The Harris Homestead

The Rex breed is distinguished by its specific velvet-like fur that is often used to substitute for the use of other animals in fur coats. Rex fur has shortened guard hairs. The resulting coat is short and very dense, and is what would be called undercoat on a normal furred rabbit. They are full of personality.

Standard Rexes have been used for their fur and meat production. Since 1985, the breeding of Rexes for fur almost stopped, after people realized that there are larger animals that are just as soft. These are prolific rabbits having large litters with odd numbers of kits, often numbering nine or more. They are known as good mothers and are used as foster mothers for other rabbit breeds.

This breed of rabbit is also known as the "Velveteen" rabbit for its incredibly soft fur.

New Zealand rabbits are available in three ARBA-recognized colors: white, red, and black. Although, cross breeding can result in many different combinations of these three basic pigmentations. There are efforts with certificates of development on a blue and broken variety. The Red has bright golden red fur with a slightly harsher fat. One of the larger breed of rabbit, it can weight anywhere from 9 lb. to 12 lb (5 kg). New Zealands are a breed that can be used for meat, pelts, show, and laboratory uses. Adult New Zealands can be more aggressive than other breeds.