The short and plush-coated, elegant Blue Rex had very humble origins, being  descended from a litter of crossbred Belgian Hares bred in 1919 on a French smallholding.

The local priest, M Gillet was a well known breeder and dealer in animals, and when he spotted these strange wild-coloured rabbits (free of guard hairs and with shorter silkier coats than the domestic variety) he took them under his wing.

In 1926 they were exhibited in the prestigious Paris Show, and the priest’s brown rabbits caused a sensation attracting world-wide interest.

Soon these “Beaver” or Castor Rex specimens were being shown in the United Kingdom and were eventually called the Castor Rex. Thus the Castor is the “father” of all the rex colours produced today.

Following intensive breeding and crossing with other normal fur colours (notably the Blue Beveren), the self coloured Blue Rex was created.

The first UK rex club looked after all the colours that were being produced, but within a few years every popular colour was catered for by its own national rex specialist club, so the National Blue Rex Club has been in existence for well over half a century.

The National Blue Rex Club holds shows where breeders and keepers of Blue Rex can meet and compete in friendly competition. These shows are authorised by the British Rabbit Council, (visit their website for listings) and are advertised in the official journal Fur & Feather (visit their website – see our Links page).

Blue Rex also make wonderful pets, as they have such a wonderful nature.

The club offers a welcome to all lovers of the Blue Rex rabbit to join them. If you would like information about the club, shows, where to obtain Blue Rex or have any queries, contact the Secretary, Mrs J Farmer, 8 Bampton Close, Marldon, Paignton, Devon. TQ3 INB. Tel: 01803 525257.