Having the standard will also help prevent you from getting a rabbit that will not do well on the show tables. Breed standard books are typically available on the websites of breed appreciation groups, such as the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
Dutch Mini Rex Holland Lop Polish Lionhead
If you really want to show dwarf rabbits, get some skills with small-sized rabbits first. Once you have some experience, you will then be able to care for and show dwarf breeds more successfully.
If you are looking for a rare breed or variety, you may need to travel, use transport, have it brought to a show, or flown by air. Take this into consideration when contacting breeders.
A good breeder will have as many questions for you as you have for them. They should be invested in the well-being of their rabbits. This means that they want to place them in the best, most suitable homes possible. Invest in the highest quality stock you can afford. Cheap rabbits are not likely to do well on the show table. Don’t get a young rabbit (under 3 months old), as this is not likely to be show quality. If you really want a show rabbit, get something at least 5 or 6 months old. You may have to wait until the breeder has rabbits available before scheduling a visit, or arranging to meet at a show. Don’t be surprised if the breeder doesn’t want you to inspect their breeding location. Many breeders operate a ‘closed rabbitry’, meaning they don’t want random strangers traipsing into their barn and poking around. People who say they are potential buyers may really be thieves, animal rights activists, or other creeps that the breeder doesn’t want nosing around their precious livestock. If you are allowed to visit, take note of whether their rabbitry is clean, organized, and well-kept. If it is dirty, smelly, and full of unhealthy rabbits, then do not buy from the breeder.
A reputable breeder will be able to answer your questions and provide you with resources, which can be helpful if you are just getting started in showing rabbits.
Some questions to ask yourself when assessing the rabbits for sale include: Is it friendly? Does it come and greet you or does it run and hide? Does it have a good weight and glossy, healthy coat? Will it allow you to flip it over? But most importantly, does this rabbit fit the breed standard, and is it an excellent example of how its breed is meant to look? Avoid buying rabbits listed as “4-H quality”, as these rabbits are typically pet quality rabbits that the breeder is trying to get a higher price for.
Check the Standard of Perfection for rules on fur for the breed you are getting before you pick a rabbit. The rules could include coat length, color, and pattern requirements. Check that the undercolor is correct, and that all markings are the right size, shape, and color.
Any sign of illness should be enough to eliminate a potential rabbit. You want to bring home a rabbit the is in perfect health, so a runny nose or gooey eyes should not be tolerated.
Some rabbits have different shaped backs and may feel skinnier than others, so check the Standard of Perfection (SOP) or ARBA website for the details. There should be white toenails on white breeds and varieties and colored toenails on colored breeds or varieties. In a very young rabbit, the body might not be very firm, but it should not be flabby.
Rabbits do sometimes get urination stains on their feet. This does not mean they’re sick. It is important not to buy a sick rabbit. It can infect your whole rabbitry and can lead to heartbreak down the road if the rabbit doesn’t survive or is in pain due to illness.
Just because you get a rabbit that has show winners in its pedigree, that doesn’t automatically mean that your rabbit will be a winner as well. However, it may increase your chances of having a winner. You will need to have a pedigree for your rabbit to register it with ARBA, and to breed it. You do not have to have a pedigree to show, but you must to register your rabbit as a Grand Champion if it wins 3 GC legs. Make sure to get a copy when you purchase your rabbit. Do not leave this until later. [9] X Research source
At rabbits shows, there may be eighty rabbits of the same breed and color, and you don’t want to get yours swapped up with someone else’s. The tattoos help to keep the rabbits straight.
