Rex
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Large breed distinguished by a plush, velvety coat resulting from a recessive mutation. ARBA recognized. Calm, intelligent, and one of the premier show breeds.
Breed reference
The shape of the breed,
in plain English.
Large breed distinguished by a plush, velvety coat resulting from a recessive mutation. ARBA recognized. Calm, intelligent, and one of the premier show breeds.
Owner-experience
across 6 dimensions.
Each bar is a 1 to 5 score from breed-knowledgeable owners. Read the bar labels for the trade-off the dimension captures.
Temperament
Temperament
Flighty. Quick to startle, prone to thumping and bolting.Calm and even-tempered. Tolerates household activity without distress.
Handleability
Resists handling. Best left in pen; lift only when necessary.Accepts handling and lifting. Many sit calmly in arms or on a lap.
Energy level
Sedentary. Prefers low-activity life.High energy. Frequent binkying, zooming, and exploration.
Trainability
Slow to litter-train; limited response to cue training.Litter-trains quickly. Responds to cue training and recall.
Coat and maintenance
Wool maintenance needs
Minimal grooming. Weekly brushing during shed.High grooming burden. Daily or twice-daily during peak shed; periodic shearing.
Heat tolerance
Heat-sensitive. Requires active cooling above 75 F.Moderate heat tolerance. Manages 80 F with shade and water.
Heritable traits
in Rex.
Each row is one heritable trait. The frequency label tells you how often it appears across the breed.
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