About Rex Hamsters
Very little record keeping has been done on the rex hamster. It is beleived that the mutation occured sometime in the 1970's. The actual location of the mutation is a mystery as well. Switzerland was one place mentioned. It is also believed that the colour of the first rex was black but again all facts are very sketchy. It is a known fact that the rex hamster is not overly common in the UK which also adds to its mystery.
The rexes appearance in North America occured rather recently. In Canada the first populations of rex were shipping in from Anna Thorsjo from Sweden on March 6th, 2003. Anna is the top breeder of rex hamsters for the past 5 years in Sweden so a good foundation stock was purchased. A total of 6 rex hamsters were brought into Bright's Grove, Ontario - Tershonian Hamsters and also in Stoney Creek, Ontario - The Squeaky Wheel. This was a joint adventure which also included rex carriers as well.
As for the United States facts again a very sketchy. Apparently, a grouping of rex were also purchased from Anna Thorsjo in May 2003 and brought to California throught a joint effort of such breeders as Linda Price and Nichole Royer both of California with Nichole being the primary focus with the rex.
It was also brought to my attention that some of the imported hamsters from various local having been producing rex across the United States although this report is unconfirmed.
Jan of the River Road Hamstery also had a few rexes sometime back which apparently may have been a different genetic line of rexes and were unable to survive after birth. This line may of been closer related to hairless hamsters as lacating issues seemed to be a problem as in hairless hamsters. Also the rexes appears to be somewhat different in appears as well.
In Canada rexes are slowly becoming spread about. Todate they can be found in both Ontario and Alberta which sufficient numbers that the bred should be well maintained.
In the US the rex seem to be scattered among some breeders with a strong sense to spread them about to not lose the gene. It was also noted that 1 rex was recently shown at a hamster show in California and won reserve in show - I am sure Anna would be proud of this! It was also brought to my attention that the rex may not catch on very well in the US and its popular will not be very demanding.
It is hoped that all parties owning rex will maintain the distinctive nature of these beautiful Sweden imports. Annas' hamsters are excellent examples of a dedicated breeder product. They resemble what a good hamster should look like. Her years of breeding practises have maintained a very nice line of cream hamsters which hopefully will be maintained in North America. It will be a real shame if these line dies out in the search of producing rexes in other more wanted colour varieties.
The rex syrian hamster comes in 4 coat varieties, shorthaired, longhaired, satin shorthaired and satin longhaired. The shorthaired varieties have plush erect hair with the signature curly whiskers. With the satin the coat is even softer, almost velvet in touch.
The longhaired varieties are much different then the shorthaired rex. When young the longhaired rex has a curly coat when about 4 weeks which grows into a fluffy stage about about 6 - 8 weeks. As they get older the coat takes on a kind of "bad hair day" sort of style. The hair kinda of grows everywhere giving the rex hamster a messy look to his coat. In fact the hair is actually being uplifted by the curliness in the hair. This upturning gives the rex its unique appearance. The face of the longhaired rex looks very similar to a lambs although not as tightly curled. In combination with the uplifted hair and the lamb face, the longhaired rex is indeed a unique and beautiful hamster.