Rabbit show
 | The examples and perspectives in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (November 2024) |
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ↑ Hayhow, Chris (2003). Care of the Domestic Rabbit. Leathers Pub. ISBN 978-1-58597-197-8.
- ↑ "Rabbit Breeds", Rabbit Production, CABI Books (10 ed.), GB: CABI, May 11, 2022, pp. 23–28, doi:10.1079/9781789249811.0003, ISBN 978-1-78924-978-1, retrieved May 14, 2024
- ↑ ARBA Standard of Perfection 2026-2030. American Rabbit Breeders Association. November 15, 2025.
- ↑ Rea-Keywood, Jeannette (May 15, 2018). "Hop to It – Rabbit Hopping and Agility". Rutgers 4-H Animal Science Resource Blog.
- ↑ "Rabbit agility". RSPCA. May 24, 2011.
- 1 2 Bennett, Bob (January 18, 2023). "Showing Rabbits for Beginners". Grit. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ↑ "About the ARBA..." American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ↑ Gibson, Charles S. (1916). Breeding and Care of Rabbits for Exhibition and Market.
- ↑ Rayson, Charles (1872). Rabbits for prizes and profit. "The Bazaar" Office.
- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 "4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing" (PDF). Michigan State University Extension. Retrieved November 26, 2024.