Rabbit show
Competitive exhibition of rabbits
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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
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]