Meet The Mini Rex Rabbit
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes 48 different purebred rabbit breeds. Some—like the critically endangered American, American Chinchilla, and Silver Fox rabbits—are quite rare, while others—including the Netherland Dwarf and Holland Lop—are hugely popular.
Of those 48 breeds, only one holds the title of most popular rabbit breed in the United States: the Mini Rex. Between 2005 and 2009, more than 93,800 rabbits were shown at ARBA’s annual conventions. Of those, over 12,000 were Mini Rex—nearly 13% of all entries. That’s especially remarkable considering the breed didn’t even exist just 30 years ago. What makes the Mini Rex so beloved—and how did it rise to prominence so quickly?
The Marvelous Mini Rex
You may already know the Rex breed—large, elegant rabbits developed in the early 20th century, prized for their uniquely soft, velvet-like coats. Standard Rex rabbits typically weigh 8–10 pounds. But as interest grew in smaller, more manageable companion rabbits, breeders sought to capture the Rex’s signature texture in a compact size. Enter the Mini Rex: a petite, personality-packed version of its larger cousin.
Mini Rex rabbits usually weigh between 3 and 4.5 pounds—ideal for families and first-time rabbit owners. Their manageable size makes them especially well-suited for children.
“They are a perfect size for children to handle, which makes them a favorite among my 4-H members,” said Dori Smith of Rose Arbor Rabbitry in Michigan, who has raised Mini Rex for over a decade. “Their quiet personalities make them generally easy to handle.”
Beyond size, the Mini Rex’s most celebrated feature is its extraordinary coat—the hallmark of the Rex family. Only the full-sized Rex shares this trait. The Mini Rex’s fur is dense, upright, and luxuriously soft—ideally 5/8 inch long, with a plush, velvety feel unlike any other rabbit breed.
“The first time you touch a Mini Rex, there is no mistaking their coats,” said Dae Williams, president of the National Mini Rex Rabbit Club. “They are one of the most plush, resilient coats you’ve ever laid your hands on. Like most of us, you’ll be hooked.”
Smith agrees: “Mini Rex are undeniably one of the softest, cutest small bunnies available—which accounts for their popularity. There’s something wonderful that happens when we stroke that soft, plush fur and take in that sweet little expression. It’s bunny therapy!”
Equally endearing is their temperament. Mini Rex rabbits are known for calm, affectionate dispositions—making them outstanding companions.
“The breed has a very even temperament,” Williams explained. “Most pet owners enjoy petting their animals—but few pets enjoy a gentle rub on the forehead more than a Mini Rex. Immediately, they’ll close their eyes.”
Smith notes they’re often calmer during handling than many other breeds: “Most Mini Rex enjoy their owner’s attention and will eagerly come to the front of their cage to have their face and ears gently rubbed.”
Put it all together—their ideal size, ultra-soft coat, and gentle nature—and it’s clear why the Mini Rex has captured hearts nationwide.
The Mini Rex In History
The Mini Rex was born from vision and careful breeding. In 1984, rabbit enthusiast Monna Berryhill crossed an imported Dwarf Rex buck named “Zoro” with an undersized Lynx Rex doe named “Cotton.” That November, the first litter arrived: seven kits—Blues, Blacks, and one Opal—all remarkably uniform in type except for color.
As the kits matured, Berryhill sensed she’d stumbled upon something special.
“The dream was born in the back of my mind that it just might be possible I had stumbled on a new and exciting breed,” she recalled. “I kept the Opal doe and shipped a Black doe and Blue doe to some very interested ladies in Sarasota, Florida. The Mini Rex was born!”
Berryhill continued refining the line with ARBA recognition as her goal. In 1985, she brought her Mini Rex to the ARBA convention “just to see if they might generate any interest.” She formally presented the breed to the ARBA Standards Committee in 1986. By 1987, enthusiasm surged—more than 100 Mini Rex were entered in that year’s show, and Berryhill made her second presentation to the committee.
The final step came in 1988 at the ARBA convention in Madison, Wisconsin—where the Mini Rex was officially recognized as a distinct breed.
“There was tremendous celebration,” Berryhill said. “Their popularity literally exploded all across the country. I had no idea of the upheaval that first litter would create. Today, Mini Rex are being bred and raised in England, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland… I am literally speechless at their popularity!”
The Mini Rex Today
The Mini Rex remains the most frequently shown rabbit breed in the U.S.—by both adults and youth exhibitors. Visit any ARBA-sanctioned rabbit show or county fair, and you’ll likely find a vibrant display of Mini Rex in every color and pattern imaginable.
While conservation efforts rightly spotlight rarer breeds, owning or showing a popular breed like the Mini Rex offers unique advantages—especially for newcomers.
For competitive exhibitors, Mini Rex shows offer strong, consistent competition. For socializers, the community is welcoming and active—both online and in person.
“It is easy to find others who share your love of this breed,” Smith said. “There’s lots of opportunity to compete with your Mini Rex—or simply enjoy connecting with a large online community of fanciers. The ARBA and the National Mini Rex Rabbit Club (NMRRC) sponsor many youth activities that are extremely popular. The annual national convention and shows are fun get-togethers where we make friends with kids and adults from all over the United States—and occasionally overseas.”
The Mini Rex At Home
Though celebrated in the show ring, the Mini Rex truly shines as a companion animal. While individual personalities vary, most Mini Rex are calm, curious, and sociable—never dull, but always steady.
They thrive on interaction, greeting their humans eagerly and enjoying gentle handling, lap time, and quiet companionship.
“Their pleasant personalities and small size make them the ideal candidate for a house pet,” said Berr
Whether you're drawn to their velvety fur, their gentle nature, or their rich history, one thing is certain: the Mini Rex isn’t just a rabbit—it’s a cherished friend. To learn more about responsible care, adoption, and finding reputable breeders, visit furpetvo.com.
