An Astrex rabbit is a rabbit with a curly or wavy coat. One shelter describes it as a Rex rabbit with a slightly kinked coat, giving it an almost sheep-like curl in both fur and whiskers. It’s rare, it isn’t a mainstream show breed, and much of what’s written about it online is vague or inconsistent. This guide covers what’s reliably known and what’s still uncertain. dspca
What Is an Astrex Rabbit?
The Astrex is best understood as a curly variation of the Rex coat. Three kinds of rex fur are described: standard rex, short curly rex (as in the Astrex), and long curly rex (as in the Opossum). wikipedia
The word is used a little differently depending on who you ask. One definition treats “Astrex” as any breed or variety of rabbit showing a curly or wavy coat, and notes that many breeders cull this trait when aiming for show-quality Rex, Mini Rex or Harlequin rabbits. Others treat it as a distinct, small-scale breed with its own breed club. backyardherds
So when you see “Astrex” in a listing, it may mean a purebred Astrex, a rabbit with an Astrex-type coat, or a mixed rabbit carrying the trait (for example, an “Astrex lop cross”).
What Does an Astrex Rabbit Look Like?
Expect a plush, wavy or crimped coat that looks different from the smooth, velvety fur of a typical Rex. Colors vary, since the coat trait isn’t tied to a color. Astrex-type rabbits are listed in a wide range of colors, including agouti, black, blue, chocolate, harlequin, white and many others. creatures
The curl can change as the rabbit grows. The related Canadian Plush Lop shares with the Astrex a tendency for kits to be curly until the first juvenile molt, followed by a less curly “eclipse” coat. A very curly baby may look noticeably smoother as an adult. If the coat matters to you, ask to see the parents and adult relatives, not just the kits. wikipedia
Whiskers are a clue. Curly or bent whiskers are a known feature of Rex-coated rabbits. Researchers note that the whiskers of rex animals are bent or curly. Curly whiskers are part of the Astrex look too. nih
Astrex vs. Rex vs. Mini Rex
| Feature | Astrex | Rex | Mini Rex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coat | Curly or wavy | Short, dense, plush | Short, dense, plush |
| Whiskers | Curly | Often curly or bent | Often curly or bent |
| Breed status | Rare, informal (verify) | Established, widely shown | Established, widely shown |
| Availability | Hard to find | Common | Common |
| Size | Varies by line (verify) | Medium | Smaller than Rex |
ARBA describes the standard Rex as a medium-sized rabbit with an ideal weight of 7.5–10.5 lb. Because Astrex lines differ, don’t assume that weight applies. Ask the breeder for the parents’ adult weights. Wikipedia
Where Did the Astrex Come From?
The Astrex is linked to the Rex story. The Rex rabbit originated in France around 1919, was first shown at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924, and has been recognized as a standard breed in parts of Europe since 1925. wikipedia
On the genetics, one study of standard rex rabbits found that a single-nucleotide deletion in the LIPH gene, in a homozygous state, is responsible for the rex phenotype. That research covers the standard “r1” rex trait. It doesn’t explain what makes an Astrex coat curl, and I couldn’t verify the exact genetics of the Astrex. The Astrex Rabbit Breed Club has published a working standard and genetics information. It’s worth checking directly (verify). fao
The Astrex also helped create newer breeds. The Canadian Plush Lop was created using Astrex, Holland Lop and Mini Rex stock, and is a curly breed. wikipedia
Is the Astrex an Official Breed?
In the U.S., probably not in the way a Rex is. I couldn’t find the Astrex listed among ARBA-recognized breeds. One breed database describes it as a coat label rather than a stable mainstream breed, and says breeders should be upfront about whether their line breeds true and whether it follows a recognized standard. creatures
Before showing or breeding Astrex rabbits, confirm current recognition status directly with ARBA and the British Rabbit Council.
Astrex Rabbit Care
Astrex rabbits have no special requirements documented anywhere I could verify. Treat them like any other pet rabbit.
Diet. Unlimited grass hay should make up most of the diet, with measured pellets and leafy greens. Use the rabbit feeding calculator to estimate daily amounts for your rabbit’s weight and age.
Housing. Keep rabbits indoors with room to stretch, hop and stand upright. One shelter recommends a minimum enclosure of 120 x 60 cm for a single rabbit, plus plenty of free-roam time indoors. dspca
Coat and grooming. Wavy fur may trap debris or wear differently from standard fur, and some rabbits only have partial curl as they mature. Check the coat regularly, especially around the rear and belly. Brush gently if needed, and don’t over-groom. creatures
Health. Rex-type rabbits are often said to be prone to thin fur on the feet and sore hocks. That is a general Rex-breed concern, not something I could confirm for Astrex lines. Use soft, solid flooring (not wire), check feet regularly, and find a rabbit-savvy vet. The House Rabbit Society is a good starting point for care and vet information.
Are Astrex Rabbits Good Pets?
They can be, but the breed label tells you little about temperament. Personality varies by the individual rabbit, its upbringing and how much handling it gets.
Pros
- Distinctive curly coat and whiskers
- Care is the same as for other rabbits
- Mixed Astrex-type rabbits sometimes turn up in shelters
Cons
- Hard to find from reputable breeders
- Inconsistent coat and breed information
- Coat may straighten after the first molt
- No verified breed-specific health data
How to Find One (and What to Ask)
Start with rescues. Astrex-type crosses do appear in shelters, such as the Astrex lop cross listed by the NSPCA. For breeders, ask:
- Are the parents purebred Astrex, or Astrex crosses?
- Can I see the adult parents and their coats?
- Does the line breed true for curl, and how reliably?
- Is there a written standard or pedigree?
- What is the typical adult weight?
- What health history do the parents have?
- What is your return or rehoming policy?
Be cautious if a seller promises “rare” or “premium” status without pedigrees or adult examples.
Quick Checklist Before You Commit
- I understand the Astrex is a rare, informal variety
- I’ve seen the parents or adult rabbits from the line
- I know the coat may change after the first molt
- I have indoor space and a vet who treats rabbits
- I’ve planned a hay-based diet
Conclusion
The Astrex rabbit is a charming but rare curly-coated Rex-type rabbit. Its look is clear, but its breed standing, genetics and typical size are less well documented than a Rex’s. If you want one, focus on the individual rabbit: seeing adult relatives, asking honest questions and planning proper care matter more than the name.
FAQ
Is an Astrex rabbit the same as a Rex?
No. Both share the rex-type coat, but the Astrex is the curly or wavy version.
Are Astrex rabbits born curly?
Often, yes, but the curl can soften at the first molt, so a young kit’s coat may not predict the adult coat.
How much does an Astrex rabbit cost?
I couldn’t find reliable pricing. Prices vary widely for rare rabbits, so verify with breeders or rescues directly.
Are Astrex rabbits hypoallergenic?
I found no evidence for this. Rabbit allergies are usually triggered by dander, saliva and hay, and a curly coat doesn’t change that.
Can Astrex rabbits be shown?
Not in a standard U.S. ARBA class that I could verify. Check with show organizers.
