What
is a Rabbit Show?
If it is a Saturday or Sunday,
chances are you can find a rabbit show somewhere in
the United States. In California alone, there are over
100 rabbit shows each year. Most Rabbit Clubs will schedule
two shows on the same day which allows each Rabbit Class
to be judged by two separate judges. Rabbit owners will
exchange bunny stories, tips, make friends, buy and
sell bunnies, compete and improve breeds. Most local
shows have several hundred to several thousand rabbits.
National conventions usually have more than 10,000.
What
rabbits can I show?
The American Rabbit Breeders
Association (ARBA) encourages the showing of purebred
and pedigreed rabbits, but rabbits do not have to be
purebred or pedigreed to be shown. A casual show exhibitor
can have as much fun in a rabbit show as a serious competitor.
How
Are Rabbits Judged?
The
standard for judging rabbits is the "Standard of
Perfection," which is published by ARBA.
It is revised every 5 years to reflect any changes and
new varieties. The Standard of Perfection lists 45 accepted
breeds. Each breed has a different point distribution
on different parts of the rabbit: The judges use this
point system to judge each rabbit. Some breeds ask for
the overall body to be short, some breeds want the body
to be medium length and some long. The judges must be
familiar with each breed to know how to place the rabbits.
Who
are the judges? Only
ARBA licensed judges can officiate in an ARBA sanctioned
show. Each potential judge has to pass a written test
and then apprentice under licensed judges for several
shows to be eligible to apply for a license.
What
are the prizes?
There are very few monetary
rewards. Most prizes are trophies and ribbons. If the
first place rabbit is chosen from at least five rabbits
exhibited by three owners, this rabbit wins a "leg."
If a rabbit wins three legs in at least three shows
judged by at least two different judges, and the rabbit
is registered, this rabbit qualifies to apply for a
grand champion status from ARBA..
How
much are the show entry fees?
Entering a rabbit show is very affordable for an individual
or family. The entry fee is typically $3.00 - $4.00
per animal. Most shows are free to attend.
How
do I enter a show?
Most rabbit clubs prepare and distribute their catalogs
approximately a month before the show. To obtain an
entry form, download the show catalog from our home
page or contact the show secretary and request one.
Complete the entry form by listing each animal you are
entering with its ear number, breed, variety, sex and
age. Once the form is done, send the form in with the
entry fee. Be sure to note the entry deadline date.
What
is rabbit showmanship?
It's not always just about the rabbit. Rabbit Showmanship
is an important part of showing your rabbit. In showmanship,
you compete against other rabbit owners and prove how
well you handle and know your rabbit. The procedure
should be part of your routine to ensure your herd is
healthy and stays healthy.
Watch a video of a rabbit show.
This rabbit show was held in Peoria Illinois. Rabbit
of all shapes and sizes were shown by both serious and
novice breeders. Most rabbit shows in California will
be similar.
