The Mini Rex Rabbit: A Soft, Friendly, and Popular Pet Breed

The Mini Rex rabbit is one of the most beloved small rabbit breeds in the world. Known for its velvety fur, compact build, and sweet temperament, the Mini Rex has become a favourite among families, first-time rabbit owners, and show exhibitors alike. Their striking appearance combined with a manageable size and calm nature makes them an excellent choice for many homes.

This detailed blog post covers everything you need to know about the Mini Rex rabbit, including its origins, characteristics, personality, housing needs, diet, grooming, health considerations, and what to expect when welcoming one into your family.

The History of the Mini Rex

The Mini Rex breed originated in France in the 1980s and was developed from the larger Rex rabbit. Breeders specifically aimed to create a smaller rabbit with the same luxurious “rex coat”; a soft, velvety texture caused by a genetic mutation that shortens and thickens the fur.

The breed quickly grew in popularity across Europe and later became popular in the UK and the United States. Today, the Mini Rex is one of the most recognisable small rabbit breeds and is a favourite in both pet homes and show circuits.

Key Characteristics of the Mini Rex

• Weight: 1.4–2 kg
• Body Type: Compact, rounded, and well-muscled
• Coat: Velvety, plush, short, and incredibly soft
• Colours: Wide range including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, broken patterns, otter, chinchilla, castor, and more
• Lifespan: 6–10 years
• Temperament: Calm, friendly, affectionate, and inquisitive

The Mini Rex’s signature feature is its coat, a dense layer of short guard hairs and plush undercoat that makes them incredibly soft to touch.

Temperament and Behaviour

Mini Rex rabbits are known for their gentle and outgoing personalities.

Common Personality Traits:

• Calm and patient
• Friendly with people
• Enjoy handling more than some breeds
• Inquisitive and playful
• Easy to bond with humans
• Suit both adults and responsible children

Many Mini Rex rabbits enjoy being stroked and sitting near their owners. Their easy-going nature makes them an ideal choice for indoor living.

Housing Requirements

Although the Mini Rex is a small rabbit, it still requires spacious, safe housing with plenty of room to exercise.

Indoor Housing

Mini Rex rabbits adapt very well to indoor living.

Ideal setups include:

• A large indoor rabbit pen
• A rabbit-proofed room
• Free-roaming indoors (completely rabbit-safe spaces)

Outdoor Housing

If kept outdoors, Mini Rex rabbits need:

• A secure, insulated hutch
• An attached run for exercise
• Protection from rain, wind, cold, and predators

However, their short coat offers less insulation than fluffier breeds, so indoor living is generally recommended in colder climates.

Housing Essentials

• Solid flooring with soft bedding (to protect delicate feet)
• Litter trays with paper-based pellets
• Tunnels and hideouts
• Toys and enrichment
• Clean, dry living space at all times

Mini Rex rabbits are more prone to sore hocks than some breeds, so flooring must be soft and supportive.

Diet and Nutrition

Mini Rex rabbits require a balanced diet similar to other domestic rabbits.

Hay (80–90% of the diet)

Essential types include:

• Timothy
• Meadow
• Orchard
• Ryegrass

Hay should be available at all times.

Fresh Greens

Offer daily:

• Spring greens
• Romaine lettuce
• Kale (sparingly)
• Herbs (mint, parsley, coriander)
• Dandelion greens

Pellets

Feed high-fibre, timothy-based pellets:

• Adults: 1–2 tablespoons
• Young rabbits: Larger portions for growth

Treats (In Moderation)

• Carrot
• Apple
• Berries
• Banana

Fresh water must always be available.

Exercise and Enrichment

Mini Rex rabbits are energetic and curious, requiring daily exercise and stimulation.

Enrichment Ideas:

• Cardboard tunnels and boxes
• Willow chew toys
• Foraging mats
• Digging boxes
• Throw toys
• Hideouts and shelters
• Toys filled with hay or treats

Regular free-roaming time helps keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Grooming and Coat Care

The Mini Rex coat is low-maintenance and unique in texture.

Grooming Tips:

• Weekly brushing (very light brushing to avoid damaging fur)
• Daily brushing during moulting
• Nail trimming every 4–6 weeks
• Rear-end checks for cleanliness
• Avoid over-grooming; their fur is delicate

Their short fur does not mat easily, but it can shed heavily during seasonal changes.

Health Considerations

Mini Rex rabbits are generally healthy but have a few breed-specific concerns.

Common Health Issues:

• Sore hocks (more susceptible due to fine fur on feet)
• Obesity (from excess pellets and insufficient exercise)
• Dental issues
• GI stasis
• Respiratory infections
• Flystrike in summer

Veterinary Care:

• Annual vaccinations (myxomatosis + RHD1 + RHD2)
• Neutering for behaviour and health
• Regular weight monitoring
• Yearly health checks

Mini Rex rabbits benefit greatly from soft flooring and proper diet to avoid sore hocks and digestive issues.

Handling and Social Needs

Mini Rex rabbits tend to tolerate handling better than many breeds, but proper technique is still crucial.

Handling Tips:

• Support chest and hindquarters
• Hold close to your body
• Avoid sudden movements
• Interact on the floor whenever possible

Companionship

Rabbits are social creatures and thrive with a companion.

Ideal companions include:

• Another Mini Rex
• Other gentle, small-to-medium rabbits
• Neutered opposite-sex pairings

Bonding should always be done slowly and carefully.

Is the Mini Rex Rabbit Right for You?

Mini Rex rabbits make wonderful pets for a variety of households.

Perfect For:

• First-time rabbit owners
• Families with older children
• Indoor homes
• People wanting a friendly companion
• Owners who appreciate a low-grooming breed

Not Ideal For:

• Very young children (due to their delicate feet)
• Homes with limited space
• People unable to provide daily interaction or exercise

Mini Rex rabbits thrive best when they have companionship, space, and enrichment.

Conclusion

The Mini Rex rabbit is an adorable, affectionate, and low-maintenance breed known for its velvety coat and gentle nature. Their small size and calm temperament make them ideal indoor pets, while their inquisitive and friendly behaviour makes them charming companions.

With proper housing, a hay-rich diet, regular exercise, gentle grooming, and rabbit-savvy veterinary care, a Mini Rex can live a long, happy, and healthy life as part of your family.