Scientific name: Oryctologus cuniculus
Also known as: Standard Rex, The velveteen rabbit
Domesticated? Yes
Place of Origin: France
Description: The Rex rabbit is one of the most popular breeds of rabbit for pets as well
as for show. Their most defining point is their genetically
'mutated' velvety-feeling fur caused by the under fur being just
as long as the guard hairs. Their coat also does not lie flat against their
body, but instead sticks straight up even against the most diligent of
petting. An average Rex rabbit has a friendly and easy-going temperament,
an average weight of 6 to 10 pounds, with females normally being a pound or
two larger than males, and straight proportionate ears. Since the Rex breed
is already defined by its unique type of fur, this leaves mostly the fur
coloring and patterns as a guide for further distinction. The colors are
many and varied with the official 'recognized' 16 being: Amber,
Black, Blue, Broken (AKA, tri-color), Californian, Castor, Chinchilla,
Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Black Otter, Red, Sable, Seal (AKA, Dark
Siamese Sable, distinguished from regular Siamese Sable by being just very
dark brown as opposed to varying shades of light-to-dark brown) and White
(AKA, Ermine). 'Unrecognized' colorings can include: Cinnamon,
Fawn, Fox, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Marten Sable, Marten Seal, Orange,
Satin, Siamese Sable, Silver Seal, Smoke Pearl, Tan, and Tortoiseshell. Eye
color is different and varient per fur coloring.
Facts: The 'mutation' of a Rex's fur was once considered an
unacceptable genetic 'defect' that randomly showed up from
time-to-time in new litters of meat rabbits. Before being formally tested
and then classified as an official breed by Desire Callion in France in the
early 1900's, the Rex was just stamped as a useless, tasteless,
defective runt and then 'disposed of'. Today, the Rex is an
extremely popular and very much loved pet and show rabbit mainly because of
that very same genetically unique, soft, velvety fur and numerous color
varieties.
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