Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
The Dwarf Lop Rex is a small lop-eared rabbit type that combines the compact, rounded conformation of dwarf/mini lop strains with the plush, velvety coat produced by the Rex fur mutation. Qualitatively it is known for a friendly, calm temperament, a strong cobby build and ears that hang close to the cheeks. Quantitatively, adult weight typically ranges from about 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lb) depending on breeding, coat length is short and dense at roughly 8–15 mm with the characteristic upright guard hairs shortened to give a velvet feel, average lifespan in companion care is commonly 6–9 years, and typical litter size is 4–6 kits with a gestation around 28–31 days.
Detailed origin
This type results from purposeful crosses between small lop-eared rabbits (dwarf/mini lop lines) and Rex-coated rabbits (for example Mini Rex or standard Rex lines) to combine lop carriage and Rex fur. It is primarily a product of hobby and specialist breeders rather than an historic, standardized breed; as such it has been developed in several countries by breeders selecting for compact body, reliable lop ears and the Rex coat. It is not uniformly recognized as a distinct, standardized breed by all national rabbit-breeding organizations, so origins vary by breeder lines rather than a single documented studbook.
Detailed description
Conformation: compact, cobby body with broad shoulders and a rounded rump; head proportionate and broad for the size. Ears: typical lop carriage, hanging down beside the cheeks; ear length in adults commonly ranges 10–15 cm from base to tip depending on head size. Coat: the Rex mutation shortens guard hairs so the coat is dense, plush and stands upright giving a soft, velvet-like touch; coat depth normally about 8–15 mm and comes in the same colour varieties as the parent lines (solid, broken, shaded, etc.). Care and health: grooming needs are lower than long-haired rabbits because of the short Rex fur, but regular ear checks are essential (lop ears can predispose to cerumen build-up and infections); exercise and social contact are important — provide daily floor time and mental enrichment. Breeding notes: litter size averages 4–6; because the type is frequently a cross, breeders pay attention to weight control and ear carriage to avoid oversized litters or ear problems. Housing and husbandry should follow general rabbit welfare standards: secure, well-ventilated housing, opportunity for exercise, balanced hay-based diet and veterinary care.