Pen or free-roam, 3m²+ per pair, plus daily run space
Social needs
Social; keep in neutered bonded pairs
Diet
Unlimited hay, leafy greens, limited pellets
Time
High (daily, long-term)
Cost
Medium-High
Overview
The Rex is a medium-large breed famous for its dense, plush coat, in which the guard hairs are the same length as the undercoat, giving a velvet feel.
First developed in France in the early twentieth century, it is now one of the most popular companion breeds.
Rexes are widely described as calm, confident, and people-oriented, which makes them a strong choice for keepers who want an interactive house rabbit.
Like every rabbit they are a long, social commitment best kept as a neutered, bonded pair.
Housing
Provide a secure base of at least around 3 square metres for a pair, ideally a pen, converted room, or free-roam setup, plus several hours of daily exercise in a larger space.
Small hutches are wholly insufficient for a rabbit of this size.
Flooring matters more for Rexes than most breeds: their foot pads have thinner protective fur, so hard or abrasive floors quickly cause sore hocks.
Offer soft mats, bedding, or carpeted resting areas throughout the enclosure.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay should form the vast majority of the diet, wearing down continuously growing teeth and keeping the gut moving.
Add a daily portion of leafy greens and only a small measured amount of plain pellets.
Limit fruit, carrot, and sugary treats, and keep fresh water constantly available, ideally in a bowl.
Watch body condition: Rexes are food-motivated and gain weight easily, which worsens hock pressure.
Health
Sore hocks (pododermatitis) is the breed's signature problem, so check the hind feet weekly and act on any redness or thinning fur.
Gut stasis remains the big emergency for any rabbit that stops eating or passing droppings.
Dental disease, flystrike in warm months, and obesity are the other major risks, and vaccination against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease is essential in many regions.
The plush coat needs only an occasional gentle groom; over-brushing can damage it.
Temperament
Rexes are consistently described as laid-back and tolerant, often happier being petted at floor level than carried, like all rabbits.
Many enjoy lounging near their keepers once trust is established.
They are intelligent and respond well to routine, litter training, and clicker-style work.
Neutering improves temperament, litter habits, and pairing success, and reduces uterine cancer in females.
A good fit for
Keepers wanting a calm, cuddly-natured house rabbit
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate