The Mini Rex, often called the "Velveteen Rabbit," has achieved incredulous popularity since it was first introduced. These bunnies are adorable, small and lovable with unbelievably luxurious fur. They are great pets and do well in shows.

It is very easy to see why Mini Rex rabbits are among the most popular rabbit breeds. First and foremost, they have great personalities and do well with kids. And the kids love them because of their small size and cuddliness. They are easy to handle, house, and feed because of their small size. Mini Rex rabbits can also be housed inside or outside, as long they have a proper cage. They only need a small tuna fish can full of feed a day and a cage that measures about 24 by 24 inches. The exception to this would be a doe with her babies, who needs a 30 by 30 inch cage and two cans full of feed. The Mini Rex, like many other rabbits, can be easily trained to use a litter box. The next biggest attraction to this breed is their fur. It is described as velvety, plush-like, and very soft. They also come in a lot of different colors and patterns. The Mini Rex is popular at shows, partly because exhibitors can bring more of them since they are so small. Not only that, but Mini Rex rabbits tend to place well in shows. Although they have only been recognized for 12 years, they've already seen at least two best of shows in one well-known registry event. The Mini Rex is also a great rabbit for breeders. The demand for them is high, however, good breeding practices must always be used to make sure that every animal is healthy, and not too big since they do have weight limit at shows. The average Mini Rex will live between five and seven years though some have been known to live into their late teens. It should be noted that Rex rabbits in general come in two sizes, standard and mini, and these sizes may have multiple color variations.

Mini Rex rabbits weigh approximately four pounds. However, in a show, the maximum weight for does is four and a half pounds, and the maximum weight for bucks is four and a quarter pounds. Mini Rex rabbits are basically a small version of a Standard Rex. They have a short compact body with thick ears that stand up. Mini Rex rabbits are mainly known for their fur, which is extremely soft. The velvety texture of their fur can be attributed to their under fur being the same length as their guard hairs. The texture of the fur is also due, in part, to the fact that the coat stands on end rather than lying flat like the coats of most rabbits. A good coat will not lay flat, and even if patted down it will spring back into an upright position. They also have more under fur than other breeds normally have. Some of the colors that are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA) are: black, blue, broken (any recognized color in combination with white, or tricolor which is like a calico), castor, chinchilla, chocolate, Himalayan, lilac, lynx, opal, red, tortoise, seal, and white. Some other colors are growing in popularity and are being developed these include blue eyed white and otter.

The Mini Rex originates in the United States. Mona Berryhill bred the first Mini Rex in Wortham, Texas in December of 1984. She bred a Dwarf Rex to a small Lynx Rex. The offspring were seven small bunnies that had rex fur. The females were bred back and more of the same bunnies resulted. At the 1988 ARBA convention, in Madison, Wisconsin, the Mini Rex was officially recognized. Since, then the Mini Rex has enjoyed immense popularity.

The show Mini Rex should not get wet, as it will curl the coat. In addition the show Mini Rex is often fed supplements such as calf manna or sunflower seeds to help put the fur in top condition. Mini Rex nails grow faster than the nails of most breeds so they must be trimmed more often.

Mini Rex females are usually good mothers. Average litter size varies from three to six babies. Be sure to trim the mother's nails just before she has her babies or she might puncture the babies.