Rex

Rex

1. a breed of cats derived from several mutants with a short, wavy or curly haircoat, including the whiskers. Many colors are recognized and there are several strains, each named after the origin of one of founding mutants, e.g. Cornish rex, Devon rex. The Cornish rex has curly hair, the Devon rex has wavy hair. The unusual coat has been linked with a specific genetic trait and virtually any variety of cat can be 'rexed'. Sometimes called 'Poodle cats'. The breed is affected by hereditary hypotrichosis. The Devon rex is affected by a hereditary myopathy.

2. a type of rabbit with short guard hairs in their coats which do not protrude above the level of their undercoat, producing a short, plush coat. As in cats, this characteristic can be produced in many different colored varieties or breeds. The Castor Rex was the original variety introduced into the United States. It was a chestnut-brown agouti color. Other varieties are 'rexed' versions of the normal breeds. Variation can also be found in the character of the coat. The rough-coated varieties are the Astrex, which have a wavy coat, and the Oppossum coat, which have curly guard hairs.