The Pet Atlas

Breed Rabbits Medium

Rex

Medium rabbit with plush fur and a compact, muscular feel

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Handling comfort
Low
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
7–10 years
Body weight
7–10 lb
Coat type
Rex
Coat length
Short
Ear type
Upright

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Prefer a low-grooming coat and care that's mostly about consistency and enrichment

Not ideal

  • Want a wool/long-coat breed where grooming is the main workload

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Typically adaptable and steady, with a “settles into the household” feel in many lines.

Handling & social style

Many do well with consistent, calm contact; tends to accept touch more readily than frequent lifting.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Overall care is typical rabbit care; the main difference is the plush coat, which benefits from gentle, light grooming.

Environment & space

They use standard medium-rabbit space well and don’t rely on climbing.

Daily routine

Routine is low-maintenance; the main extra is keeping surfaces and contact gentle to protect the coat.

Health sensitivities

Not defined by one universal issue; prioritize good husbandry and reputable lines for overall robustness.

Grooming / coat

Plush coat requires minimal grooming; over-brushing can damage fur.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

France

Background

Known for the plush “velvet” rex coat, created by a coat mutation later developed into a standard breed. The feel is the signature—dense, soft fur on a balanced body type.