy relaxing and have a calm, even-tempered nature, making them suitable for both active and quiet households.

Health Considerations: Rex rabbits are generally hardy but are prone to certain health issues. Their unique fur makes them more susceptible to sore hocks since they lack the extra padding on their feet. Soft bedding and avoiding wire flooring can help prevent this condition.

Like all rabbits, their teeth grow continuously and can become overgrown if not properly worn down. A diet rich in hay is essential for maintaining good dental health. Other common health concerns include gastrointestinal stasis, ear infections, and obesity, which can be managed with proper care and a balanced diet.

Lifespan: With good care, Rex rabbits typically live between seven to ten years, though some may live even longer. Providing a nutritious diet, regular vet check-ups, and a safe, enriched environment helps them stay healthy and active throughout their life.

Grooming a Rex rabbit is essential for keeping their coat, skin, ears, nails, and teeth in good condition. Unlike long-haired breeds, their short, velvety fur requires minimal brushing, but their delicate skin needs special care. Regular grooming prevents common issues and ensures a happy, healthy rabbit.

Grooming Requirements: Rex rabbits have a dense yet short coat that does not require excessive brushing. In fact, too much brushing can damage their delicate fur. A soft brush or gentle hand grooming once a week is enough to remove loose hair. During shedding seasons in spring and fall, brushing a few times a week helps control excess fur and prevents ingestion-related issues.

Bathing: Rabbits should never be given full baths unless medically necessary. Water exposure can cause stress and lead to respiratory issues. Instead, spot-clean dirty areas with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes. Dry baths using cornstarch powder are a safe way to remove dirt while keeping their fur clean and soft.

Skin Requirements: Rex rabbits have thin fur, making them prone to skin irritation and sores, especially on their feet. Sore hocks, a painful condition caused by pressure and irritation, are common. Providing soft bedding, avoiding wire-bottom cages, and keeping their living space clean helps prevent skin problems. Regular checks for redness, irritation, or hair loss can catch issues early.

Dental Care: Like all rabbits, Rex rabbits have teeth that never stop growing. Overgrown teeth can make eating painful and lead to serious health issues. Providing plenty of hay, chew toys, and rabbit-safe wooden blocks helps wear down teeth naturally. Regular vet check-ups can catch dental problems before they become severe.

Clean Ears: Rex rabbits have upright ears that usually stay clean, but occasional checks are important. Look for dirt, wax buildup, or signs of infection like redness or bad odors. A damp cloth or cotton pad with a vet-approved ear cleaner can be used to gently wipe the outer ear. Never insert anything into the ear canal.

Nail Trimming: Rex rabbits' nails grow continuously and need trimming every four to six weeks. Overgrown nails can make walking difficult and lead to injuries. Using a small animal nail clipper, trim their nails carefully or ask a vet or groomer for assistance if unsure about the process.

Rex rabbits are generally hardy, but they are prone to certain health issues. Awareness and early care can help prevent serious problems and keep them in good condition.

Sore Hocks: Rex rabbits are prone to sore hocks because their thin fur does not provide much padding for their feet. This can lead to painful sores and infections. Soft bedding, a clean living space, and avoiding wire-bottom cages help prevent this condition. Checking their feet regularly for redness or sores is important.

Gastrointestinal Stasis: Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and Rex rabbits are no exception. Gastrointestinal stasis occurs when their gut slows down, leading to bloating, pain, and loss of appetite. This can be caused by stress, dehydration, or a lack of fibre. Feeding them a diet rich in hay and fresh vegetables and ensuring they have access to plenty of water helps keep their digestion healthy.

Dental Problems: Since Rex rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, they can develop overgrown or misaligned teeth, making eating difficult. Providing hay and chew toys helps wear their teeth down naturally. Signs of dental problems include drooling, loss of appetite, or difficulty chewing. Regular vet check-ups help catch dental issues before they become serious.

Respiratory Infections: Rex rabbits can develop respiratory infections, often caused by bacteria like Pasteurella. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and laboured breathing. A clean, well-ventilated living space helps prevent infections. If symptoms appear, a vet visit is necessary to prevent complications.

Obesity: Rex rabbits love to eat and can easily become overweight. Obesity increases the risk of joint problems, digestive issues, and difficulty grooming. A healthy diet with controlled portions, limited treats, and plenty of exercise helps maintain a proper weight.

Ear Mites: Ear mites can cause itching, redness, and crusty buildup in the ears. If untreated, they can lead to severe irritation and infections. Regular ear checks and prompt treatment with vet-approved medication help keep ear mites under control.

Providing the right living environment for a Rex rabbit is essential for their health and well-being. Their unique coat and sensitive skin mean they need comfortable housing, proper bedding, and a well-regulated temperature. Whether kept indoors or outdoors, their space should be safe, spacious, and designed to prevent stress or injury.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing: Rex rabbits thrive best indoors, where they are protected from extreme temperatures, predators, and harsh weather conditions. Indoor rabbits also enjoy more interaction with their owners, making them more social and affectionate. If housed outdoors, they require a secure, weatherproof hutch with solid flooring and plenty of insulation to protect them from cold and damp conditions. Outdoor rabbits also need a shaded area in the summer to prevent overheating.

Cage Setup: A Rex rabbit’s cage or enclosure should be spacious enough for them to move freely, stretch out, and stand on their hind legs without hitting the top. A cage should be at least four times the size of the rabbit, but bigger is always better. A playpen-style enclosure or a free-roaming setup in a rabbit-proofed room is ideal. The enclosure should include a hideout for privacy, food and water bowls, a litter box, and plenty of enrichment items to keep them entertained.

