The original velvet-furred rabbit, a medium dual-purpose breed developed in France in 1919 and valued for its uniquely plush, upright pelt as well as for meat and show.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Enclosure + daily run
Hutch 12 sq ft + 32 sq ft exercise run
A rabbit must take 3–4 consecutive hops, stand fully upright on its hind legs, and stretch flat. A hutch alone is never enough — pair it with several hours of daily run time. Standard Rex is a medium breed (~7.5–10.5 lb) with plush velvet coat — soft flooring helps prevent sore hocks; go larger for active individuals.
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Recommended
Pen with attached run
X-pen ~16 sq ft, free-roam most of the day
An exercise pen or rabbit-proofed room accessible for most of the day, with hides, a hay station, and a litter tray. Bonded pairs need proportionally more space.
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Ideal
Free-roam house rabbit
Full room / free-roam, 24/7 access
Free-roam (like a house cat) with rabbit-proofed cabling, multiple hides, digging boxes, levels, and constant access to hay, water, and a litter area. Best welfare outcome and most natural behaviour.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Needs a large hutch or pen with a covered exercise run, or indoor free-roam space. Always provide solid, soft flooring (mats, deep bedding) — the rex coat lacks protective guard hairs on the feet, making sore hocks a frequent problem on wire or hard floors. Shelter from heat, damp, and drafts; rabbits handle cold far better than heat.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay as the dietary staple, supplemented with daily leafy greens and a measured ration of pellets scaled to the larger body size (~1/4-1/2 cup adult). Fresh water always available. Restrict treats and starchy/sugary foods to protect gut and teeth.
Behavior & temperament
Dual-purpose (fur/meat) historically, now also a popular show and pet breed. Typically calm, friendly, and intelligent; does are noted as attentive mothers. The hallmark coat — guard hairs reduced to the length of the undercoat — gives the dense, plush 'rex' texture.
Health
Sore hocks (pododermatitis) is the signature welfare risk because of the thin foot fur — solid soft flooring is essential. Otherwise watch for GI stasis, dental malocclusion, ear mites, and obesity. Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RHDV where available.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Minimal grooming — over-brushing ruins the plush pile; smooth with a damp hand or rubber mitt during moult. Provide resting boards/grass mats in every enclosure to prevent hock sores. Neuter pets; bond as a neutered pair for company. If breeding, give nest boxes with deep bedding as does kindle large litters.
