Rabbit show

A rabbit show is a type of animal show where rabbits are exhibited. Most rabbit exhibitions in America are sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA),[1][2] which recognizes 53 breeds in its Standard of Perfection 2026–2030.[3] Rabbit show jumping, also known as rabbit hopping or rabbit agility, is a performance sport developed in the 1970s based on horse jumping[4] and is distinct from traditional rabbit shows.[5] Rabbit shows are mainly oriented towards exhibitors, rather than spectators, and receive little publicity compared to rabbit show jumping. Exhibitors display rabbits at shows for prize money and other awards.[6]

History

Rabbit shows are associated largely with the ARBA, originally founded in 1910 as the National Pet Stock Association,[7] but various breeds have been raised for exhibition throughout the 19th century,[8][9] starting in England with the formation of the first rabbit club in 1840.[10]

Criteria

Rabbit shows involve the judging of rabbits based on several criteria, which are set based on a breed standard. Shows sanctioned by the ARBA are judged based on the Standard of Perfection. These criteria are specific to the breed of rabbit being shown, and shown rabbits in a breed are further divided into judging classes by their variety, age, and sex.[6] In addition to any particular characteristics of a breed, shown rabbits are judged based on the following criteria:[11]

  • Rabbit handling
  • Rabbit posing on the show table
  • Examination of the rabbit
  • Condition of rabbit, including that of:
    • Fitting
    • Flesh
    • Fur
    • General health

As part of the process, exhibitors themselves may be judged on their appearance and their own rabbit knowledge through a quiz.[11]

References

  1. ^ Hayhow, Chris (2003). Care of the Domestic Rabbit. Leathers Pub. ISBN 978-1-58597-197-8.
  2. ^ "Rabbit Breeds", Rabbit Production, CABI Books (10 ed.), GB: CABI, pp. 23–28, May 11, 2022, doi:10.1079/9781789249811.0003, ISBN 978-1-78924-978-1, retrieved May 14, 2024{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  3. ^ ARBA Standard of Perfection 2026-2030. American Rabbit Breeders Association. November 15, 2025.
  4. ^ Rea-Keywood, Jeannette (May 15, 2018). "Hop to It – Rabbit Hopping and Agility". Rutgers 4-H Animal Science Resource Blog.
  5. ^ "Rabbit agility". RSPCA. May 24, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Bennett, Bob (January 18, 2023). "Showing Rabbits for Beginners". Grit. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  7. ^ "About the ARBA..." American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  8. ^ Gibson, Charles S. (1916). Breeding and Care of Rabbits for Exhibition and Market.
  9. ^ Rayson, Charles (1872). Rabbits for prizes and profit. "The Bazaar" Office.
  10. ^ Whitman, Bob D. (October 2004). Domestic Rabbits & Their Histories: Breeds of the World. Leawood, KS: Leathers Publishing. p. 1. ISBN 978-1-58597-275-3.
  11. ^ a b "4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing" (PDF). Michigan State University Extension. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
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