There are rabbit shows held every year all over the United States.
We like to attend rabbit shows hosted by rabbit clubs that consist of members of the A.R.B.A. (American Rabbit Breeders Association). ARBA rabbit shows schedule licensed rabbit judges that are trained by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and use the ARBA Standard of Perfection to select the winning rabbit that best represents the written standard for each particular rabbit breed.
Introducing a new Breed
This rabbit carrier is displaying an Argente Bruin as a new breed of rabbit to be introduced to A.R.B.A.
Let’s look around and see what is happening before a show begins! People entering the building are pulling carts loaded with rabbits transported in carriers.
Rabbits are arriving in carriers!
Some carriers are built for large rabbit breeds and may have 2-3 compartments.
The smaller breeds are carried in and may have up to 4 compartments. When the rabbit entries are checked in then the show superintendent will start the show with announcements, and Show A will open. All the judges are introduced at their judge’s table and the first breed they will be judging is announced. Everyone will prepare their breeds for showtime!
Rabbits are placed in coops.
Only a few rabbit breeds are judged at a time. When 6 judges are working then 6 breeds of rabbits are to be judged and taken up to the coops that hold the senior bucks, senior does, junior bucks, and junior does of a variety within the breed called and also listed at the judges table.
This Rex rabbits waits to see the judge!
This Rex rabbit has his ear tattooed to identify him by his owner. All rabbits are required to have their ID tattooed in their ear if they are to be judged in the show.
Some ARBA Shows will have the youth dress up their rabbits for competition.
Everyone can show rabbits in the Open Show A. There are also Youth Shows for members 18 years old and younger with 4-H club competitions and several special interests. The dress up competition is a brief time for the youth to present their creative rabbit costumes they have made for their rabbit to wear for specialty awards according to themes, originality, and events. Just a few of the winners are lined up in the picture above! Did you see the rabbit with wings?
Mr Brewer will judge the Dutch rabbits in Open A show.
The Dutch breed has been called and here the judge begins with checking their ear numbers. The judge has a writer to mark down and record comments as well as placement the rabbit has won.
The judge takes a closer look at the eyes.
If you listen to the judge you will hear his comments and compliments about the rabbit he is examining! Here the eyes must be examined for eye color, eye spots, and their clear healthy condition.
Dutch markings are important.
Dutch markings are explained in the ARBA Standard of Perfection book. The Dutch rabbits are a very popular and also challenging breed to raise!
There are also Dutch varieties that compete.