Bedding: Soft bedding is essential for Rex rabbits since their thin fur provides little cushioning, making them prone to sore hocks. Avoid wire flooring, as it can cause injuries. Instead, use soft mats, fleece liners, or thick layers of hay or straw in their living space. Paper-based bedding or aspen shavings can also be used, but avoid cedar and pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues.

Temperature Needs: Rex rabbits are sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their short fur. They do best in a controlled environment between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat can cause overheating, while cold conditions increase the risk of hypothermia. Keep their enclosure out of direct sunlight and away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioning vents. In summer, provide frozen water bottles for them to lay against, and in winter, use soft blankets or insulated bedding to keep them warm.

Keeping a Rex rabbit active is essential for their physical and mental health. These rabbits are playful and energetic, requiring plenty of stimulation to stay happy. A mix of toys, exercise, and interactive play will prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviours like digging, chewing, and exploring.

Toys and Enrichment: Rex rabbits enjoy a variety of toys that keep them engaged and encourage natural instincts. Chew toys made from rabbit-safe wood, hay balls, and untreated cardboard boxes provide entertainment while helping to keep their teeth healthy. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can also stimulate their minds and prevent boredom.

Tunnels and Hideouts: Rabbits love to explore, and tunnels or hideouts offer them a sense of security and fun. You can use pet-safe tunnels, large cardboard tubes, or fabric play structures to create an engaging environment. Providing multiple hiding spots around their space allows them to retreat when they need rest or quiet time.

Scratching and Digging Opportunities: Rex rabbits have strong digging instincts, so providing a designated digging area can help prevent destructive behaviours. A shallow box filled with shredded paper, hay, or soil allows them to dig safely. Carpet squares, scratch mats, or old towels can also satisfy their need to scratch without damaging household furniture.

Exercise and Free-Roaming Time: Daily exercise is essential to keep a Rex rabbit fit and prevent obesity. Allowing them supervised time outside their enclosure to hop, run, and explore a rabbit-proofed area will keep them active. A secure outdoor run or a playpen with safe flooring can provide additional space for exercise.

Bonding and Training Activities: Spending time with your Rex rabbit strengthens your bond and provides mental stimulation. Teaching simple tricks, practicing recall training with treats, or engaging in interactive play sessions keeps them engaged. Some rabbits even enjoy agility training with small jumps and tunnels.

Rex rabbits are friendly and playful, but they can develop behavioural issues if their needs aren’t met. Most problems stem from boredom, lack of space, or insufficient mental stimulation. Understanding these behaviours and addressing them early will help keep your rabbit happy and well-adjusted.

Chewing on Furniture and Cables: Rex rabbits have a strong urge to chew because their teeth never stop growing. If they don’t have enough safe items to chew on, they may gnaw on furniture, baseboards, or electrical cords, which can be dangerous.

Providing chew toys like untreated wood, hay cubes, or apple sticks helps redirect this behaviour. Covering electrical cords and rabbit-proofing rooms by blocking off furniture edges will also prevent accidents.

Digging and Destructive Behaviour: Digging is a natural rabbit instinct, but without an outlet, Rex rabbits may dig at carpets, furniture, or litter boxes. This can become destructive if not managed.

A digging box filled with shredded paper, hay, or a soft towel gives them a safe place to dig. Grass mats, cardboard scratching pads, and supervised playtime also help prevent destructive behaviour.

Aggression and Territorial Behaviour: Some Rex rabbits may become territorial, especially if they aren’t desexed. This can lead to growling, lunging, or nipping, particularly when you enter their space.

Desexing can help reduce hormone-driven aggression. Respecting their space, using gentle handling, and offering treats as positive reinforcement will also build trust and reduce defensive behaviour.

Litter Box Avoidance: Rex rabbits are usually easy to litter train, but they may stop using their litter box due to stress, illness, or an unclean setup. Keeping the litter box clean and placing hay near or inside it encourages good habits. If sudden changes occur, check for health issues like urinary infections and consult a vet if needed.

Excessive Thumping or Fearfulness: Rabbits thump their back feet when they feel scared or threatened. Frequent thumping can indicate stress, loud noises, or environmental changes. Providing hiding spots, keeping their environment calm, and spending time bonding with them will help them feel safe.

Understanding these behaviours and addressing them early will ensure a Rex rabbit remains happy and well-adjusted.

A balanced diet is essential for keeping a Rex rabbit healthy. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and the right nutrition helps maintain a strong immune system, healthy teeth, and a good weight.

What Should a Rex Rabbit Eat?

A Rex rabbit’s diet should consist of:

• 80% high-quality hay (such as timothy, orchard, or meadow hay)
• 10% fresh leafy greens (like romaine lettuce, parsley, or coriander)
• 5% high-fibre rabbit pellets (no added sugars or seeds)
• 5% occasional treats (like carrot, apple slices, or berries)

Fresh water should always be available in a bowl or water bottle.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods are toxic to rabbits and should never be fed to a Rex rabbit. These include:

• Chocolate and lollies – Toxic and can cause serious health issues
• Avocado – Contains harmful fats that can be deadly
• Onion and garlic – Can cause digestive and blood disorders
• Bread and pasta – Too starchy and can lead to weight gain and bloating

Providing a balanced diet and avoiding harmful foods will keep a Rex rabbit healthy, energetic, and thriving.

Whether you're already caring for a Rex rabbit or thinking of adopting one, we hope this guide has covered everything you need to know to keep them happy and healthy. From grooming and nutrition to housing and behaviour, understanding their needs will help you build a strong, rewarding bond.

With proper care, a stimulating environment, and plenty of love, your Rex rabbit will thrive as a playful and affectionate companion. Keep learning, connect with other rabbit owners, and enjoy every moment with your unique and charming pet.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe