Rex

Rex rats are domestic fancy rats with a curly or crimped coat and curled whiskers. The rex trait changes hair texture rather than color, so rex individuals may be black, blue, chocolate, champagne, hooded, berkshire, Irish, albino, Himalayan, or many other recognized looks. A good rex coat is often described as springy, plush, or evenly waved, though some rats develop thinner areas as they age. The whiskers are a useful clue because they tend to be kinked or curled rather than straight.

Rex rats are cared for like other domestic rats: they need social housing, a ventilated enclosure, places to climb and hide, chewable enrichment, and a balanced diet made for rats. Coat maintenance is minimal, and brushing is rarely needed; rough grooming can break hairs or irritate skin. In breeding, rex is important because pairing rex to rex can produce double rex young with sparse, patchy coats, so breeders should understand the genetics in their line. For buyers, a friendly, well-raised rat with clear breathing is a better sign than an especially tight curl.

Colors: Albino, Amber, Beige, Berkshire, Black, Blue, Champagne, Chocolate, Dalmatian, Himalayan, Hooded, Irish, Masked, Mink, Pearl, Platinum, Russian Blue, Siamese, Silver Fawn, Variegated