Rabbit show
A rabbit show is a type of animal show where rabbits are exhibited. Most rabbit exhibitions are sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA),[1] which recognizes 52 breeds in its Standard of Perfection 2021–2025.[2] Rabbit show jumping, also known as rabbit hopping or rabbit agility, is a performance sport developed in the 1970s based on horse jumping[3] and is distinct from traditional rabbit shows.[4] 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.[5]
History
[edit]Rabbit shows are associated largely with the ARBA, originally founded in 1910 as the National Pet Stock Association,[6] but various breeds have been raised for exhibition throughout the 19th century,[7][8] starting in England with the formation of the first rabbit club in 1840.[9]
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.[5] In addition to any particular characteristics of a breed, shown rabbits are judged based on the following criteria:[10]
- Rabbit handling
- Rabbit posing on show table
- Examination of 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.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Hayhow, Chris (2003). Care of the Domestic Rabbit. Leathers Pub. ISBN 978-1-58597-197-8.
- ^ "Rabbit Breeds", Rabbit Production (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
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing" (PDF). Michigan State University Extension. Retrieved November 26, 2024.